Danish smart urban solutions for Croatian and Slovenian cities presented

Croatian and Slovenian cities have expressed substantial interest in Danish energy efficiency and smart city solutions during the visit of Danish business delegation to these two countries to exchange experiences and practical examples.

Denmark is internationally renowned for its competencies within, and experience with, transitioning to a green society.  This is one of the main messages that could be heard few days ago in Ljubljana and Zagreb during the conferences  Smart Urban Municipalities and Cities and Energy Efficient Industries, organized by the Trade department of the Danish Embassy in Zagreb, State of Green portal reported.

“Danish companies have explained why Denmark is the leading country for green technology know-how. It is expected that Danish companies will continue to work on many projects in both Slovenia and Croatia thus strengthening business relations between the countries. The local parties have demonstrated interest for continuation of cooperation at state and regional level in specific areas. The islands and coastal towns will be in the focus of events that the Embassy will organise in 2018,” stated Žarko Mašanović, Head of Trade Department at the Danish Embassy in Zagreb.

The Mayor of one of the leading smart cities in Denmark, the Mayor of Albertslund,  Steen Christensen, demonstrated the best guidelines for a successful local self-government unit  management.

“Greater Copenhagen with Albertslund being a leader, have specialized in the future of lighting and smart city solutions,” Christensen said.

Kim Brostrøm from Gate 21, a non-profit organization, implementing inter-municipal projects and initiatives that promote green transformation and growth, gave a lecture on innovative solutions bringing hands on projects to the audience.

“We have two goals – fossil free heating and electricity supply by 2035 and transportation carbon neutral by 2050. Our vision at Gate 21 is to make Greater Copenhagen the world´s leading region for green transition and growth,” Brostrøm explained.

Denmark to get New energy agreement in 2018 

The third guest from Denmark was Finn Mortensen, the head of the Danish state umbrella organization, State of Green.

“Denmark adopted New Danish energy agreement in March 2012 and in early 2018 we will have New energy agreement. Energy Commission was set up in 2016 with a focus on how to meet international climate obligations in a cost-efficient way,” Mortensen said.

Companies such as Danfoss, Grundfos, Logstor, Maersk Line, Ramboll, ROCKWOOL, Velux also participated as did the Danish organisation Loop City, as well as the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who were the driving force behind the initiative.

Local and regional government units -mayors of municipalities and cities – managers of utility companies, and companies working within the field of energy and environment also participated in the events.