Solution

Resilient Energy Production in the Faroe Islands

This solution addresses inconsistent peak energy demands on an independent grid in the Faroe Islands for large industrial operations requiring large energy loads, independent energy providers

  • Faroe islands in its region.svg

Problem Description

The Faroe Islands' resilient energy grid was created for several reasons. For one, the island system is disconnected from the energy grid of mainland Europe. Previously, energy has had to primarily come from imported foreign oil. When this supply chain is disrupted for any number of reasons, it has the potential to lead to energy blackouts. These blackouts can be devastating to Faroese businesses like fish farms, which require constant huge loads of electricity to keep their fish stocks alive. Secondly, in light of climate change, the Faroe Islands recognize the rising importance of developing a low-carbon and renewable energy portfolio. With these two reasons, alongside the fact that an opportunity presented itself for the Faroe Islands to be a global renewable energy leader, the country started developing this solution.

Building Blocks

Story

Many different players come together to make the Faroe Islands' resilient energy grid viable. The solution is a product of progress between renewable energy providers, the government, large industry, and most importantly, the Faroese residents. In 2011, about 60 percent of the region’s power came from imported oil. Wind power was only <5% of all energy generation. In only four years the renewable energy generation has risen to approximately 60%. The nation has established an ambitious goal to produce 75 percent of the its electricity from renewable resources by 2020, and 100% by 2030.

Sustainable Development Goals

On September 25th 2015, countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years. This solution covers the following goals:

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Video

Social Progress Index

  • Ecosystem Sustainability - Is this society using its resources so they will be available to future generations?

    • Photos

    • Faroe islands in its region.svg
    • Windfaroe
    • Faroe islands bor%c3%b0oy klaksvi%cc%81k %283%29
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    Resources

    Organisations Involved

    Contributed By

    • Anders Birke, DONG Energy

    Solution Stage

    One of the 7 stages of an innovation. Learn more
    STAGE SPECIALIST SKILLS REQUIRED EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES RISK LEVEL AND HANDLING FINANCE REQUIRED KINDS OF EVIDENCE GENERATED GOAL
    Changing systems7
    Strong leadership and management, and identification and traning of new leaders and teams
    • Building networks
    • Calibrating markets
    • Changing behaviour
    • Changing laws and regulations
    • Understanding interaction of technologies
    • Map potential unintended effects
    VARIED
    • Multiple financial systems requiring potential rewiring
    • Possible outcome-based funding
    HIGH
    New definitions of and measures for efficiency and impact are created
    A transformation in the way we do things

    Submitted By

    Bryan Lehrer74310022 copy

    Key Details

    Social Progress Index
    Ecosystem Sustainability
    Sustainable Development Goals
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    Activity