Following a public records request, it has emerged that the Ministry of Climate has been investigating opportunities to maximize oil and gas production in Denmark up until 2050. This is happening despite previous agreements and international commitments to phase out fossil fuels. During a meeting with oil companies, there was a discussion on how to accelerate and maximize the production of oil and gas, going far beyond the original intentions of only temporarily increasing gas production due to the current energy crisis. This information comes from documents obtained by the environmental organization Greenpeace and the news agency Ritzau.
Helene Hagel, climate policy leader at Greenpeace, has expressed serious concerns: “This is so far from our international work to stop the pursuit of oil and gas as you can get. It is miles away from the spirit of the North Sea Agreement.” This action has stirred controversy among several political parties. Signe Munk, climate spokesperson for SF, points out that such a strategy goes against the national compromise reached in the spring of 2022, which specifically mentioned a temporary solution. Søren Egge Rasmussen, climate spokesperson for The Unity List (Enhedslisten), demands an explanation from the minister and has called for a hearing along with The Alternative (Alternativet).
Climate Minister Lars Aagaard (M) denies that there has been approval for new oil and gas licenses under his leadership and explains that the dialogue with oil companies was necessary to better understand the market during the current energy crisis. The Ministry emphasizes that they have acted within the framework of the North Sea Agreement and the National Compromise. Despite the assurances from the ministry, the question remains open as to whether the plans to maximize oil and gas production until 2050 can be considered temporary and if they are in line with Denmark’s international commitments.