From its humble beginnings as a traditional oil and gas firm to its dramatic and widely admired transformation into a global renewable energy leader, Orsted A/S stands as one of Denmark’s most influential and iconic companies. Headquartered in Gentofte, just outside Copenhagen, Ørsted has become a flagship of green innovation and leadership in the international fight against climate change. With its strategic focus on offshore wind power and renewable energy technologies, Ørsted exemplifies how an energy company can reinvent itself for the 21st century.
Also, Orsted A/S is more than just a private enterprise. It is a symbol of the nation’s commitment to sustainability and a major player in Denmark’s broader green economy. This has become a cornerstone of the country’s global brand. On the global stage, Ørsted’s expertise and pioneering projects serve as blueprints for countries and corporations aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Today, Ørsted operates in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. And it continues to scale its operations to address the world’s increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Here are the key points on Orsted A/S:
- Orsted A/S’s Transformation from Oil and Gas to Renewable Energy: Founded in 1972 as DONG, Ørsted shifted from fossil fuels to renewables between 2009 and 2017. And it rebranded in 2017 to symbolize its new green focus.
- Global Leadership in Offshore Wind Power: Ørsted operates the largest share of the world’s offshore wind market. This is with over 8.9 GW capacity in 2023, aiming for 50 GW by 2030.
- Strategic Importance for Denmark and International Brand: As a major Danish company, Ørsted supports national sustainability goals, creates jobs, and promotes Danish green technology globally.
Orsted A/S: From Oil and Gas to a Green Energy Icon
Ørsted’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Founded in 1972 as DONG (Danish Oil and Natural Gas), the company originally focused on fossil fuel extraction and energy production. However, seeing the writing on the wall in terms of environmental responsibility and long-term market trends, Ørsted made one of the boldest strategic pivots in corporate history.
Between 2009 and 2017, Ørsted divested its oil and gas businesses and shifted its entire production focus toward renewable energy. This is most notably offshore wind farms. In 2017, the company officially changed its name from DONG Energy to Ørsted, in honor of the Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted, who discovered electromagnetism. Additionally, this name change marked more than a rebranding. It signified a transformation of purpose and identity.
Today, Ørsted is no longer associated with fossil fuel production. In fact, the company can boast that more than 90% of its energy generation now comes from renewable sources. And this is a figure that continues to grow. By 2025, Ørsted has committed to becoming carbon neutral in its energy generation. And by 2040, it aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire value chain.
A Driving Force in the Global Energy Transition
Ørsted’s leadership in offshore wind energy is particularly notable. Moreover, the company currently operates the largest share of the global offshore wind market. This is with installed capacity exceeding 8.9 gigawatts (GW) globally by the end of 2023, and ambitious plans to reach 50 GW by 2030 in renewables.
Besides, these projects span multiple continents and include some of the largest and most technologically advanced offshore wind farms in the world. From the North Sea to the U.S. East Coast to Taiwan’s waters, Ørsted’s offshore wind farms are helping to power millions of households. This is while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.
Because Ørsted is often seen as a role model of successful corporate transformation in line with the Paris Climate Agreement goals, its influence extends far beyond the energy sector. Furthermore, governments, multinational corporations, investors, and environmental policymakers look to Ørsted as a case study. This is in climate leadership, innovation, and long-term vision.
How Orsted A/S Is of Strategic Importance to Denmark
Ørsted is one of Denmark’s largest companies by market capitalization and serves as a national strategic asset in multiple ways. Economically, it supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs. This is not only in Denmark but internationally through its supply chain and operations. Technologically, it promotes Danish R&D in sustainable energy, often collaborating with leading research institutions and technical universities.
More broadly, Ørsted reflects Denmark’s international leadership on climate action. And it is a key showcase of how public-private collaboration can lead to both economic growth and emissions reduction.
In addition, Denmark’s ability to export its clean-tech know-how is embodied in Ørsted’s rise. The company’s success abroad helps generate foreign investment into Danish innovation ecosystems. Also, it raises the profile of the entire Danish green economy on the world stage.
Investor Confidence and Global Recognition
Ørsted is publicly traded on the NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen Stock Exchange and is part of the OMX Copenhagen 25 index. What’s more, its shares have performed strongly in the past decade. This is especially as sustainability investing has become mainstream and institutional investors seek climate-resilient assets.
Additionally, the company has also received global accolades for its leadership. This is including repeated inclusion in the CDP Climate A List and ranking as the world’s most sustainable energy company in the Corporate Knights Global 100 index multiple years in a row. Such recognition signals strong governance, environmental responsibility, and financial health.
Products and Services of Orsted A/S
Offshore Wind Energy: The Core of Ørsted’s Business
Ørsted A/S is globally renowned for its expertise in offshore wind power, which is by far its most significant product and core area of innovation. Moreover, the company is the world’s leading developer and operator of offshore wind farms. This is having installed over 8.9 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity in Europe, Asia, and North America as of 2023.
Besides, each wind farm consists of dozens to hundreds of turbines, usually located far off the coast in open water where wind speeds are faster and more consistent. These massive infrastructure projects can supply energy to millions of homes. For example, Ørsted’s Hornsea 2 project in the United Kingdom is, at the time of writing, the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm. Furthermore, it is capable of powering over 1.3 million homes.
The company offers a full spectrum of services in developing wind farms, from site selection and permitting to engineering, procurement, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance. By offering end-to-end capabilities, Ørsted ensures quality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compliance. Thus, making it a one-stop shop for national governments and private partners looking to develop clean energy infrastructure.
Onshore Wind and Solar Power
While offshore wind remains its flagship product, Ørsted has increasingly diversified into onshore wind and solar energy. This is to meet the urgent rise in global renewable energy demand. As of 2023, the company operates several onshore wind farms across the United States and Europe, with a rapidly expanding pipeline of projects.
In the solar sector, Ørsted has invested in large-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants capable of delivering emissions-free electricity. In addition, these facilities are often hybridized with battery storage or wind power to create more resilient and flexible energy systems. The integration of multiple types of renewables in one package enhances the utility of solar power. This is especially in regions with variable weather and seasonal sunlight.
What’s more, Ørsted’s total global onshore capacity—wind, solar, and storage—was over 4.5 GW by late 2023. It is a figure expected to more than double in the coming years with planned projects in the United States and Germany.
Green Hydrogen and Power-to-X Solutions
Beyond wind and solar, Ørsted is investing heavily in the next generation of clean energy technologies, including green hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX) systems. Also, these technologies are designed to convert renewable electricity into other forms of sustainable energy. Examples are hydrogen or synthetic fuels, which can be stored and transported more easily or used in sectors that are hard to electrify. For instance, heavy transport or industrial manufacturing.
Additionally, Ørsted is involved in several pilot and demonstration projects across Europe aiming to scale up green hydrogen production. It is a key stakeholder in projects such as “Green Fuels for Denmark,” which aims to provide sustainable fuels for shipping, aviation, and road transport using renewable energy from Ørsted’s wind farms.
Moreover, these emerging technologies position Ørsted as not only a provider of green electricity but also as a producer of sustainable fuels and materials. Therefore, further increasing the company’s strategic value in a decarbonized global economy.
Energy Storage and Grid Solutions
To support the transition to renewable power, Ørsted is expanding its suite of energy storage and grid optimization solutions. Besides, the company has begun developing and operating battery storage systems. This is mainly in conjunction with its solar and onshore wind projects, to extend the utility of its clean energy generation and enhance grid reliability.
Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
Ørsted also offers customized Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to businesses seeking to meet their sustainability goals. Through these long-term contracts, corporate clients buy clean electricity directly from Ørsted’s wind or solar farms.
Furthermore, this model not only contributes to the financing of new renewable projects. It also helps companies reduce their carbon footprints and meet environmental goals more transparently and efficiently. Some of Ørsted’s notable PPA arrangements include deals with Amazon, Google, and Covestro. Hence, showcasing its ability to serve giant global clients.
Consulting, Engineering, and Development Services
In addition to building and operating assets, Ørsted provides a range of support services:
– Project development and financing: Ørsted uses its expertise to help partners de-risk renewable investments.
– Engineering and design: Leveraging decades of offshore experience, it offers technical support for turbine foundations, subsea cables, and grid integration.
– Environmental and permitting services: Ørsted assists with navigating complex environmental regulations and ensures project compliance with sustainability standards.
District Heating and Bioenergy (Denmark-Focused)
While Ørsted has mostly divested from fossil fuels, it continues to operate a number of combined heat and power (CHP) plants in Denmark, most of which have transitioned from coal and gas to sustainably sourced biomass, such as wood pellets and agricultural residue. These plants support Denmark’s long-established district heating systems, which supply heat and hot water to residential and commercial buildings through a centralized infrastructure.
The company has significantly reduced the carbon intensity of its thermal heat production, phasing out coal and continuing to invest in low-carbon alternatives. While this segment represents a smaller and more regional portion of Ørsted’s services, it is still critical to Denmark’s national policy on energy efficiency and decarbonization of cities.
A Comprehensive Ecosystem of Renewable Solutions
Through a diverse portfolio of energy solutions—renewable electricity, green fuels, energy storage, corporate agreements, and consulting—Ørsted A/S offers more than just power production. The company delivers a holistic approach to the energy transition, addressing not only the supply of clean power but also the infrastructure, technologies, and strategies needed to make it usable and impactful.
Conclusion: Orsted A/S
Orsted A/S has emerged as one of the most important renewable energy companies in the world, with its headquarters in Denmark positioning it as a proud symbol of the nation’s environmental leadership. Over the past decade, Ørsted’s transformation from a fossil fuel-based utility to a 100% renewable-focused energy company has served as a model for businesses aiming to align commercial success with climate responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orsted A/S
1. What does Orsted A/S do?
Orsted A/S develops, builds, and operates renewable energy projects worldwide. Its main focus is offshore wind power. But it also invests in onshore wind, solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage. And it provides clean energy to businesses through corporate power purchase agreements.
2. How did Orsted A/S transition from fossil fuels to renewables?
Between 2009 and 2017, Orsted A/S divested its oil and gas assets and reoriented its business around offshore wind energy and clean power technologies. This transition included strategic investments, selling off fossil fuel infrastructure, and rebranding from DONG Energy to Ørsted.
3. What are some of Ørsted’s major renewable energy projects?
Some of Ørsted’s flagship projects include:
– Hornsea 2 (UK), the largest offshore wind farm in the world
– Block Island Wind Farm (USA), the first commercial offshore wind project in the U.S.
– Borkum Riffgrund and Gode Wind (Germany)
– Greater Changhua projects (Taiwan)
4. Is Orsted A/S involved in green hydrogen?
Yes. Ørsted is investing heavily in green hydrogen and Power-to-X solutions, aiming to produce sustainable fuels for hard-to-decarbonize sectors like shipping and aviation. Notable projects include “Green Fuels for Denmark” and partnerships across Europe.
5. Can businesses buy electricity from Orsted A/S?
Yes. Ørsted offers Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Thereby, allowing businesses to purchase renewable electricity directly from wind and solar farms. Major clients include companies like Amazon and Covestro.
