The purpose of this Act is to ensure the appropriate use and exploitation of Denmark’s subsoil and its natural resources. It establishes a licensing system for preliminary surveys, exploration and extraction of subsurface resources, as well as for geothermal energy, geological storage of CO₂ and other uses of the subsoil. The Act applies not only on Danish territory but also in Danish territorial waters, the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf. Subsurface resources covered by the Act belong to the Danish State, and exploration, extraction, storage and other regulated activities generally require authorisation from the Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities. The legislation regulates the award, duration and conditions of licences, including applicants’ technical and financial capacity, payments to the State, operational plans and coordination between licence holders. The Act contains specific regimes for hydrocarbons, geothermal energy and CO₂ storage. Hydrocarbon exploration and production are subject to particular licensing and operational requirements, and licences may not extend beyond 31 December 2050, reflecting Denmark’s decision to end hydrocarbon extraction after that date. Geothermal licences are awarded through public application procedures and are subject to technical and financial selection criteria and limits on exploration and production periods. CO₂ storage is governed by detailed provisions concerning the suitability of geological formations, prevention of leakage and risks to health and the environment, monitoring, corrective measures, closure of storage sites and post-closure responsibilities. The Act provides the overarching legal framework through which the Danish State controls access to, operation within, and eventual closure or abandonment of activities involving Denmark’s subsurface resources.
Dinamarca · 1981-06-10