Danish utility experiences: Past and future

Danish electricity production from wind turbines began as early as the late 1950s, but received its greatest impetus in the energy crisis of the early 1970s. Research in wind energy started in 1976 and various funding schemes were started which made wind turbine installation profitable. The large utility power pools worked on development of large wind turbines, leading to construction of turbines up to 2 MW in capacity. The utilities agreed to establish 100 MW of wind power capacity in the country, and did so by 1992. Another 100 MW is expected to be installed by 1994. Wind power costs are currently 30-50% higher than those for coal-fired generation. Public acceptance for wind farms is being created by establishment of joint ventures with local participation, enabling the public to buy shares in wind turbines and profit from their investment. About 3,400 grid-connected wind turbines have been installed, with a total capacity of ca 450 MW. This is expected to rise to ca 650 MW by 1995 and 800-1,500 MW by 2000. In 1992, the total electricity generated by wind was ca 2.5% of annual Danish electricity consumption