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Denmark is phasing out all oil and gas extraction by 2050, a goal codified in its 2020 climate law. The transition focuses on the port of Esbjerg, leveraging existing skills to shift from fossil fuels to offshore wind power. Supported by a strong welfare state and a 'flexicurity' model, the government aims to mitigate employment losses—estimated at 10,000 direct and 16,000 indirect jobs—through investments in green technology and international partnerships like the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance.

Denmark is phasing out its oil and gas sector by 2050, supported by a binding law and a broad political coalition. The transition is centered in Esbjerg, where the government is leveraging the region's energy expertise to pivot toward offshore wind and other renewables. This 'in place' management is supported by a strong social welfare state, the 'flexicurity' labor model, and strategic investments like the C$4.7 billion Green Future Fund. While the term 'just transition' is less common in official reporting, the country relies on long-standing tripartite dialogue between government, unions, and industry to mitigate socio-economic risks.

The report examines the global and regional context of oil and gas transitions, focusing on the North Sea region. It identifies a significant 'ambition gap' between national net-zero targets and actual industrial strategies in the UK and Norway, while noting Denmark as a first-mover with a 2050 phase-out date. Using a scorecard analysis based on seven just transition principles, the report finds that while Scotland leads in support for workers and communities, the UK and Norway struggle with carbon lock-in due to continued licensing and a lack of comprehensive regional support policies.

Denmark has committed to ending oil and gas production by 2050 via the 2020 North Sea Agreement. The transition is supported by a declining economic significance of the sector and the growth of green technologies like offshore wind and CCUS. While the workforce's versatility and state support may mitigate negative impacts, risks remain for workers near retirement and small suppliers unable to restructure.