Welcome to cold Hawaii
Thisted Municipality in Denmark realises that an energy plan based on renewables, must be economically sustainable and help create new jobs within the municipality.
WIND. Thisted has more than 250 wind turbines as part of the municipality's renewable energy scheme. (Photo: Thisted Municipality)
Thisted Municipality in Denmark is considered the cleanest municipality in Denmark. All the electricity and more than 80 percent of the heat consumed by Thisted's 46,000 inhabitants is generated from renewable sources.
Visions
Thisted has a vision of becoming Denmark's leading CO2 neutral municipality. The municipality also wants to be internationally recognised for its CO2 reductions. Their renewable energy is generated from sun, wind, geothermal power and biomass. The municipality has about 250 wind turbines, mostly privately owned, and they have a comprehensive plan for water, heating, electricity and public transport services.
Awards
In 2007, Thisted Municipality was awarded the European Solar Prize for its large share of renewable energy, but already in 1992 the municipality was awarded the Ministry of Energy's prize for renewable energy. In Thisted, economics and technology are considered important elements when facing the challenge posed by climate change. Thisted Municipality is a living example that planning and the use of sustainable technology is a viable proposition. But Thisted Municipality is also an example that clear economic advantages pave the way.
Pledges
In April 2008, Thisted Municipality became one of the climate municipalities of the Danish Society for Nature Conservation. This means that the municipality has pledged itself to reduce CO2 emissions by 3 percent per year until 2025. The Society for Nature Conservation says Denmark hosting the UN climate negotiations in 2009 is a great opportunity to show climate action in Danish municipalities.
Further information:
North Atlantic gate: Cold Hawaii
Thisted Municipality has 46,000 inhabitants, an area of 1093 square kilometres, 1700 companies and a 245 square metres national park.
