Denmark adopts emergency power grid plan to prioritize essential services

Denmark’s parliament voted for an urgent power-grid plan that replaces the former first-come-first-served allocation with a priority system based on societal and environmental criteria. The legislation, backed by a broad coalition, directs grid operators to give precedence to ordinary households, hospitals, emergency services, defence and the green transition, while pushing data-centre projects to the back of the queue.

Climate, Energy and Supply Minister Samira Nawa described the situation as “deeply serious” and welcomed the broader support. Energy Minister Jesper Petersen said the framework is needed to manage the scarce capacity. The plan also includes provisions for better use of existing infrastructure and a future study on how data centres can connect without displacing other needs. Industry groups such as Green Power Denmark urged faster grid expansion to reduce reliance on gas.