Andel, a Danish energy company, has launched a campaign against nuclear power, sparking controversy and debate about Denmark’s energy future. The campaign coincides with the government’s decision to investigate new nuclear power technologies, a move that could potentially overturn Denmark’s 40-year ban on nuclear energy.

The association “Atomkraft Ja Tak” (Nuclear Power Yes Please) has criticized Andel’s actions, calling it a “smear campaign,” while Konservativ Ungdom (Young Conservatives) believes energy companies should refrain from influencing energy policy.

According to Andel’s Communications Director, Rikke Trikker, the campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage a “more qualified dialogue” about nuclear power, citing increasing public support for the energy source. However, Trikker acknowledged that the campaign also serves to protect Andel’s investments in renewable energy.

Branding expert Frederik Preisler from Mensch agency considers Andel’s political opinion-influencing campaign as good marketing, noting that speaking out against political opinions can resonate with people. Jacob Dahl Rendtorff, professor of business ethics at RUC (Roskilde University), highlighted the increasing trend of corporate social responsibility, where companies engage politically in their own interests.

Andel maintains that the campaign is not intended to influence the government’s stance on nuclear power but to inform the public. The company emphasizes its commitment to expanding renewable energy in Denmark and plans to invest up to DKK 90 billion in renewable energy projects by 2035. While acknowledging the potential of nuclear power in the overall European energy system, Andel argues that Denmark’s energy system is better suited for solar and wind power.

Despite ongoing development in technologies like Power-to-X plants, Andel believes the focus should remain on the immediate transition to renewable energy sources, rather than exploring nuclear power technologies that may be developed in the future.