energikilden

Energikilden is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to denote the source of energy that powers a system or economy. It refers to the primary energy carrier from which useful energy is derived, such as coal, oil, natural gas, uranium, hydro power, wind, solar radiation, biomass, or geothermal heat. Electricity is an energy carrier, but energikilden often identifies the underlying resource that ultimately provides energy.

In planning and policy, the choice of energikilden is guided by factors such as availability, cost, environmental impact, technology maturity, and infrastructure. A reliable energy system typically relies on a mix of energikilder to balance supply, price variability, and demand. Transitions in many regions seek to increase the share of renewable energikilder and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, while maintaining security of supply and affordability.

In the Nordic context, hydro power and wind are prominent energikilder for electricity, with transmission links between countries supporting balancing and export. Bioenergy and, to a lesser extent, nuclear power contribute in some areas. The overall mix is shaped by geography, policy objectives, and market conditions, aiming for lower emissions and greater resilience.

Challenges include intermittency for weather-dependent energikilder, the need for storage and grid modernization, mineral supply chains, and ensuring social acceptability. Strategies emphasize diversification, energy efficiency, demand-side management, and continued electrification of transport and industry to make efficient use of available energikilder.

Related topics include primary energy, renewable energy, and energy policy.