The Danish power elite is increasingly shaped by the people and organisations driving the green transition, according to a new mapping of Denmark’s most influential networks that places the monarchy and major “green” business actors closer to the centre of national decision-making.
What the new “power elite” map measures
The mapping was produced by researchers from Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Roskilde University (Roskilde Universitet, RUC) and the University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet) working with the Association for Elite and Power Studies (Foreningen for Elite- og Magtstudier). It is based on a large dataset of boards and formal bodies that influence Danish society, including public councils, commissions, committees and other official forums.
The study identifies 401 people as the country’s “power elite” in the sense that they hold many influential positions and have dense connections across elite networks. The ranking is not presented as a direct, absolute measure of who “has the most power”, but as an indicator of who sits at the intersection of key decision-making circles.
Why climate and energy networks are rising so fast
One of the clearest shifts is the growing weight of energy, climate and environmental interests at the top of Denmark’s elite networks.
In the latest mapping, 36 people representing energy, climate and environmental interests appear near the top of the elite network — roughly double compared with 2017 and triple compared with 2012.
Researchers link the change to the fact that climate policy and energy security have moved to the centre of Danish politics and corporate strategy in a short period of time. The green transition is now treated not only as a long-term climate obligation, but also as an industrial and security priority.
King Frederik’s climate profile and elite connections
A notable “high jumper” in the mapping is Denmark’s monarch, King Frederik X (Kong Frederik), who is placed at the very top of the network.
The mapping links the King’s position to his visible engagement with the green agenda, including through roles that connect the monarchy to central business and policy circles. In particular, his association with State of Green — a public-private partnership that promotes Danish green solutions internationally — is cited as one example of how climate diplomacy and industrial branding are intertwined with elite networks.
“Green power” looks more like big business than activism
The mapping suggests that the rise of “green” interests inside the elite is driven far more by corporate leadership and investor networks than by grassroots movements.
Among those gaining ground are top figures from companies and business organisations connected to the green transition. The reporting highlights how major investment platforms in energy infrastructure have become highly embedded in Denmark’s elite networks.
By contrast, membership-based environmental organisations are far less represented. The Danish Society for Nature Conservation (Danmarks Naturfredningsforening) is cited as having only a limited presence in the mapped elite.
The revolving door between politics and the green industry
One example of the new elite mix is Kristian Jensen, a former Danish finance minister and former deputy leader of Venstre who is now chief executive of Green Power Denmark, the industry association for parts of Denmark’s renewable sector.
His profile illustrates a broader pattern: climate and energy policy is increasingly shaped in forums where government, regulators and the private sector meet — often with people who have moved between political office and business leadership.
Local backlash and the legitimacy problem for green projects
The mapping also offers a lens to understand why large-scale renewable projects sometimes trigger local opposition, especially when communities feel decisions are taken “from above” and primarily reflect financial interests.
In several parts of Denmark, planned solar parks, biogas facilities and wind projects have faced resistance from residents, mayors and local groups — often centred on land use, landscape impacts and compensation rules.
Researchers argue that when the green transition is represented mainly through heavyweight corporate actors inside elite networks, it can deepen the perception that communities are being sidelined. At the same time, industry representatives stress that outcomes vary significantly depending on the quality of local dialogue and planning.
What this shift means for Denmark and the EU
Denmark is often presented as a frontrunner in Europe’s green transition, and its approach matters beyond national borders. The growing centrality of climate and energy networks inside Denmark’s elite can speed up investment and delivery — but it can also raise questions about democratic legitimacy, transparency and who gets to shape priorities.
For Denmark, the next test is whether green policy can keep moving quickly while securing broader social buy-in, especially outside Copenhagen. For the EU, the Danish case is a reminder that the success of the green transition depends not only on technology and capital, but also on governance, trust and the distribution of costs and benefits.
