Denmark Collaborate with China on Energy Efficiency

The Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Buildings, Martin Lidegaard, is in Beijing this week to meet with fellow Chinese ministers and energy sector executives. Denmark’s collaboration with China on energy matters is developing rapidly with focus placed on renewable energy, energy-efficient construction projects as well as R&D.

In China’s major cities, housing is shooting up at an unprecedented rate. So many new housing developments are currently underway that China currently accounts for nearly half the square metres of housing being built worldwide. For that reason, it is crucial that the Chinese acquire knowledge about how to make housing as energy efficient as possible.

Reducing energy consumption of buildings makes a difference

“With China’s extreme growth rates, it’s crucial that the consumption of resources is as limited as possible. It is in China’s own interest, and in the long run it has significance for the entire world’s climate, since reducingbuildings’ energy consumption is one of the most effective ways to reduce CO2 emissions,” says Lidegaard.

Building on experience

The co-operative agreements with China are part of the Danish Government’s focused efforts to share Denmark’s green energy and climate solutions and energy regulatory system with high-growth economies.

Denmark has some of the world’s tightest requirements for energy efficiency in buildings. The country’s on-going efforts to reduce energy consumption have created a solid base of experience and an array of proven solutions. In May, China announced its goal that before 2020, some 30 percent of the country’s new construction projects should be energy-efficient buildings.

A demand for know-how

“It means a lot when a country as large as China wants to improve energy efficiency. And even though we are a small country, we can really make a difference. We have the experience and know-how that is sought out by the Chinese authorities – and Danish companies have solid competences and world-class solutions to build energy-efficient structures, renovate for energy efficiency and deliver energy-efficient building materials,” says Lidegaard.

Seeking inspiration in 2050 plan

During his travels, Lidegaard will also visit the China National Renewable Energy Centre, which has established a close collaboration with the Danish Energy Agency. With input from Denmark, the centre will be publishing a plan for implementing renewable energy in China by 2050 with detailed roadmaps for biomass, biogas, biofuel and solar energy.

To speak with Minister for Climate, Energy and Buildings Minister Martin Lidegaard, please contact Head of Press Claus Kaae-Nielsen on +45 4172 9011 or by e-mail at clkaa@kebmin.dk