Implementation of energy-conservation policies: the case of electric heating conversion in Denmark

This article analyses which kinds of public planning, regulation and Ainitiatives are suitable for the implementation of energy-conservation Apolicies. The policies are important elements of the Danish plans for Aimplementing CO2-reduclion targets. The plans are characterised by a move away Afrom energy systems, based on large power stations and large gas and oil Aextraction systems, to far more decentralised systems based on energy Aefficiency at the individual places of consumption and renewable energy systems Aadapted to local conditions. This change demands not only technical Amodifications, but also large, organisational changes, which will often entail Athe establishment of completely new organisations. The nature and complexity of Athe needed technological changes call for public regulation instruments of the Asame nature, i.e. numerous, differentiated and multi-purpose. In the case of Aelectric-heating conversion, such public regulation so far has managed to Aachieve C0:> reductions together with the creation of 150 jobs. In the near Afuture, more than 1000 permanent jobs can be created without negative Aconsequences for the balance-of-payment. The same kind of job creation is Apossible in most other European countries. 1999 Published by Elsevier Science ALtd. All rights reserved.