The Danish government will “initiate a process” to examine extending one or more North Sea production licences to 2050, in a move aimed at bolstering European energy security and independence.
Gas producers have been invited to explore extensions beyond 2042, when most licences were due to expire ahead of Denmark’s 2045 climate neutrality target.
Any extension must sit within the 2020 North Sea Agreement, which cancelled future licensing rounds and set a 2050 phase-out date for fossil fuel extraction.
The government has asked the Danish Underground Consortium (DUC), operator of the Tyra hub, to “explore an extension” beyond 2042.
“Europe must stand on its own two feet,” Danish industry and trade minister Mortern Bodskov said.
“This requires that we invest massively in our own energy capacity. First and foremost in green solutions. But also in the supply that keeps production running,” he added.
Denmark has a legally binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 from 1990 levels and aims to reach net zero by 2045.
Renewables accounted for more than half of total energy supply in 2024. The government has set aside 4bn kroner annually from 2034 for 15 years to support its climate goals.
The move reflects a broader shift in tone seen elsewhere, including New Zealand and Canada, which have also altered course on hydrocarbon production.