Denmark’s oil, gas and CO2 storage industry plays a central role in energy security and is highlighted as part of the green transition through new technologies and carbon capture and storage (CCS) (HBS Economics, Apr 2025).
The sector itself directly employs about 6,900 full-time equivalents (FTEs) in Denmark. When indirect supplier effects and induced consumption are added, the total employment impact reaches 19,600 FTEs – about 1.2 % of all private employment (p. 9).
A supply chain far beyond the core operators
Of the 6,900 direct FTEs, 81 % are in service companies, while 19 % are within the operating oil, gas and CO2 storage companies (p. 3 & 6).
The industry comprises about 249 companies, with a few large operators and many smaller service providers (p. 4 & 16).
Every 100 direct jobs are associated with roughly 180 additional jobs elsewhere in the economy via supplier and consumption effects (p. 9). Indirect employment mainly arises in business services, manufacturing of metal products, machinery, construction and transportation (p. 10).
Where the direct jobs are located
Among the industry’s direct FTEs, about 46 % are based in Esbjerg (West Denmark), and 25 % in the Capital Region (Copenhagen) (p. 8).
For the total impact of 19,600 FTEs, employment is more broadly spread. The largest contributions are in the Region of Southern Denmark at roughly 8,700, and the Capital Region at roughly 6,100, followed by Central Jutland at roughly 2,300, Zealand at roughly 1,500 and North Jutland at roughly 1,000 (p. 11).
A highly skilled, experienced workforce
Among the 6,900 direct employees, 65 % hold a higher education – compared to about 34 % across Denmark’s private labour market (p. 12).
The average age in the industry is about 46, versus about 41 in the private sector overall (p. 3 & 13).
Women make up about 30 % of direct employment. The private labour market overall is about 35.3 % women (p. 3 & 12).
An industry in transition
Traditional oil and gas activities still dominate, but CO2 storage is highlighted as a growth area as part of Denmark’s climate efforts. The report points to increasing attention on CCS and its role in the green transition (p. 2).
Economic significance
Beyond the headline totals of 6,900 direct and 19,600 total FTEs, the sector’s value chains extend across Danish industry. Indirect employment mainly arises in business services, manufacturing of metal products, machinery, construction and transportation (p. 10).
Why this matters for companies and agencies
Large offshore and CCS projects depend on a specialised external workforce. With many roles sitting outside core operators, compliant engagement structures are crucial when hiring across borders. This supports correct taxation, smooth onboarding and reduced risk.
Source: HBS Economics – “Beskæftigelsen i den danske olie-, gas- og CO2-lagringsbranche”, April 2025.
