The little-known northern port of Frederikshavn in Denmark may soon become world famous as it bids to become the first city powered solely by renewable energy.
The former naval base, which can be found between green hills and the Kattegat Sea facing Sweden, has around 25,000 residents and wants to serve as a model for other cities.
According to Frederikshavn Mayor Erik Soerensen, the aim is to make the city run exclusively on alternative energy by 2015. The idea came from a fight for survival a decade ago when the shipyards were closed and 7,000 people were left jobless.
Already there are wind turbines churning along the coast and it is expected that wind power will generate 30 per cent of the city’s electricity needs. The city’s current level of green energy however, is just 24 per cent – so these are ambitious plans.
However, Mikael Kau, the head of the Frederiskshavn Energy City project, is convinced that the transformation is possible in a short space of time as long as everyone gets involved and assumes a responsibility to fight against global warming.
It’s not the first time that Denmark has acted as a pioneer for green projects. The small island of Samsoe, on the Kattegat Sea, is already self-sufficient for electricity – 100 per cent is generated by wind turbines. Indeed 75 per cent of heating comes from solar panels and biomass.
In return for their commitment to the environment, Mayor Soerensen hopes that more opportunities will be provided for the city in environmental technology and jobs.
