Key Impact Points:
- End of Coal Power: On 31 August 2024, Ørsted will shut down its last coal-fired combined heat and power plant, Esbjerg Power Station, marking a significant step in its transition to renewable energy.
- Green Energy Leadership: Ørsted, once one of Europe’s most coal-intensive energy companies, has now achieved nearly fossil-free energy generation, with a 99% green energy target by 2025.
- Broader Impact: The shutdown will eliminate approximately 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the yearly emissions from around 600,000 fossil-fuelled cars in the EU.
Why it matters
Ørsted’s decision to shut down its last coal-fired power plant is a major milestone in the company’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Once a coal-intensive energy giant, Ørsted is now a global leader in offshore wind power and renewable energy. This closure not only marks the end of Ørsted’s coal era but also significantly reduces carbon emissions, aligning the company with its ambitious science-based net-zero targets.
Key Milestones
- End of Coal Power at Esbjerg Power Station:
On 31 August 2024, Ørsted will close Esbjerg Power Station, its last coal-fired heat and power plant. This plant has historically played a critical role in Denmark’s energy system, contributing both electricity and district heating. However, as Ørsted shifts towards renewable energy, the plant’s closure marks the end of coal power in the company’s portfolio. The decision reflects Ørsted’s broader commitment to phasing out fossil fuels and achieving a 99% green energy share by 2025.
“Shutting down the last of our coal-fired heat and power plants marks the end of a chapter in our green transformation,” says Ole Thomsen, Senior Vice President and Head of Ørsted’s Bioenergy business.
- Significant Emissions Reduction:
The closure of Esbjerg Power Station will eliminate the consumption of approximately 500,000 tonnes of coal per year, which is equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.2 million tonnes annually. This move represents a significant contribution to global climate goals, as Ørsted continues to lead by example in the transition to renewable energy. - Future of Energy Production:
With the shutdown of Esbjerg Power Station, Ørsted’s energy production will now rely entirely on renewable sources, including wind and solar farms. The local heating supply in Esbjerg will be managed by an alternative production capacity being established by the local heating supply company. The transition highlights Ørsted’s role in paving the way for a fossil-free future, not just for itself but as a model for the broader energy industry.
Change the World - Subscribe Now
What they’re saying
“We believe that we, as a society, must phase out the use of gas, oil, and coal as soon as possible, and with the close down of the heat and power plant, we’re well on track to becoming the first major energy company to completely transform its energy production from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” added Ole Thomsen.
Related Article: Ørsted’s Revolutionary Noise-Reduction Technology for Offshore Wind Foundations
Bottom Line
Ørsted’s shutdown of its last coal-fired power plant is a significant achievement in its journey towards becoming a leader in renewable energy. This milestone not only reflects Ørsted’s commitment to sustainability but also serves as a powerful example of how major energy companies can transition away from fossil fuels to combat climate change. The future of energy is green, and Ørsted is leading the way.
