California and Denmark Renew Partnership on Energy Innovation and Climate Resilience

By Elsa M. Beljean, Senior International Relations Advisor for the California Energy Commission

California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild (left) and Danish Energy Agency Director General Kristoffer Böttzauw (right), shake hands after signing the MOU on Copenhagen’s harbor front.

California and Denmark reaffirmed their global climate leadership by renewing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Danish Energy Agency (DEA), the California Energy Commission (CEC), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The agreement, which was signed in Copenhagen on June 17, underscores a continued commitment to advancing joint solutions to shared climate and energy challenges.

Denmark and California are global leaders advancing cutting edge clean energy technology and both are aiming to reach economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2045—ambitions rooted in policy, innovation, and cross-sector transformation. This MOU establishes a shared platform to translate that vision into impact through regulatory exchange, joint planning, and applied technical cooperation.

“This signing ceremony is yet another example of California’s commitment to advance international collaboration in support of clean energy solutions, said CEC Chair David Hochschild. “We are grateful, in particular, to our partners in Denmark for working together to help build a clean and sustainable future for all.”

The agreement identifies three priority areas for collaboration:

• Expanding deployment of floating offshore wind technologies

• Advancing low-carbon hydrogen, carbon capture, and industrial heat electrification

• Accelerating building decarbonization through codes, performance standards, and digital energy solutions

These focus areas are supported by structured exchanges, including technical workshops and study tours.

Leadership and Support

This collaboration is enabled by strong leadership across California’s government. The Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom continues to elevate subnational partnerships as a core strategy for climate action, while the California Natural Resources Agency   plays a critical coordinating role across departments. Their engagement has helped transform this partnership from vision to execution.

With this MOU renewal, CARB formally joins the international partnership. More than a gesture, the MOU represents a concrete step forward in California and Denmark’s shared pursuit of climate resilience and energy innovation. By uniting expertise, resources, and regulatory ambition, the partnership offers a practical roadmap for scaling clean energy technologies, fostering inclusive growth, and meeting emissions goals.

In addition to Chair Hochschild, the other signers on the MOU were Kristoffer Böttzauw, Director General for DEA, CPUC President Alice Reynolds, and CARB Chair Liane Randolph.

The signing was witnessed by a delegation comprising California officials and experts visiting Denmark and Belgium to exchange ideas on clean shipping and climate policy. Organized by Pacific Environment, a nonprofit focused on advancing environmental justice and zero-emission solutions, the delegation highlighted the importance of transatlantic collaboration in accelerating the energy transition.

Learn more about the CEC’s international efforts.