By Thomas Møller Christensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

In the recent winter's energy crisis, many Danes became acutely aware of their energy consumption. Consequently, we swiftly adjusted our habits, all while maintaining unwavering confidence in a positive outcome. These insights are illuminated in a new report from Department of the Built Environment at Aalborg University, which delves into the Danes' experiences and response to the energy crisis.

The study forms part of a broader collaboration with researchers from multiple European nations, aimed at focused on unveiling our reactions to an energy crisis and its potential consequences for the green transition.

- The insights from the Danish survey can be summarized with three clear recommendations: turn off the lights, lower the heat, and believe in the future. Although the future of energy supply will likely require more than that, it is a commendable starting point, says senior researcher at the Department of the Built Environment, and lead author of the report, Anders Rhiger Hansen.

We adjusted our consumption

One of the primary findings of the study highlights our effective response to the energy crisis. For instance, three-quarters of the respondents actively sought ways to reduce energy consumption, and nearly half demonstrated heightened awareness of their energy usage compared to pre-crisis times. Additionally, more than half of those surveyed indicated they had reduced the heating in their homes.

- The Danes' capacity to adapt to changing circumstances is a crucial factor in creating a more sustainable energy future. The study underscores that the Danes are willing in taking tangible measures to adapt to a new reality, says Anders Rhiger Hansen. He elaborates:

- We wholeheartedly tried to economize on energy consumption and leverage flexible energy pricing during the energy crisis, demonstrating our readiness to adjust habits for success. This high level of energy consciousness reflects a population that takes the crisis seriously and is prepared to modify their behaviors to contribute to a sustainable future. 

Everything will be okay

The report also illustrates the Danes' confidence in their capacity to tackle the energy crisis. The study found that two out of three had faith in the Danish society's ability to confront the energy challenge.

Anders Rhiger Hansen explains, that this optimism offers hope for the progress of the green transition.

- The energy crisis extended beyond a temporary disruption, leading to critical realisations and societal challenges. Consequently, it is heartening to observe the Danes responding with a positive outlook. This widespread optimism underscores our belief in effectively managing crises and working together to discover solutions, a vital component for advancing the green transition.

The crisis had unequal effects on various social groups

The report also highlights some social challenges related to the energy crisis. While some had the resources to invest in energy-efficient solutions, such as heat pumps, others resorted to drastic measures, like reducing heating or turning to less healthy options like candles to endure the cold.

These social disparities in the crisis raise important political questions about ensuring that everyone can keep up with the green transition without compromising their well-being.

- Concepts such as energy inequality, energy poverty, and energy vulnerability may gain relevance in Denmark in the future. Our study indicates that energy crises affect different social groups unevenly, particularly households with younger members, lower incomes, and renters, who are more impacted by rising prices. Therefore, the social dimension of a green transition is crucial for political actors to consider, explains Anders Rhiger Hansen.