Denmark could meet a “significant proportion” of its EU greenhouse gas reduction targets by focusing on wind-power-based electric cars and heat pumps, according to a new analysis from Energinet.dk.

By 2020, the EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent, increase renewable energy use by 20 percent and cut energy consumption through improved efficiency by 20 percent.

“Heat pumps and electric cars play a major role in enabling us to efficiently adapt and exploit the increasing amount of wind energy in Denmark,” said Dorthe Vinther, Energinet.dk’s head of strategic planning. “We can at the same time achieve significant reduction in CO2 emissions and do it with economic surplus.”

Vinther added, “If we take a comprehensive approach to electricity, heating and transport, and by focusing on heating pumps and electric cars, Denmark can reach a significant proportion of the 20-20-20 targets.”

Making the the most of such technologies will require intelligent communication between the electricity market, heat pumps and electric cars; widespread use of smart electricity meters; appropriate legislation and taxes to spur development of electric cars; international open standards for connecting electric cars to the grid; and open, equal access to intelligent charging for all types of electric cars.

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