Denmark’s envoy keen to share energy know-how in Kingdom’s green transition

Denmark’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Liselotte Plesner aims to focus on sharing her country’s know-how and strengthening Saudi-Danish cooperation in the green energy transition during her tenure in the Kingdom.

The ambassador said that she sees potential in further strengthening energy cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Denmark, especially in sharing knowledge and technology.

Plesner told Arab News: “We have been on this journey for many years so we do have many technologies and solutions for protecting the environment and combating climate change.

“We of course made mistakes on the road but why does Saudi have to make the same mistakes? You can learn from our mistakes.”

The envoy has been searching for areas on which to concentrate following her arrival as ambassador.

She said that she has witnessed the “drive” and “ambition” of the Saudi Green Initiative and the goals of Vision 2030, and their potential for Danish interests and cooperation.

She added: “When we think about the transition to sustainable economies and living, we think a lot about the energy sector, rightly so, but we also need to think about health, our food, our water, our tourism. All of those are areas where we need to transition to a different way of life if we want to preserve this planet for future generations.”

One of the major drivers of the SGI is to improve the quality of life and protect future generations. It also focuses on increasing the Kingdom’s reliance on clean energy while offsetting emissions.

The ambassador said: “We are all talking about a transition in our economies, societies, and our living to a more sustainable future.”

Plesner highlighted Denmark’s successes in water resource and wastewater management.

She said: “Denmark is down to 6 percent in water loss in the whole water system, and in many countries you will see 30 percent to 40 percent is just wasted as they transport out to the consumers and big businesses that need water.

“If that is where you [Saudi Arabia] want to go, sustainable, cost-comparative, zero liquid waste, you will look to Denmark.”

Plesner also aims to help in strengthening Danish-Saudi cooperation in climate initiatives through sharing strategies.

She said: “It’s about having the strategies in place, so how do you protect your environment in terms of water, in terms of waste, for example where we [Denmark] are excellent.

“We started early. For example, in 1976 we made the first national wastewater plant.”

The ambassador believes both Saudi and Denmark can benefit in the transition to clean energy, with the Kingdom learning from Danish practices.

She added: “We are No. 1 in the world in climate change action. Because we are years and years ahead, just take our experience, talk to our companies and see what they can offer.”

The envoy has noted the shared interests, way of operating, and chemistry between Danes and Saudis.

She said: “This is something I noticed here, that there is a good energy-wise chemistry connection between me as Dane and the Saudis I meet. It gives me energy also to think that I can actually do something and that I can work with these people.

“I think we thrive on feeling connections also in business. If you do not relate to your business partner, I think you will be less successful. I see good prospects; I think I am here at the right moment.”