Super clean city in Denmark

A port city in northern Denmark is determined to become the first in the world to not use gasoline, oil, coal and other fossil fuels in the next 7 years.

Frederikshavn City.Photo: AFP.

Between the green hills and the Kattegat Strait, Frederikshavn was once a naval base. With about 25,000 inhabitants, this coastal city wants to become the first model on the planet to use clean energy. Mayor Erik Soerensen said: 'Our goal is to become the first city in the world to use renewable energy in all production and life activities'.

If standing on the roof of the town hall, people can see wind-powered generators along the coast. Officials hope wind power will meet 30% of Frederikshavn's energy needs.

Mikael Kau, director of clean energy project, confirmed that within 7 years, all houses, schools, companies, public agencies and transport will only use electricity produced from wind and sunlight. The government will also encourage people to replace gasoline-powered vehicles with electric vehicles. In addition, domestic waste and agricultural waste will become materials to produce biogas.

Denmark is one of the leading countries in the movement to use clean energy. 100% of houses and companies on Samsoe Island in the Kattegat Sea, have used wind power, while solar panels and bio-gas meet 75% of heating needs.

However, the Frederikshavn city project is much larger. All energy companies in the city are committed to participating in the project and they will invest between 170 and 255 million USD. 'Clean energy projects not only provide opportunities to apply environmentally friendly technologies, but also create investment opportunities for companies and jobs for the people,' said Mayor Soerensen.

Denmark's first bio-gas station will also be opened in Frederikshavn in September.