Mundus Nordic Green News – 4 March, 2021

Danish government and parliament criticised for lack of action by Climate Council

Although a number of climate and energy agreements have been entered into in the parliament (Folketing) in the past year, Denmark’s overall climate policy is marked by hopeful expectations for untested technology, and significant and rapid action is needed according to report to the Folketing by the Danish Council on Climate Change (DCCC). 

 

Despite a number of climate policy agreements between the Government and the Parliament, the DCCC does not find it likely that the Government will achieve the target of a 70% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2030. The primary reason for this is that the Government has not made a concrete plan for how to fill two thirds of the emissions reduction gap remaining after implementation of the agreements adopted. The DCCC says that the reduction measures already adopted … are low-hanging fruit, and it will become increasingly more difficult to find new tonnes for the pool of reductions

 

The DCCC had 5 main recommendations;

1. Make a concrete roadmap. An accurate plan must be made as soon as possible for how all parts of society can contribute to CO2 reduction, when and how much.
2. Create a CCS strategy. CCS has great potential, but there is a lack of a plan for research into and roll-out of technology, ownership, legislation, economic framework conditions, security and much more.
3. Introduce a general greenhouse gas tax. A figure for what it costs to emit the equivalent of one tonne of CO2 must be announced as soon as possible. The Climate Council has previously proposed to set the tax at DKK 1,500 per tonne in 2030 (€200/t).
4. Low-lying soils must be removed quickly. This must be done with a mixture of whip (CO2 tax and (in the short term) economic carrot. [Ed: This requires a reform of agriculture]
5. Modify the calculation models. The economic models of the ministries need to be changed so that they reflect that it has a high societal value to save on GHG.

 

According to Politiken, the report is the first since a broad majority in the Folketing passed a climate law in June 2020. The climate law confirmed that Denmark's greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 70% between 1990 and 2030 - and gave the Climate Council a role as auditor. Each February, the Council must present its assessment of how things are going. The first report in the series is gloomy reading for the government, whose ministers have otherwise said several times in recent months that it is doing well to achieve the climate goal. Politiken observes that “with all that criticism, one would think that the government would go into hiding. But Climate Minister Dan Jørgensen welcomed the criticism and thanked the council for a number of good recommendations.”

 

Politiken also reported that both green groups and the business community supported the Climate Council's criticism. The green groups in particular had harsh words for the government, while Danish Industry reminded that competitiveness may be threatened by some of the council's proposals.

 

Green Hydrogen Systems rumoured for float

Green Hydrogen Systems, a maker of alkoline electrolysis plants that can convert electricity from wind turbines and solar cells to hydrogen, is rumoured to be on its way to an IPO before summer. According to sources, the expectation is that the company will be valued at at least DKK 5 billion. Venture fund Nordic Alpha Partners is the main shareholder, and AP Møller Holding invested €20 million last year. 

 

Maersk uses algorthims to cut emissions

Maersk Tankers has invested $19 million in the past two years and has earmarked a further $12 million in 2021 to boost ship performance and reduce emissions through the use of digital technology. Last year Maersk Tankers launched standalone business ZeroNorth, which uses algorithms that factor in market rates, future weather conditions, and bunker prices to guide operators on the optimal route and speed for their vessel. So far, 1,500 vessels are using ZeroNorth’s Optimise platform including Maersk Tankers, commodities trader Cargill - another investor in the venture - and Danish shipping group UltraBulk.

 

Nilar official supplier of batteries for the Swedish Expo pavilion

Nilar, a maker of Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, based in Stockholm will be the official battery supplier to Sweden's pavilion during Expo 2020 (postponed to October 2021) in Dubai. Nilar will present an energy storage system installed in Sweden's pavilion, which will be located in the area of ​​sustainability. Expo 2020 will be the single largest investment in exports and investment promotion for the Swedish government.

 

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