Closure of Esbjerg Power Station Marks “Last Major Step” in Firm’s Green Transformation
Ørsted is shutting down its last remaining coal-fired heat and power plant, a move it described as the “last major step” on its journey towards hitting a target of a 99% green share of energy generation by 2025.
The wind power developer said it would shutter the Esbjerg Power Station in western Denmark and another coal-fired unit at its Studstrup plant – also in Denmark – at the end of August. The closure of the Esbjerg facility would prevent some 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year – equivalent to taking 600,000 fossil-fueled cars off EU roads.
Ole Thomsen, senior vice president and head of Ørsted’s Bioenergy business, said the closure of the plant marked the “end of a chapter” in its green transformation.
“For many years, Esbjerg Power Station has been a very important contributor to the Danish energy system, delivering electricity and stability to the power grid and district heating to the municipality of Esbjerg,” Thomsen said.
“The Danish authorities ordered us to continue operations at Esbjerg Power Station until 31 August to ensure the security of the electricity supply. Naturally, we complied with the order, but 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.”
Ørsted described itself as once being one of Europe’s “most coal-intensive energy companies”. But since 2006, the company has slashed coal consumption by cutting back on heat and power plants and switching to certified sustainable biomass.
Denmark-headquartered Ørsted is a member of the Breakbulk Global Shipper Network, a worldwide network of companies and executives involved in the engineering, manufacturing and production of project cargo. The next in-person meet-up for BGSN members will be at Breakbulk Americas 2024 on 15-17 October in Houston.
