With 99% renewable energy and a 98% emission cut, Ørsted Green Transformation build a new benchmark for the energy sector
With global leaders meeting in Brazil for COP30, Ørsted has reached a historical milestone, becoming the world’s first energy company to complete a full green transformation. Since 2006, Ørsted has cut its carbon emissions by 98%. The company moved away from heavy fossil fuel use to become a world frontrunner in offshore wind and renewable energy. Now, 99% of Ørsted’s energy comes from renewable sources, setting a standard for cutting carbon in the energy world.
With the science-based targets guiding its journey, Ørsted carbon emissions reduction success shows that renewable energy milestones are highlighted and how important renewable energy and offshore wind are for meeting global climate targets.
How Ørsted Green Transformation achieved
Ørsted’s big accomplishment is the result of more than a decade of strategic efforts across its business. The company used several ways to lower pollution and switch to renewable energy:
- Switching to Renewables: Ørsted now generates 99% of its energy from renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass.
- Ending Coal Use: They shut down their last coal power plant in 2024 and changed their remaining power plants to use biomass.
- Selling Fossil Fuel Assets: Ørsted sold its oil and gas business to get rid of fossil fuels.
- Electrifying Vehicles: The company switched to electric vehicles and equipment to lower pollution.
- Growing Offshore Wind: Ørsted built 18.5 GW of renewable energy capacity, with offshore wind being a leader in renewable energy.
- Using Renewable Certificates: The company used renewable energy certificates to cover its own energy use, making sure its operations don’t produce carbon.
The fact is, Ørsted’s pollution levels dropped by over 98% compared to 2006, reaching just 4 g CO₂e/kWh.
Ørsted’s Role in Global Climate Leadership
Ørsted’s achievement presents more than a business win; it shows a big change in the energy world.
- World First: Ørsted is the world’s first energy company to completely switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
- COP30: This renewable energy milestone lines up with COP30 in Brazil, which stresses how important it is to act on climate change and lower emissions.
- Global Example: Ørsted carbon emissions reduction journey sets an example for other energy companies seeking science-based decarbonization
- Focus on Scopes 1-3: The company’s plan to reach net-zero includes emissions from suppliers and customers, like steel, copper, and ship fuels.
Quote from Ingrid Reumert, SVP for Global Stakeholder Relations,
“Cutting carbon emissions is what Ørsted is all about. With 99% of our energy from renewable sources and a 98% cut in emissions, our green move is now done.”
Roadmap to Net-Zero by 2040
Ørsted isn’t stopping at the 2025 milestone. Their plan to reach net-zero by 2040 focuses on:
Reducing Remaining Emissions: targeting emissions in upstream and downstream operations.
Decarbonizing the Supply Chain: Methodically cutting emissions from materials like steel and copper, and also from maritime fuels.
Partnership: collaborations with industry partners to scale renewable energy use.
Offshore Wind Leadership: Continuing to grow in main markets for clean power growth.
Working with Policymakers: Pushing for stable and appealing government policies to encourage large investments.
Quote from Reumert:
“Quickly switching to renewable electricity is important to meeting climate goals. Businesses and governments need to team up to secure a clean energy future.”
Key takeaways—Ørsted Green Transformation
- Ørsted is the world’s first energy company to go green.
- They’ve cut their direct carbon emissions by 98%.
- 99% of energy production is now from renewable sources.
- They’ve built 18.5 GW of renewable capacity, mostly offshore wind.
- Science-based targets guide their net-zero strategies for 2040.
- This proves that big changes are possible in the energy business
Conclusion
Ørsted’s shift from a utility dependent on fossil fuels to a top global renewable energy leader is a landmark event for the energy industry. With a 98% drop in emissions and 99% renewable energy milestone generation, Ørsted is a role model for corporate climate actions.
Given the urgency for emissions cuts at COP30, Ørsted’s green shift shows that energy firms can guide the world to a sustainable, carbon-neutral future through clear, science-based goals, innovative strategies, and investment in renewable tech. Becoming an offshore wind leader and the renewable energy revolution aren’t just dreams anymore—Ørsted Green Transformation is now a worldwide standard for achievement.
Ismot Jerin is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of WindNewsToday, an independent publication covering offshore wind, renewable energy policy, and clean power markets with an analytical focus on the United States and global energy transition.