SAMSØ: A RENEWABLE ENERGY MODEL

Renewable energy has become one of the most critical issues of the twenty-first century. The accelerating climate crisis, the environmental destruction caused by fossil fuels, the increasing global demand for energy, and the growing concerns over energy security have forced countries to rethink their energy strategies. In this context, renewable energy is not only an environmentally friendly alternative but also a strategic tool for economic independence, technological advancement, and social transformation. Among the countries that have successfully pursued this transition, Denmark stands out as a global leader. Denmark’s response to the oil crises of the 1970s paved the way for a comprehensive and ambitious energy transition policy, positioning the country at the forefront of renewable energy development today. One of the most symbolic examples of this transition is the case of Samsø Island. With only about 4,000 inhabitants, Samsø transformed itself into a 100 percent renewable energy island within a decade, achieving carbon neutrality while fostering economic, social, and cultural benefits. This article examines Denmark’s national energy policies, the transformation of Samsø, the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the project, its international significance, and the lessons it provides for countries such as Turkey.

Denmark’s story of energy transition begins with the oil crises of 1973 and 1979. At that time, the country imported approximately 90 percent of its energy from fossil fuels, heavily dependent on oil imports from the Middle East. The price shocks and supply disruptions of the crises had a devastating effect on the Danish economy, making energy security a matter of national survival. As a result, Denmark radically reoriented its energy policy during the 1980s, focusing on energy efficiency, diversification of energy sources, and investments in renewable technologies. Among renewables, wind power became the centerpiece of this transformation. State subsidies, research and development programs, and grassroots initiatives allowed Denmark to become a pioneer in wind turbine technology. Companies such as Vestas and Ørsted emerged as global leaders, exporting Danish know-how and equipment worldwide. This strategy not only enhanced Denmark’s energy independence but also created an entirely new industrial sector, contributing significantly to the national economy.

By the 1990s, climate change became an explicit priority in Danish energy policy. Denmark signed the Kyoto Protocol and aligned itself with European Union climate commitments. The landmark Climate Act of 2019 set legally binding goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent from 1990 levels by 2030, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. These ambitious targets have made Denmark one of Europe’s climate frontrunners. As of 2023, more than 60 percent of the country’s electricity comes from renewable sources, mainly wind and solar power. Offshore wind farms in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea have become emblematic of this achievement, not only providing energy security for Denmark but also contributing to Europe’s decarbonization goals.

The most striking and internationally recognized example of Denmark’s renewable energy policies, however, is Samsø Island. Situated in the Kattegat Sea, Samsø won a national competition in 1997 to become Denmark’s “renewable energy island.” The goal was to demonstrate that a community could transition entirely to renewable energy within a decade. Under the coordination of the Samsø Energy Academy, the island embarked on a radical transformation that would capture the world’s attention.

The energy system of Samsø was carefully diversified. Eleven onshore wind turbines and ten offshore turbines were installed, generating more than enough electricity to meet the island’s demand. In fact, the offshore turbines produce surplus electricity that is exported to the mainland, turning Samsø into an energy exporter. For heating, four district heating plants fueled by locally sourced biomass—mainly straw and agricultural residues—were established to serve villages across the island. This not only eliminated the use of imported fossil fuels for heating but also provided farmers with a new revenue stream. In addition, many households installed solar collectors to provide hot water, further reducing reliance on external energy. Together, these measures allowed Samsø to cover 100 percent of its energy needs with renewable sources within ten years, while simultaneously achieving carbon neutrality.

What makes the Samsø project unique is the degree of community participation. The residents of the island were not passive recipients of a top-down energy policy; they were active investors, decision-makers, and beneficiaries. Many local people purchased shares in wind turbines or invested in biomass plants. Others contributed land for renewable energy infrastructure. Public meetings and participatory planning ensured that the community felt ownership of the project. This collective involvement strengthened social cohesion and minimized resistance, demonstrating that the success of an energy transition depends as much on people as on technology. Søren Hermansen, a local farmer who became the director of the Samsø Energy Academy, described the experience as a “people’s energy revolution.”

Economically, the project delivered substantial benefits. Revenues from wind turbines and biomass facilities circulated within the local economy, reducing energy costs for residents and generating profits for community investors. Samsø’s new identity as a renewable energy island also created opportunities in tourism, research, and education. Each year, policymakers, academics, and students from around the world visit Samsø to study the project, turning the island into an international hub of knowledge and exchange. This “energy tourism” provides an additional income stream, diversifying the local economy.

Environmentally, Samsø’s transformation was dramatic. The island reduced its carbon emissions by approximately 11 tons per year, achieving net zero. The use of agricultural residues for biomass fostered a circular economy, reducing waste while producing energy. Renewable technologies integrated into everyday life helped to shrink the island’s ecological footprint. Rather than relying on external fossil fuels, Samsø harnessed its own local resources to meet its energy needs in a sustainable manner.

Internationally, Samsø has become a symbol of what is possible in renewable energy transitions. The island embodies the principles of the European Union’s Fit for 55 and REPowerEU packages, which aim to accelerate the deployment of renewables and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Samsø also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). Policymakers across Europe and beyond frequently cite Samsø as a best-practice example of how to achieve community-based energy transitions.

For Turkey, the Samsø model holds valuable lessons. Turkey possesses significant renewable energy potential, particularly in wind along the Aegean and Black Sea coasts, as well as solar and biomass resources across the country. While Turkey has increased its renewable capacity in recent years, challenges remain in terms of community participation and local ownership. Samsø demonstrates that energy transitions are not only about building turbines and solar panels but also about creating participatory structures that involve citizens, cooperatives, and local governments. If Turkey were to adopt a similar community-centered approach, it could accelerate its energy transition while also generating social and economic benefits at the local level.

To illustrate the comparative situation, we can look at the renewable energy capacities of Denmark and Turkey. Denmark currently has approximately 7.2 GW of wind capacity, 2.0 GW of solar, and 0.9 GW of biomass, totaling around 10.1 GW. Turkey, by contrast, has larger absolute figures: about 12.0 GW of wind, 10.5 GW of solar, and 2.0 GW of biomass, totaling 24.5 GW. Although Turkey’s installed capacity is higher, Denmark remains a pioneer in technological innovation, policy integration, and community participation. Samsø exemplifies how Denmark’s success lies not only in megawatts but in societal buy-in and local ownership.

The broader implications of Samsø are significant. It proves that small communities can lead the way in tackling global challenges. It shows that renewable energy transitions are not utopian dreams but practical realities when policy, technology, and society align. It demonstrates that economic, environmental, and social objectives can be pursued simultaneously. Most importantly, it challenges larger states and urban centers to ask: if a small island of 4,000 people can achieve 100 percent renewable energy, why can’t we?

In conclusion, Samsø is more than a geographical location; it is a global model for renewable energy transition. Denmark’s national energy policies created the enabling framework, but the island’s success was built on local initiative, community participation, and innovative thinking. Samsø demonstrates that the future of energy lies in empowering people as much as deploying technology. For countries such as Turkey, Samsø serves as a blueprint for how local action can align with national goals and international commitments. In a world grappling with the climate crisis, Samsø stands as proof that a sustainable energy future is not only necessary but also achievable.

Sources

• Danish Energy Agency (2023). Energy Statistics 2023. Copenhagen.
• Samsø Energy Academy (2022). Samsø: A Renewable Energy Island. Samsø.
• Hermansen, S. (2010). Commonities, Communities and Renewable Energy: The Case of Samsø. Journal of Environmental Policy.
• IEA (2022). Denmark 2022 Energy Policy Review. Paris: International Energy Agency.
• REN21 (2023). Renewables 2023 Global Status Report. Paris.
• European Commission (2021). Fit for 55 Package. Brussels.
• European Commission (2022). REPowerEU Plan. Brussels.
• GWEC (2024). Global Wind Report 2024. Brussels.
• UNDP (2020). Sustainable Development Goals and Clean Energy. New York.