Esbjerg Kommune has set one of Denmark's most ambitious climate targets: to be CO2-neutral as early as 2030. This goal reflects the municipality's DNA as an energy metropolis and maritime powerhouse, where offshore activities have shaped development for decades. Now the same pioneering spirit that built the oil and gas adventure is to drive the green transition on the West Coast. The municipality's climate accounts from 2019 show total emissions of 1,209,752 tonnes of CO2e, corresponding to 10.46 tonnes per inhabitant - significantly below the national average of 17 tonnes. Agriculture dominates with 40 percent of emissions, primarily from the large cattle production, while the energy sector accounts for 42 percent and transport for 16 percent. The remaining emissions come from chemical processes, waste and wastewater. Esbjerg stands out from other Danish municipalities through its unique combination of challenges and opportunities. With 114 kilometres of coastline along the UNESCO-protected Wadden Sea and 24 percent lowland areas, the municipality is particularly exposed to climate change. At the same time, it hosts a large livestock production with especially dairy cattle, which creates the so-called "leakage problem" - if production is moved to less climate-efficient countries, it does not help the global climate. Therefore, the municipality focuses on retaining and developing agriculture to become as climate-friendly as possible. The most ambitious climate measures take place within the energy sector, where the closure of the coal-based Esbjergværket in April 2023 alone will reduce emissions by 204,890 tonnes of CO2e. DIN Forsyning's "Future District Heating" establishes an entirely new system with smaller, sustainable plants that utilise surplus heat from businesses and data centres. In parallel, targeted work is underway on Power-to-X projects, where HØST PtX Esbjerg will produce green ammonia equivalent to removing 750,000 cars from the roads. The climate partnership with the agricultural enterprise Permeco demonstrates how permaculture and ecosystems can create carbon-neutral agriculture. Although the climate plan contains measures for 714,682 tonnes of CO2e reduction, there is still a shortfall of 245,965 tonnes to reach the goal of CO2-neutrality by 2030. This shortfall is to be covered through the establishment of citizen-driven RE installations, quantification of not yet calculated measures and new technological solutions such as Carbon Capture and Utilization. The municipality honestly acknowledges that some reductions cannot yet be specified, especially within transport and agriculture. Citizen engagement is central to reaching the targets. The municipality's 21 local councils serve as liaisons to citizens, while a newly established Youth Climate Council is to drive the green transition. Through climate partnerships with businesses, "habit change" projects in local communities and participation in Energiens Folkemøde, broad support is ensured. As Mayor Jesper Frost Rasmussen puts it: "It is an integral part of Esbjerg's DNA that when we want to achieve something, we stand together." With this approach, Esbjerg can become an international beacon for what a sustainable energy metropolis looks like.

Source: DK2020 KLIMAPLAN - ESBJERG KOMMUNES VEJ MOD CO2-NEUTRALITET I 2030 (2022)