Denmark to end North Sea oil and gas production by 2050

Denmark consolidates green trailblazer position by becoming biggest fossil fuels producer to set a final end date.

Since the early 1970s, oil and gas production has pumped billions of kroner into the Danish economy over the years. But in 30 year’s time, it’ll all be over.

The government has teamed up with a broad majority of Parliament to end oil and gas production in the Danish part of the North Sea by 2050.

“The deal sets a new green course for the North Sea and reaches a good balance that benefits all,” said climate minister, Dan Jørgensen.

“We have set an end date to the fossil era and compliment our North Sea activities with our Climate Law goals regarding climate neutrality by 2050.

The move also means that Denmark has become the biggest fossil fuels producer to set a final end date to its production.

Bipartisan agreement

As part of the deal, the government has cancelled the current eighth licensing round for North Sea rights – as well as any future licensing bidding rounds.

The writing was perhaps on the wall in October when French oil giant Total announced that it was withdrawing its bidding application for the eighth round.

Part of a future aim is to use the decision to assume a global leadership role in terms of phasing out fossil fuels.

The agreement in Parliament was bipartisan, involving parties from both blocs signing on – Venstre, Radikale, Dansk Folkeparti, Socialistisk Folkeparti and Konservative all joined up.

The government expects that the deal will particularly impact the Esbjerg area – Denmark’s oil and gas capital.

Read the latest issue of the OGV Energy magazine HERE.