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3 minute read

Green energy has a new name

DONG Energy has announced they are to change their name to Ørsted. Following the company’s profound strategic transformation from black to green energy and the recent divestment of the upstream oil and gas production, the firm fell the current name is no longer suitable for the company.

Thomas Thune Andersen, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “DONG was originally short for Danish Oil and Natural Gas. With our profound strategic transformation and the divestment of our upstream oil and gas business, this is no longer who we are. Therefore, it is now the right time to change our name.

“Our vision is a world that runs entirely on green energy. Climate change is one of the most serious challenges the world faces today, and to avoid inflicting serious harm to the global ecosystems, we need to fundamentally change the way we power the world – from black to green energy.”

 

DONG Energy will become Orsted to reflect their transformation as a renewable energy company / Picture: Getty/iStock

 

Henrik Poulsen, CEO of DONG Energy, added: “2017 will be remembered as the year when offshore wind became cheaper than black energy, as demonstrated by the recent tenders for offshore wind in Germany and the UK. It has never been more clear that it is possible to create a world that runs entirely on green energy. The time is now right for us to change our name to demonstrate that we want to help create such a world.”

From green transformation to green growth

Over the past decade, DONG Energy has transformed from an energy company based on coal and oil to a global leader in renewable energy. The company has been able to increase earnings considerably, while reducing the use of coal in its power stations and building out new offshore wind farms. Since 2006, CO2-emissions have been reduced by 52%, and by 2023, they will have been reduced by 96% compared to 2006.

DONG Energy has divested its upstream oil and gas business and decided to stop all use of coal. In addition, the company has established a new storage team to explore new business opportunities in energy storage. DONG Energy has also established a new corporate ventures unit in Silicon Valley, California, to explore emerging energy technologies and potential long-term business opportunities.

As battery storage and new energy technologies mature and as a more flexible demand side is developed, natural gas will, in the coming years, continue to support the transition to an entirely green energy system. DONG Energy will continue to trade in and sell natural gas to its customers, facilitating the bridge to a world that runs entirely on green energy.

The new name and brand

The new name – Ørsted – references the innovative Danish scientist Hans Christian Ørsted (1777-1851). Ørsted spearheaded several scientific discoveries, including the discovery of electromagnetism in 1820, which helped lay the scientific foundation for how today’s societies are powered.

As part of becoming Ørsted, a new logo and brand identity will be introduced. The new brand identity is inspired by the Danish design tradition in being simple, functional and human and supporting a sustainable way of life. The brand identity will consist of a full spectrum of colours, inspired by Scandinavian nature and the Danish 20th century artist Vilhelm Lundstrøm.

Matthew Wright, Managing Director for DONG Energy UK, concluded: “This change to our name reflects our transformation into a fully-fledged renewable energy company. Ørsted perfectly captures our roots as a business and the exciting future ahead.

“In the UK, we are leading the renewable energy transformation and our offshore wind business is part of a hugely successful and growing industry. Offshore wind is now a mainstream renewable technology in the UK, providing low-cost green energy, while creating quality jobs across the country and a thriving supply chain for businesses.

“Our world first bio energy plant in Northwich and complete energy solutions sales business also underline our position at the heart of the energy transition.”

The roll out of the new name and design across the markets in which DONG Energy is present will take place from 6 November.