- Target: Move from a 100% RE island to a fossil free island by 2030
- Status: Achieved - Samsø is the world´s first island powered by 100% renewable energy. In progress - It is almost totally carbon free and uses 100% RE in all sectors except for transport.
- RES: Eleven land-based wind turbines and almost all heat production is powered by woodchips, straw and solar panels. The overall wind power generation is sufficient to offset the CO2 emissions of the private vehicles used on the island since all other vehicles (tractors, ferry-boats and government cars) use locally-produced biodiesel or are powered by renewable electricity.
- Implementation: In 1997, a competition for local communities and islands was launched to present plans for a 100% RE scenario. Samsø was the winner of the contest, being one of four islands and one peninsula that took part. The prize was a national fund to implement the island's renewable energy actions. A decade later, Samsoe generated more clean wind power than it consumed. The island´s energy model relies highly on participation by local citizens and businesses in the planning and implementation of RE projects. For instance, the wind turbines belong to the locals, resident associations or the city´s council. In 2006, the island established the Samsø Energy Academy in order to facilitate research and disseminate knowledge. In 2007, it was opened to the public and now it organizes exhibitions and workshops for politicians, journalists, and students from all over the world. The Samsø Energy Academy is a conference center used by companies, scientists and politicians to discuss renewable energy-related topics. Although the island is 100% powered by renewable resources, it still uses fossil fuels for local transport and heating. Therefore, the municipality has recently decided to move from a 100% RE island to a fossil free island by 2030, which includes transport on the island and to/from being free from fossil fuels.
- Population: 3,724 (2017)
- Area: 112 km2 (43 sq mi)
- Link: https://energiakademiet.dk
