Samsø, the greenest island in the world

A green revolution has been underway on the Danish island of Samsø for several years now. This revolution has effectively made it the greenest island in the world . Today, it can boast of having achieved energy independence using a mix of wind, solar, and biomass. But it hasn't stopped yet: it aims to eliminate all fossil fuels by 2030.

SAMSØ ISLAND

We are in the Kattegat , specifically in the strait between Jutland and Sweden. Here lies Samsø, an island politically dependent on Denmark with just over 3.700 inhabitants. Its fame is easily explained: not only is it a model for renewable energy (several small communities in North America have visited to learn from its project), but it also pioneered the transition from fossil fuels to wind turbines and other energy sources. In short, it's fair to say that Samsø is currently powered exclusively by green energy, confirming its position as the world's leading renewable energy island.

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THE HISTORY OF SAMSØ ISLAND

But let's take a step back. It all began in 1997 , when the closure of the island's slaughterhouse resulted in the loss of more than 100 jobs, plunging the islanders into dire straits. It was against this backdrop that the Danish government decided to launch a national competition to find an island—or a suitable area—for renewable energy , to become 100% self-sufficient in energy production. The project was obviously funded by the government. The island of Samsø submitted its application and won the competition in 1998, receiving funding to develop a ten-year plan and a coordinator.

This role was assigned to Søren Hermansen , a farmer who now serves as director of the Samsø Energy Academy . He was largely supported by the island's inhabitants, who have since used turbines, solar panels , and natural fuels. In about 10 years, they have produced a sufficient amount of renewable electricity and sufficiently reduced their consumption of fossil fuels.

SAMSØ AT THE FOREFRONT OF WIND ENERGY

Let's start with wind energy , where the island is at the forefront. It's estimated that each turbine generates around 8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. All things considered, considering the wind farms off the coast and on the mainland, the turbines are capable of providing the island with 100% of its electricity needs. To heat its homes , however, it relies on solar energy and the old straw-fired central heating system. What's more, the island is able to transfer excess energy to the mainland, providing an additional source of income for its residents.

SAMSØ, A MODEL TO FOLLOW

And so, over time, Samsø has become a model for other countries to follow, especially those communities struggling to overcome their dependence on non-green energy. The world's first green renewable energy island , learning that many other communities are interested in learning from its experience, decided to establish the Samsø Energy Academy under a mandate from the municipality.

The nonprofit organization, which has previously facilitated the energy transition to 100% renewable energy , continues to support the municipality in its quest to become completely independent from fossil fuels by 2030. Not only that, but every year the organization hosts thousands of visitors interested in the process that led to the island's success in the green revolution, providing them with all the necessary advice on sustainable community development.

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SAMSØ ISLAND, THE GREENEST IN THE WORLD

But what makes Samsø the greenest island in the world ? It's the fact that it has achieved some important results. Namely:

• Reduction of annual CO2 emissions close to zero, effectively becoming carbon neutral thanks to 11 onshore and 10 offshore wind turbines; 4 local biomass-fired district heating plants; and solar panels (and more).
• The island also has the largest number of electric cars per capita in Denmark and the municipality's fleet has been entirely replaced by a series of electric vehicles Powered by solar panels. Specifically, it recently purchased a ferry with a dual-fuel engine (liquefied natural gas instead of fuel oil or locally produced biogas) capable of carrying 600 passengers and 140 cars.
• Renewal of intention to become completely carbon neutral carbon by 2030 (two decades ahead of the rest of Denmark). This goal will be achieved by ensuring that the island's energy needs are entirely met by renewable energy.

The project is a candidate for the 2022 Non Sprecare Award, in the "Institutions" section. To submit your projects, follow the instructions here.

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THE PROJECTS COMPETING FOR THE NON SPRECARE AWARD:

• Green Breath: Plants to Clean the Air
• Fukushima aims to go solar with an Italian company
• Demetra JA, the company for not wasting water created in a school by kids between 16 and 18 years old