Denmark expects COP31 in Türkiye to move beyond climate pledges and deliver concrete measures to accelerate the energy transition, mobilize private investment and turn commitments into action, its ambassador to Ankara said.
In an exclusive interview with Anadolu, Ambassador Ole Toft highlighted opportunities for Türkiye and Denmark to expand cooperation in renewable energy while advancing global efforts to combat climate change.
Danish companies could partner with Turkish firms on joint investments not only in Türkiye but also in other regions, including Africa and Central Asia, he said.
Denmark will attend the UN climate summit with a broad delegation comprising Queen Mary, government representatives, private-sector companies and civil society organizations, Toft added.
“We very much welcome Türkiye’s focus on making COP31 an implementation-focused conference where concrete steps are taken and tangible results are achieved, rather than one where targets are simply set,” he said.
Toft stressed that mobilizing private capital and ensuring a leading role for the private sector would be essential to delivering climate goals and accelerating the energy transition.
Climate change could no longer be ignored, Toft said, warning that without the necessary action, its impacts would intensify and future generations would face growing difficulties in addressing them.
– Energy transition requires long-term planning
Recalling the oil crisis of the 1970s, Toft said the shock prompted a fundamental shift in Denmark’s energy policy.
At the time, oil – much of it imported from the Middle East – accounted for 92% of the country’s energy supply, he said.
In response, Denmark began producing oil and natural gas in the North Sea while also investing in alternative energy sources and energy efficiency.
“I was a child at the time, but I remember how the energy crisis affected us. It was a very difficult period for the country, but Denmark responded to that shock by looking at the resources and opportunities available at home,” Toft said.
He described the crisis primarily as an energy security challenge and drew parallels with Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen security of supply and diversify its energy sources.
“One of the most important lessons from Denmark’s experience after the crisis of the 1970s is that the energy transition is a long-term process,” he said, adding that predictable regulations and long-term planning were essential to giving investors the confidence to commit to projects.
Toft said the energy transition could not be completed in five to 10 years and called for closer cooperation among governments, the private sector, universities and research institutions.
– Offshore wind offers scope for cooperation
Türkiye and Denmark have significant opportunities to cooperate in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind power, Toft said.
Danish project developers are closely following developments in Türkiye’s offshore wind tenders and are interested in participating in wind energy projects, he added.
“Türkiye has developed significant capacity in onshore wind energy. Danish technologies could also be valuable in the renewal and modernization of existing wind farms. There is room for cooperation between our two countries in this area,” Toft said.
He also stated that wind energy investments could boost local employment by supporting domestic manufacturing and supply chains, given the large size of wind turbines.
Toft said energy efficiency and water management also offer opportunities for joint projects between Türkiye and Denmark.
As climate change puts increasing pressure on water resources, Danish companies could contribute their expertise to Türkiye, particularly in the management and use of groundwater, Toft added.