Directions For Chapter 11 Lesson 3mini Research Assignmentresearch A ✓ Solved

Directions for Chapter 11: Lesson 3 Mini Research Assignment: Research an alternative form of energy used in one of the countries in Northwestern Europe. Gather facts and statistics about the usage of that form of energy, including information about what percentage of energy comes from the alternative source. Create a short visual presentation to present your findings in Google Slide

Paper for above instructions

Alternative Energy Research Assignment: Wind Energy in Denmark

Introduction

Denmark has established itself as a world leader in the production and utilization of wind energy. With a commitment to renewable energy sources, Denmark has integrated wind power into its energy landscape more effectively than many other countries. This research assignment delves into the facts and statistics regarding wind energy in Denmark, examining its impact on the national energy supply and its role within the broader context of sustainable energy development in Northwestern Europe.

Overview of Denmark's Energy Landscape

Denmark stands out among the nations of Northwestern Europe in its aggressive pursuit of renewable energy. In 2020, Denmark reported that approximately 47% of its total energy consumption came from renewable sources (Danish Energy Agency, 2021). Among these renewable sources, wind energy is predominant, showcasing Denmark's innovation and commitment to sustainability.

Wind Energy in Denmark

1. Installed Capacity and Energy Production
- As of 2021, Denmark had an installed wind power capacity of over 7,000 megawatts (MW) (Danish Energy Agency, 2021).
- Wind turbines in Denmark produced about 16.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2020 alone, which accounted for roughly 47% of the country’s total electricity consumption (Wind Europe, 2021).
2. Growth of Wind Energy
- The growth of wind energy in Denmark has been significant since the establishment of the first commercial wind farm in the 1970s.
- By 2019, wind energy accounted for 48.4% of Denmark’s total electricity consumption, highlighting consistent year-on-year growth (Danish Energy Agency, 2021).
3. Investment and Infrastructure
- Denmark has invested heavily in wind energy infrastructure, with the government aiming for 70% of total energy consumption to come from renewable sources by 2030 (Danish Government, 2020).
- A notable example of this commitment is the Horns Rev project, which is one of the largest offshore wind farms globally, capable of generating electricity for over 450,000 households (Orsted, 2021).

Social and Economic Impact

1. Job Creation
- The wind energy sector has proven to be a vital part of Denmark's economy, creating over 30,000 jobs related directly to wind energy (Danish Wind Industry Association, 2020).
- The growth of the wind turbine manufacturing sector has not only led to job creation but has also made Denmark an export leader in wind technology; in fact, over 50% of the world’s offshore wind farms utilize Danish technology (Wind Europe, 2021).
2. Public Support
- The Danish population strongly supports wind energy; polls suggest that over 80% of Danes favor wind power as an energy source (Danish Energy Agency, 2021).
- The public support is coupled with government initiatives that promote community involvement in wind farm projects, fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.

Environmental Impact

1. Reduction of Carbon Emissions
- Denmark's shift to wind energy has resulted in a significant reduction of carbon emissions, with goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels (Danish Government, 2020).
- The expansion of wind energy has played a crucial role in decarbonizing Denmark's energy supply, greatly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Sustainable Development
- Wind energy aligns with Denmark’s commitments to the Paris Agreement and other international environmental standards, positioning the country as a leader in the fight against climate change (Climate Action Network, 2021).
- Wind farms are developed with substantial consideration for biodiversity and environmental protections, ensuring that renewable energy expansion is balanced with conservation efforts.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the successes, Denmark faces challenges ahead. These include:
- Integrating increasing levels of intermittent wind energy into the existing grid (Danish Energy Agency, 2021).
- The need for continued investment in energy storage technologies to manage supply and demand effectively.
- Ongoing public and political support to maintain momentum towards a fully renewable energy system.

Conclusion

Denmark's concerted efforts in harnessing wind energy exemplify the country's dedication to sustainability and renewable energy. With nearly half of its electricity generated through wind power, Denmark serves as a model for other nations looking to transition to renewable energy sources. The socioeconomic benefits, coupled with an enviable reduction in carbon emissions, illustrate the power of effective policy and community support in creating a sustainable energy future.

References

1. Danish Energy Agency. (2021). Energy Statistics 2020. Retrieved from https://ens.dk/en
2. Danish Government. (2020). The Danish Climate Action Plan. Retrieved from https://www.regeringen.dk
3. Wind Europe. (2021). Wind Energy in Europe: Key Trends and Statistics. Retrieved from https://windeurope.org
4. Orsted. (2021). Horns Rev 3 Offshore Wind Farm. Retrieved from https://orsted.com
5. Danish Wind Industry Association. (2020). Economic Contribution of Wind. Retrieved from https://www.dwia.dk
6. Climate Action Network. (2021). Renewable Energy & Climate Change. Retrieved from https://climatenetwork.org
7. International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). Renewable Energy Market Update. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org
8. European Commission. (2020). EU Energy in Figures. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu
9. REN21. (2020). Renewables 2020 Global Status Report. Retrieved from https://www.ren21.net
10. Bloomberg New Energy Finance. (2021). Global Wind Energy Market Update. Retrieved from https://about.bnef.com
This research assignment evaluates the significant role of wind energy within Denmark's broader energy framework and assesses its contributions, challenges, and future potential.