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Ørsted

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FY2022 Annual Report · Ørsted
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Management’s review

Other reports

Sustainability report 2022

ESG performance report 2022

Remuneration report 2022

In our sustainability report, you can read 
more about how Ørsted as a business  
contributes to addressing some of the  
challenges faced by society. 

In our ESG performance report, you can  
read more about Ørsted’s environmental, 
social, and governance indicators.

In our remuneration report, you will get a 
transparent and comprehensive overview 
of the remuneration of our Executive Board 
and our Board of Directors.

Green bond impact report 2022

In our green bond impact report, you will 
get an insight into our green bond portfolio. 
Outstanding green bonds and green hybrid 
bonds currently account for more than 80 % 
of Ørsted’s total portfolio of bonds and 
hybrid capital.

Statutory corporate  
governance report 2022

In our statutory corporate governance  
report, you can read more about how  
we have incorporated and follow the 
recommendations prepared by the Danish 
Committee on Corporate Governance.

2

Full ESG data overview

Our full ESG data overview (including EU tax- 
onomy) and our accounting policies are avail-
able in our annual ESG performance report. 

Our work for increased gender diversity at 
leadership level is reported in accordance  
with section 99 b of the Danish Financial 
Statements Act in our ESG performance report 
2022 (orsted.com/ESGperformance2022). 

By publishing our sustainability report  
(orsted.com/sustainability2022), we comply 
with section 99 a of the Danish Financial 
Statements Act. In the same report, reporting 
on diversity in accordance with section 107 d  
of the Danish Financial Statements Act can 
be seen.

For information concerning section 99 d,  
see page 59 in the annual report.

Annual reporting 2022

Get an overview of our financial, sustainability,  
and ESG performance by downloading our 
reports and investor presentations. See our 
reports here: 

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Contents

Management’s review

Financial and ESG statements

Overview

Results

Performance highlights   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   5
Letter to our stakeholders   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   7
Our global footprint    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   11

Financial outlook

Follow-up on 2022 guidance .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   43
Results    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   44
Five-year summary   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   48
Fourth quarter   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   49
Quarterly summary, 2021-2022 .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   54

Financial outlook 2023    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   13
Financial estimates and policies   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   15

Governance

Strategy and business 

Becoming the world’s leading green energy major  .  .  .  .  .  .   17
Strategic targets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   19
Our journey towards a thriving and sustainable future   .  .  .   21
The markets where we operate  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   27
Business model  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   30
Executing our strategy  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   31 
Risks and risk management    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   38

Message from the Chair   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   56
Corporate governance .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   57
Board of Directors  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   60
Group Executive Team  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   65
Shareholder information    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   67

3

Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated statement of income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   71
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income   .  .  .  .  .   72
Consolidated balance sheet  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   73
Consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity   .  .  .  .  .  .  .   74
Consolidated statement of cash flows   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   75

Notes

Consolidated ESG statements  
(additional information)

Basis of reporting   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   156
ESG performance indicators   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   157
Accounting policies   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   160

Parent company financial statements

Income statement  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   163
Balance sheet .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   163
Statement of changes in equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   164
Notes    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   165

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports,  
and glossary

Statement by the Executive Board  
and the Board of Directors   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   173
Independent Auditor’s Reports   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .    174
Independent limited assurance report on the  
consolidated ESG statements   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   179
Glossary    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   181

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Overview

Performance highlights 
Letter to our stakeholders 

5 
7 
11  Our global footprint

Bob is one of the 80 locally recruited O&M 
professionals, who will soon be based at our 
newly opened O&M hub at the Port of Taichung 
in Taiwan. 

The facility was built with locally manufactured, 
energy-saving, and sustainable materials. 
It  features solar panels, a rainwater recycling 
system, and charging stations for electric 
vehicles. The hub will serve the three Greater 
Changhua offshore wind farms.

4

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Overview   |   Performance highlights

Performance highlights

Profits and returns

Operating profit (EBITDA)
DKKbn

EBITDA was record-high at DKK 32.1 billion.  
EBITDA excluding new partnerships amounted  
to DKK 21.1 billion, which compares to our  
original guidance of DKK 19-21 billion and  
our latest guidance of DKK 21-23 billion.

24.3

16.6

Cash flow and balance sheet

32.1

Gross Investments 
DKKbn

Our gross investments reached DKK 37.4  
billion and was driven by our construction  
of both wind and solar assets. 

27.0

39.3

37.4

32.1

2020

2021

2022

37.4

2020

2021

2022

Return on capital employed (ROCE)
%

Profit for the year
DKKbn

Interest-bearing net debt
DKKbn

Credit metric (FFO/adjusted net debt)
%

ROCE was 17 % for the year, which was above  
our target of an average ROCE of approx. 11-12 % 
for the Group in the period 2020-2027. In 2022, 
ROCE was positively impacted by the 50 % farm-
downs of Hornsea 2 and Borkum Riffgrund 3.

Profit for the year was DKK 15.0 billion,  
DKK 4.1 billion higher than in 2021.  
The increase was mainly due to the  
higher EBITDA.

Our net debt increased to DKK 30.6 billion. The 
increase was mainly due to dividend payments 
of DKK 5.7 billion and higher lease obligations 
of DKK 1.6 billion, whereas we had net neutral 
free cash flows.

The credit metric funds from operations (FFO) 
relative to adjusted net debt amounted to 43 % 
in 2022, above our target of around 25 %.

2022

2021

2020

17 %

15 %

8 %

2022

2021

2020

10.9

15.0

15.5

2022

2021

2020

30.6

24.3

12.3

2022

2021

2020

43

26

65

  Excl. new partnerships 

  New partnerships 

  RBC divestment

Follow up on outlook  

announced for 2022 21.1

EBITDA, DKKbn
Guidance (2 Feb.) 19-21,  
(11 Aug.) 20-22, (3 Nov.) 21-23
Realised

37.4

Investments, DKKbn
Guidance (3 Feb.) 38-42,
 (11 Aug.) 43-47, (3. Nov.) 38-42
Realised

With EBITDA excluding new partnerships of DKK 21.1 billion, 
we ended above our original expectations and within our 
latest guidance of DKK 21-23 billion. Read more on page 43 
where we follow up on our 2022 guidance in detail.

5

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Overview   |   Performance highlights

Environment

→

Installed renewable capacity increased  
by 17 % to 15.1 GW in 2021 due to the  
commissioning of the offshore wind farm 
Hornsea 2, the onshore wind farms Haystack, 
Helena Wind, and Ford Ridge as well as the 
acquisition of Ostwind in Europe.

The green share of our heat and power 
generation amounted to 91 %. The increase 
compared to last year was driven by more 
wind and solar assets in operation and higher 
wind speeds, partly offset by higher coal- 
based heat and power generation.

Installed renewable capacity
GW

Green share of generation
%

15.1

90

90

91

13.0

11.3

2020

2021

2022

2020

2021

2022

Avoided emissions
Million tonnes, CO2e

Avoided emissions increased by 21 % due  
to increased wind- and solar-based generation, 
partly offset by a decrease in biomass-based 
heat and power generation. 

Greenhouse gas emissions intensity
(scope 1 and 2)
CO2e/kWh

The greenhouse gas intensity from our heat 
and power generation and other operating 
activities (scope 1 and 2) was 60 g CO2e/kWh. 
The increase was driven by the increased use 
of coal, partly offset by higher wind and solar 
generation.

Greenhouse gas emissions, scope 3
Million tonnes, CO2e

Our scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions were  
reduced by 40 %, mainly due to a 48 % decrease  
in gas sales and a 10 % reduction in emissions 
from commissioning renewable assets.

18.2

15.1

13.1

2022

2021

2020

60

58

58

2022

2021

2020

11.0

18.2

25.3

2022

2021

2020

6

Social

Safety
Total recordable injury rate (TRIR)

We continue to have a strong focus on the  
safety and well-being of our employees. 

3.1

3.0 in 2021 / 3.6 in 2020

Employee satisfaction
Index 0-100

Our 2022 employee  
satisfaction survey,  
People Matter, showed  
a high satisfaction and 
motivation score of 76.

78

77

76

2020 2021 2022

Governance

Nationality and gender diversity of the Board  
of Directors and the Group Executive Team.¹

We continue to have strong focus on increasing 
diversity at all leadership levels.

9 women
14 men

13 Danish
10 non-Danish

Gender

Nationality

1  The illustration includes both the eight members elected by the general meeting and the four members elected by the employees.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Overview   |   Letter to our stakeholders

Accelerated renewable energy 
build-out is more needed than ever

Letter to our stakeholders 

Our ambition to reach approx. 50 GW of installed renewable 
capacity by 2030 is more important than ever. The world is 
facing a climate crisis, and it is indisputable that a transition 
to a sustainable energy system is needed. In the past decade, 
global investment in energy supply has slowed down by 
2.4 % per year across all technologies, indicating a risk of an 
emerging energy shortage. Especially in Europe, this risk has 
been worsened by the war in Ukraine. This development has 
made it evident that renewable energy is the best solution 
to secure an independent, locally rooted energy supply, and 
that investments must be accelerated. We are ready to be 
part of this much-needed accelerated renewable energy 
build-out. 

Our longstanding industry experience in constructing large-
scale offshore wind farms and our strong supplier relations 
give us a competitive edge in the industry, which enables us 
to maximise joint strengths across our portfolio. We have 
a well-functioning operating model, which allows us to 
harvest synergies across markets, regions, and technologies. 
We want to play a key role in the future energy systems with 
a focus on three areas: offshore wind, onshore renewables, 
and P2X (green fuels and e-fuels), and we aim to be a key 
player in developing multi-technology solutions. Based on 
our  capabilities and experiences and our unique renewable 
platform, we are ideally positioned to integrate renewable 
 technologies to help shape the future energy market and 
to cater for the growing customer demand. 

However, for the acceleration to be successful, it is crucial that 
we build green energy right. Our actions should contribute 
to fully decarbonising the world’s energy systems, to revive 
and rewild our oceans and lands, to respect human rights in 
everything we do, and to promote just societies and build 
thriving local communities, based on stable high-quality jobs 
and local supply chains.

Significant strategic and operational progress 
The year 2022 underlined our continued leadership in off-
shore wind. Despite a challenging year for the industry with 
continued supply chain bottlenecks and increasing costs of 
raw materials and components, we are in a robust position for 
weathering the current volatile market conditions. In 2022, 
we achieved significant strategic results across our business, 
and it keeps us ahead of our annual build-out targets towards 
2030. We were awarded 2.9 GW of offshore wind capacity and 
added 1.6 GW of onshore renewables through organic growth 
and acquisitions. Additionally, we advanced seven projects  
(1.4 GW) to FID and four projects (2.0 GW) to COD. 

This increased our firm capacity to 30.7 GW by the end of 
2022 and keeps us well on track to deliver on our 2030 ambi-
tion of ~50 GW. Furthermore, we achieved strong operational 
performance with our assets remaining fully operational and 
having strong availability rates. Our CHP plants supported 
the much-needed security of supply in Denmark. Our green 
share of heat and power generation amounted to 91 %.

7

Thomas Thune Andersen and Mads Nipper in Grimsby, the UK.

In the UK, we were awarded a contract for difference (CfD) 
for building Hornsea 3, the world’s single biggest offshore 
wind farm, and we commissioned Hornsea 2, the world’s 
largest operating wind farm. 

In the US, we continued the development of our portfolio of 
offshore wind projects off the East Coast. We took FID on South 
Fork, which is well on track to be commissioned as our first US 
project late 2023. For Ocean Wind 1, BOEM released its draft 
environmental impact statement (DEIS), and we continued to 

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Management’s review

Overview   |   Letter to our stakeholders

mature the project boundary conditions and secure key supply 
chain contracts. In January 2023, we signed an agreement to 
purchase PSEG’s 25 % equity stake in the project. However, due 
to supply chain bottlenecks, cost inflation, and higher costs of 
capital, the value of our US projects with non-inflation-adjusted 
contracts are under pressure. For our Sunrise Wind project in 
New York, this led to an impairment. We remain committed  
to our portfolio, and we are confident we can create value.

The early construction work of two of our German offshore 
wind farms, Borkum Riffgrund 3 and Gode Wind 3, are both 
progressing according to plan. In Taiwan, despite challenges, 
we continued the progress in all areas of the construction of 
Greater Changhua 1 & 2a and expect to commission the wind 
farm in H2 2023. We decided not to participate in the third 
Taiwanese auction as it did not meet our financial threshold.

By partnering with the offshore project developer Simply 
Blue Group and the minority JV partner Subsea 7 on the  
100 MW floating project Salamander in Scotland, we are 
taking tangible steps into floating offshore wind. Likewise, 
we signed an agreement and entered into a partnership  
with Repsol, a global multi-energy company, to explore  
the joint development of floating offshore wind in the  
Iberian Peninsula. 

We also formed a new partnership with Copenhagen Infra-
structure Partners to develop up to 5.2 GW of offshore wind 
in Denmark across four projects. The partnership aims to 
accelerate the green transformation, create value in the off-
shore wind industry, and create a Danish business and export 
stronghold within renewable hydrogen.

In our onshore business in the US, we took FID on three pro-
jects, the wind farm Sunflower in Kansas, the solar PV project 
Mockingbird in Texas, and the combined solar PV and storage 
project Eleven Mile in Arizona. The wind part of Helena Energy  
Center in Texas and the wind farm Haystack in Nebraska 
were successfully commissioned. 

8

Additionally, we are constructing the solar farm Old 300, 
which is 78 % commissioned, and the solar part of Helena 
Energy Center. We expect full commercial operation before 
the end of 2023 for both projects. Furthermore, we acquired 
the onshore wind farm Ford Ridge in Illinois. 

We have taken yet another step within onshore renewables 
in Europe by completing the acquisition of Ostwind. This 
 acquisition expands our portfolio into Germany and France 
with a development project pipeline of more than 1.5 GW.  
In Spain, we marked our entry into the onshore market with 
four partnerships to pursue early-stage solar and onshore 
wind projects. 

To support our growth ambitions, we effectively recycled 
our capital by signing and completing two new farm-downs. 
The farm-down of Hornsea 2 was one of the largest renew-
able energy M&A transactions ever with a valuation that 
underpins the attractiveness of our offshore wind assets.  
In our onshore business, we closed our first-ever agreement 
to farm down 50 % of a portfolio of four onshore projects in 
the US to Energy Capital Partners. Both transactions secured 
a NPV retention of around 100 % and crystalised value up 
front, while providing proceeds, which we can reinvest in 
value-creating growth.

In our P2X business, we took FID on and acquired the remaining 
55 % of FlagshipONE, a late-stage development project in  
Northern Sweden. The facility will have an electrolyser capa- 
city of 70 MW and is expected to produce 50,000 tonnes of 
 e-methanol per year based on renewable hydrogen and biogenic 
carbon. This is Ørsted’s first commercial-scale final investment 
decision within its P2X business and represents a significant  
milestone in the realisation of our P2X ambitions. It is also the 
largest e-methanol project under construction in Europe.

30.7 GW

We increased our firm capacity to 30.7 GW  
by the end of 2022, which keeps us well on track  
to deliver on our 2030 ambition of ~50 GW  
renewable capacity.

This has enabled us to accelerate the development of a  
675 MW facility on the Gulf Coast.

Finally, both our ‘Green Fuels for Denmark’ project and  
our Haddock P2X project in the Netherlands received IPCEI 
funding in 2022.

Financial results 
EBITDA including new partnership agreements totalled  
DKK 32.1 billion in 2022, our highest EBITDA to date, of which 
the gain from the 50 % farm-downs of Hornsea 2 and Borkum 
Riffgrund 3 amounted to DKK 11.0 billion in total. 

EBITDA excluding new partnership agreements amounted to 
DKK 21.1 billion, an increase of DKK 5.3 billion compared to 
2021. We benefitted from our diverse portfolio and achieved 
significantly higher earnings from our onshore wind and solar  
PV business, our combined heat and power plants, and our 
gas activities than expected at the beginning of the year, 
while earnings in Offshore decreased. The unexpected de-
crease in Offshore was primarily due to adverse impacts from  
hedges and delays at our Hornsea 2 and Greater Changhua  
1 & 2a construction projects. During the year, we have had  
to recognise a DKK 1.3 billion negative impact from hedges, 
which does not fulfil the requirements for hedge account-
ing under IFRS 9. The effect is temporary and will improve 
EBITDA in later periods.

We also signed a landmark letter of intent with A.P. Moller -  
Maersk to deliver 300,000 tonnes of e-methanol to power 
Maersk’s newly ordered e-methanol-powered vessels. 

The return on capital employed (ROCE) was 17 %, and profit 
for the year amounted to DKK 15.0 billion. 

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Overview   |   Letter to our stakeholders

EBITDA 2022, DKKbn

EBITDA 2021, DKKbn

Operating profit (EBITDA) increased by 32 % and amounted  
to DKK 32.1 billion, our highest EBITDA to date.

32.1

24.3

The Board of Directors recommends paying a dividend of 
DKK 13.5 per share, corresponding to DKK 5.7 billion and 
an increase of 8.0 %.

We expect EBITDA excluding new partnership agreements 
to be DKK 20-23 billion in 2023, driven by a significant in-
crease in earnings from our operational renewable energy 
assets partly offset by lower earnings from our CHP plants 
and gas business compared to 2022. We remain confident 
in our long-term financial estimates and growth ambitions.

Continued sustainability leadership
In 2022, we launched additional commitments, initiatives, 
and pilots, which are needed to deliver on our medium- 
and long-term targets. In addition to initiatives related  
to our net-zero emissions target, we have acted on our 
commitment to deliver a net-positive biodiversity impact 
from all our new energy assets from 2030 at the latest 
and our aspiration to drive a just transition. Our 98 %  
carbon reduction target for 2025 remains unchanged. 
However, we will not see steep emission reductions from 
energy generation in 2023-2024, since we have been 
ordered by the Danish authorities to continue operations  
of our coal-fired power stations until June 2024. 

We are proud founding members of the First Movers  
Coalition steel and concrete sectors. In 2022, together 

with only four other leading companies, we agreed to  
further accelerate the decarbonisation of our supply 
chain, by procuring at least 10 % ‘near-zero’ concrete by 
2030. With this, we aim to pool our purchasing power  
and create early market demand for near-zero concrete.

Since 1970, 70 % of the world’s wildlife have been lost, and 
projections show that biodiversity will  continue to decline 
if we maintain business as usual. We have started a range 
of initiatives, and in 2022, we launched an international 
partnership with WWF. The partnership will help us achieve 
our ambition and develop innovative ocean projects across 
our markets. In an ambitious new project, we have part-
nered with the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire wildlife trusts 
to restore biodiversity around the  Humber in Northern 
England. Additionally, we will protect almost 1,000 acres 
of native prairie as part of our Mockingbird solar PV project 
in the US together with The Nature Conservancy.

Building renewable energy comes with the opportunity  
to provide high-value jobs and drive a socially just trans-
formation of our industry. We want to do both.

We are expanding our thriving communities programme 
to make sure we have a robust impact management 
system in place, which is geared towards delivering local, 
social, and economic value.  

9

Selected events  
2022

February 

August

Offshore wind farm South Fork, 
New York, FID (130 MW), COD 
expected in 2023 

Offshore wind farm Hornsea 2 
commissioned (1,320 MW)

September 

Closing of 50 % farm-down  
of the offshore wind farm 
Hornsea 2

Completed acquisition of  
Ostwind, a French-German 
onshore renewable energy 
platform 

October 

Partnership entered with CIP 
to develop ~5.2 GW of offshore 
wind in Denmark

Agreement closed to farm 
down 50 % of four onshore 
projects in the US to Energy 
Capital Partners

Eleven Mile solar PV and  
storage project, Arizona,  
FID (300 MWAC, 300 MW),  
COD expected in 2024

December

Mockingbird solar PV project, 
Texas, FID 471 MWAC, 
COD expected in 2024

E-methanol project  
FlagshipONE, Sweden,  
FID, COD expected in 2025

Haddock P2X project,  
the Netherlands, received  
IPCEI funding

‘Green Fuels for Denmark’ P2X 
project received IPCEI funding

March 

Letter of Intent signed with 
A.P. Moller - Maersk to deliver 
300,000 tonnes of e-methanol 
from a US asset currently under 
development. 

Onshore wind farm Haystack, 
Nebraska, commissioned  
(298 MW)

April 

Acquisition of majority stake 
(80 %) in 100 MW Salamander 
floating offshore wind  
development project on the 
Scottish coast

Partnership entered with  
Repsol to explore the joint  
development of floating  
offshore wind in Spain

Onshore wind farm Sunflower, 
Kansas, FID (201 MW), COD 
expected in H1 2023 

May

Agreement signed to acquire 
the onshore wind farm Ford 
Ridge, Illinois (121 MW)

June 

Onshore wind part of Helena 
Energy Center, Texas (268 MW), 
commissioned

July

CfD awarded to Hornsea 3 
Offshore Wind Farm, the UK, 
 (2,852 MW)

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Overview   |   Letter to our stakeholders

As a first in the US, together with North America’s Building 
Trades Unions (NABTU), we announced an agreement to 
construct offshore wind farms with an  American workforce. 
In Choczewo in Poland, we have set up a community fund  
to support local sustainable development opportunities,  
and as part of Sunrise Wind in New York, we will recruit  
and train workers from marginalised communities for union  
construction careers. 

To support our journey, we will ensure that sustainability  
is embedded in the core of how we do business. This entails  
a corporate governance that enables the right decisions.  
In 2022, we took this further. Following implementation  
for the leadership team in 2022, we adjusted our short-term 
incentive (STI) scheme for all participating employees,  
effective from 2023. The new STI supports a stronger link  
to our 2030 aspirations, including global sustainability  
leadership, and ensures that sustainability is further inte- 
grated in our operating model. 

Our employees and our organisation are the  

backbone of our success
In a challenging and highly volatile year, our skilled and 
valued employees have navigated this complexity well and 
managed to deliver strong strategic progress and record 
results for Ørsted. Our success is only possible through them, 
and we care deeply about all our colleagues and our joint 
safety. In 2022, our employee satisfaction survey showed a 
motivation and satisfaction score of 76 out of 100. Although 
this is a high score well above our external benchmark for 
comparable companies, we aim even higher, and we will 
continue to improve the well-being of our employees. 

Having a strong focus on safety is anchored in our organisa-
tion in terms of both protecting the physical conditions of our 
employees and securing a psychologically safe workplace.  

In 2022, our total recordable injury rate (TRIR) reached 3.1,  
up from 3.0 in 2021, mainly due to recordable injuries for  
contractors’ employees. We are not satisfied with this 
development. Consequently, we have implemented several 
initiatives to improve safety, and we remain focused on our 
ambition of reaching a TRIR of 2.5 in 2025.

As we expand our global footprint, we experience increas-
ingly different local market requirements. Therefore, as of 
November 2022, we implemented a new organisational 
structure, which is rooted in local regions while leveraging  
the synergies of a global organisation. With this new  
structure, integrating our offshore and onshore renewables 
organisations and making P2X a stand-alone business, we  
are moving closer to our markets and our customers. Conse-
quently, there were changes to our Group Executive Team, 
including new regional executives. 

Committed to our ambition
In 2022, an energy crisis was added to the global climate  
and biodiversity crises. Renewable energy has proven to be 
significantly cheaper than any fossil fuel alternative, even 
with higher prices, and it has furthermore proven to be the 
best possible insurance policy to avoid future energy price 
increases like those seen last year.

Therefore, action must be taken to increase the pace of 
the necessary investments in renewable energy. In the 
US, an important step has been initiated by introducing 
the US Inflation Reduction Act. It provides USD 385 billion 
in funding for renewable energy generation, renewable 
hydrogen production, and climate risks over the next ten 
years. In the EU, the European Commission is planning a 
Net-Zero Industry Act, which will be aligned with the 2050 
climate targets and provide significant opportunities for 
the renewable energy sector.

10

We need to push regulatory and political barriers to focus 
on fast and streamlined permitting processes, which today 
continue to represent a major bottleneck within our industry. 
We are pleased to note that discussions around permitting 
are ongoing in our major markets.

In light of supply chain bottlenecks, inflation, and increasing 
cost of capital, it is also essential that countries and states 
are willing to pay realistic long-term prices for renewable 
power. We will uphold the necessary financial discipline to 
ensure our projects are profitable. Furthermore, we need to 
push for increased focus on the  societal value provided by 
renewables to secure a sustainable build-out of the industry 
and for future auction frameworks to include factors like 
efficient system integration, biodiversity, and the restoration 
of nature to the benefit of local communities. 

We believe it can be done, and we, at Ørsted, are well- 
positioned to continue to play a pivotal role in the accele- 
rated build-out needed in the coming years.

Mads Nipper 
Group President and CEO

Thomas Thune Andersen
Chair of the Board of Directors

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Overview   |   Our global footprint

Our global footprint

The Netherlands
0.8 GW
Offshore
P2X

Denmark  
3.0 GW
Offshore
CHP plants 
Sales of energy
P2X

United States  
of America 
10.7 GW
Offshore
Onshore
Solar, PV 
Storage
P2X

United Kingdom
9.2 GW
Offshore
Onshore
Storage
P2X

Ireland
0.4 GW
Onshore
Solar, PV

Spain
Offshore 
Onshore

Firm capacity

30.7 GW

59.3 GW renewable pipeline, including 16 GW  
of substantiated pipeline in Offshore and 12.6 GW  
of substantiated pipeline in Onshore.

11

Japan
Offshore

Korea
Offshore

Sweden
0.1 GW
P2X
Sales of energy

Estonia
Offshore

Latvia
Offshore

Poland
2.5 GW
Offshore

Vietnam
Offshore

France
0.1 GW
Onshore
Solar, PV

Germany
2.6 GW
Offshore
Onshore
P2X

Taiwan
1.9 GW
Offshore

Australia
Offshore

Capacity 

GW

United States of America

Offshore

Onshore

Solar, PV

Storage

5.0

3.2

2.1

0.3

United Kingdom and Ireland

Offshore

Onshore

Solar, PV

0.4

0.1

Continental Europe

Offshore

Onshore

P2X

CHP, power

CHP, heat

APAC

0.1

0.1

2.5

3.4

3

8.3

4

2

7

2.3

9.1

6.8

Offshore

1.9

3

Firm capacity

In operation

  Under construction (FID)
  Awarded

Substantiated capacity

  Substantiated pipeline

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Management’s review

Financial outlook

13  Financial outlook 2023  
15  Financial estimates and policies 

12

Our onshore wind and solar PV footprint in 
Europe just got bigger. In 2022, we acquired the 
German-French developer, owner, and operator 
Ostwind – and with it, 152 MW onshore wind and 
solar PV in operation and under construction in 
France and Germany, with a further 1.5 GW in 
development. 

This follows our acquisition of an onshore 
wind platform in the UK and Ireland in 2021 
and our recent entry into the Spanish onshore 
wind market.

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Management’s review

Financial outlook   |   Financial outlook 2023

Financial outlook  
2023

Group EBITDA guidance
As in previous years, our EBITDA guidance does not  
include earnings from new partnership agreements. 

Operating profit (EBITDA) excluding new partnership 
agreements is expected to be DKK 20-23 billion in 2023. 

We have expanded our guidance range from previously 
DKK 2 billion to DKK 3 billion due to the increasing energy 
market volatility. As in 2022, we could see offsetting 
effects between the business units compared to our  
directional guidance.

Offshore - significantly higher 
Earnings in Offshore (excluding new partnership agree-
ments) are expected to be approx. DKK 6.5 billion higher 
than in 2022. 

The net positive impact on EBITDA in 2023 is driven by:

 ramp-up of generation from Greater Changhua 1 & 2a, 
which is expected to be commissioned in H2 2023
 negative impact from overhedging and ineffective  
hedges in 2022 not expected to be repeated in 2023
 CfD and ROC farms getting a material inflation  
adjustment in Q2-Q4 2023 
 net higher generation from Hornsea 2 and lower  
balancing costs but higher OPEX and lower expected 
trading results
 minor earnings from existing partnerships in 2023
 an expected DKK 0.8 billion increase in costs related  
to project development, P2X, and general costs.

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

13

Guidance on 2023 EBITDA without new partnerships 
DKKbn

Offshore

Onshore

Bio & Other

~1.5

~6 

~1

21.1

~1

~1

~3

~3

20-23

2022 
excl. new 
partnerships

Ramp-up 
Greater 
Changhua  
1 & 2a

Hedge  
effects

Sites,  
other

Existing  
partnerships

Other,  
incl. DEVEX

Onshore

CHP  
plants

Gas  
markets

2023 
excl. new 
partnerships

Outlook 2023 
DKKbn

EBITDA (without new partnerships)

Offshore (without new partnerships)

Onshore

Bioenergy & Other

Gross investments

2022  
realised

21.1

8.6

3.6

8.6

37.4

2023 
guidance

20-23

Significantly higher

In line

Significantly lower

50-54

Our EBITDA guidance for the Group is the prevailing guidance, whereas the directional 
earnings development per business unit (and components) serves as a means to support 
this. Higher and lower indicate the direction of the business unit’s earnings relative to the 
results for 2022. 

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Financial outlook   |   Financial outlook 2023

Onshore - in line  
Earnings from onshore wind and solar farms in operation  
are expected to be in line with earnings in 2022 due to:

Gross investments
Gross investments for 2023 are expected to amount to  
DKK 50-54 billion, mainly driven by:

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 ramp-up of generation from the wind part of  
Helena Energy Center, Old 300, Sunflower,  
Haystack, and Ford Ridge
 full-year earnings from Ostwind, which was  
acquired in Q3 2022
 total power generation expecting to increase  
with approx. 15 %
 lower expected power prices in the US and price  
caps in Ireland
 an expected DKK 0.2 billion increase in project  
development and general costs.

Bioenergy & Other - significantly lower 
Earnings from both our CHP plants (including ancillary 
 services) and ‘Gas Markets & Infrastructure’ are expected  
to be approx. DKK 6 billion lower than in 2022. 

In 2022, our CHP plants benefitted from the very high power 
prices and spreads, which are not expected to be repeated  
to the same extent in 2023. 

In 2022, earnings in ‘Gas Markets & Infrastructure’ saw a 
positive effect from optimising our north-western European 
gas activities, where we were able to lock in gains from the 
offtake flexibility in some of our sourcing contracts and at gas 
storages. In addition, we had a positive effect from release of 
a provision related to our B2B activities in the UK. In 2023, we 
expect earnings to be fairly limited, reflecting normal margins 
on these activities, lower volumes, and a negative timing 
impact related to our Danish gas storage activities.

– 

– 

– 

 Offshore (Greater Changhua 2b & 4, Greater Changhua 1 
& 2a, Borkum Riffgrund 3 and Gode Wind 3, Ocean Wind 1, 
and our US North-ast cluster projects) 
 Onshore (Eleven Mile, Mockingbird, and projects from our 
substantiated pipeline in both the US and Europe) 
 timing effects between years (lower level in 2022,  
postponed to 2023).

Uncertainties, prices, and hedges
Our offshore wind farms are largely subject to regulated  
prices, implying a high degree of revenue certainty. This 
means that we know the price per generated MWh for most 
wind farms in Denmark and Germany, our first Dutch wind 
farm, and the CfD wind farms in the UK. For our British ROC 
wind farms, we also know the subsidy per generated MWh 
which we will receive in addition to the market price.

The part of our generation from offshore and onshore assets 
which is exposed to market prices has, to a large extent, been 
hedged for 2023. The same applies to our currency risks. 
Generation from our CHP plants is partly hedged. On a Group 
level, we hold a hedge level of around 70 % for 2023.

The most significant uncertainty to the operating profit in 
2023 is the power generation, which depends on wind condi-
tions, ramp-up of new wind and solar assets, asset availability, 
timing of possible farm-downs, and the attractiveness of 
spreads on our CHP plants. In addition, high gas and power 
price volatility could impact earnings for the year through 
optimisation possibilities at our gas storage and sourcing con-
tracts as well as higher balancing and intermittency costs.

14

  Forward-looking statements

The annual report contains forward-looking 
statements, which include projections of our 
short- and long-term financial performance 
and targets as well as our financial policies. 

These statements are by nature uncertain 
and associated with risk. Many factors may 
cause the actual development to differ 
materially from our expectations. 

These factors include, but are not limited to, 
changes in temperature, wind conditions, 
wake and blockage effects, precipitation 
levels, the development in power, coal, 
carbon, gas, oil, currency, inflation rates, and 
interest rate markets, changes in  legislation, 
regulations, or standards, the renegotiation 
of contracts, changes in the competitive 
environment in our markets, and reliability 
of supply. 

Read more about the risks in the chapter on 
‘Risks and risk management’ and in note 6.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Financial outlook   |   Financial estimates and policies

Financial estimates  
and policies

Capital Markets Day 2023
On 8 June 2023, we will host a Capital Markets Day (CMD). 
Together with the Group Executive Team, CEO Mads Nipper 
will present a progress update on our long-term strategy.

Financial policies and capital allocation
The Board of Directors will recommend to the annual general 
meeting that a dividend of DKK 13.5 per share be paid for 2022, 
equating an increase of 8.0 % and a total of DKK 5.7 billion.

Supported by the expected increase in cash flows from future 
offshore and onshore assets, we still intend to increase annual 
dividends paid by a high single-digit percentage compared to 
the previous years’ dividends, covering the period up to 2025.

Financial estimates 

Target

Year

Fully loaded unlevered lifecycle spread  
to WACC at the time of bid/FID

Average yearly increase in EBITDA from 
offshore and onshore assets in operation

Average return on capital employed 
(ROCE) 

Average share of EBITDA from long-term 
regulated and contracted activities

150-300 bps

Continuous

~12 % 2020-2027

11-12 % 2020-2027

~90 % 2020-2027

We will continue to invest our capital according to the  
following principles, in order of priority:

Read more about our key metrics, financial targets,  
and policies in the presentation from our Capital Markets  
Day at orsted.com/en/ capital-markets-day-2021

– 

– 

– 

 We will maintain our strong commitment to our credit 
ratings (BBB+/Baa1).
 We will honour our dividend commitment to our  
shareholders.
 We will invest in value-creating growth opportunities.

Authorisation to increase share capital
At the annual general meeting in 2022, we were authorised 
to increase our share capital on one or more occasions until 
April 2027. The authorisation allows for a capital increase 
of up to 20 %, which can significantly expand our capacity 
to invest in green growth beyond the ~50 GW of installed 
renewable capacity towards 2030.

Financial policies

Rating

Capital structure

Dividend policy

Min. Baa1/BBB+/BBB+ (Moody’s/S&P/Fitch)

~25 % (FFO/adjusted net debt)

Ambition to increase the dividend paid by  
a high single-digit rate compared to the  
previous years’ dividends, covering the 
period through 2025

Our current rating is in accordance with the policy.

Financial estimates
At our Capital Markets Day in June 2021, we presented four 
key financial estimates to support our ambitious self-funded 
build-out of approx. 50 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. 
The financial estimates cover (see details in the table to 
the right):

– 
– 

– 
– 

 spread to WACC on investments
 EBITDA CAGR for operating offshore, onshore,  
and P2X assets 
 ROCE
 share of EBITDA from regulated and contracted activities.

As a consequence of supply chain disruptions in the wake 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, cost inflation, and prolonged 
permitting processes, especially in the US, the gross invest-
ments from 2020 to 2027 to enable our 50 GW build-out are 
currently trending higher than the approx. DKK 350 billion 
we had planned for. However, if the inflation and energy price 
levels remain at elevated levels, these factors will positively 
impact our EBITDA CAGR and ROCE in the period and lead to 
an increase in the relative share of EBITDA that is merchant. 
Notwithstanding the higher trending CAPEX, we remain  
committed to our CMD plan. 

15

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Strategy and business

17  Becoming the world’s leading green energy major  
19  Strategic targets 
21  Our journey towards a thriving and sustainable future 
27  The markets where we operate  
30  Business model 
31  Executing our strategy 
38  Risks and risk management

16

Planes taking off from Copenhagen Airport 
could be fuelled by green jet fuel as soon 
as 2025. That is thanks to the decision to 
 accelerate our flagship P2X partnership, 
‘Green Fuels for Denmark’, of which Ørsted 
is a  founding member.

The project aims to establish large-scale 
production of sustainable fuels for the transport 
sector, using electrolysis powered by Ørsted’s 
offshore wind assets along with carbon 
captured from our biomass operations.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Becoming the world’s leading green energy major

Becoming the world’s leading  
green energy major

Vision

Let’s create a world that runs  
entirely on green energy

We are working towards our vision of a world that runs  
entirely on green energy, and we see ourselves as playing  
a leading role in achieving this vision. Therefore, we have set 
a bold strategic aspiration, supported by our strong multi- 
technology growth platform.

Strategic aspiration

In 2021, we set our strategic aspiration to become the world’s 
leading green energy major by 2030. Our strategic aspiration  
is not just about gigawatt capacity. Rather, it means reaching 
leading positions across five pillars.

The first pillar is our aim to be one of the world’s largest green  
electricity producers. This will require us to significantly 
increase our installed renewable energy capacity. Our 
ambition is to reach approx. 50 GW by 2030, which is more 
than three times our current installed capacity of 15.1 GW 
(across offshore wind, onshore wind, solar PV, P2X, energy 
storage, and combined heat and power plants). As part of 
this ambition, we want to maintain our global leadership in 
offshore wind, and we want to be a significant player global-
ly within onshore renewables (which includes onshore wind, 
solar PV, and energy storage). Furthermore, our ambition 
encompasses a leading position in the global P2X market; 
renewable hydrogen and green fuels are central to resolving 
the most challenging elements of the energy transition, de-
carbonising hard-to-electrify sectors. Our renewable energy 

development expertise, customer relationships, and  
proven experience in managing complex projects will be  
a significant advantage in this rapidly evolving market. 

The second pillar relates to capital deployment. Our  
ambition is to be one of the world’s largest and most value- 
creating deployers of capital into the green transformation.  
While offshore wind remains our largest investment area, 
onshore renewables and P2X will gradually take up a 
larger share.

The third pillar is our ambition to be the world’s leading 
talent platform in renewable energy. We want to bring 
together a diverse combination of perspectives and 
competences to help us deliver on our vision. We believe 
that talent is diverse by nature, and it is essential to foster 
an inclusive culture to reap the benefits of a diverse 
 talent pool.

The fourth pillar covers our ambition to be a globally 
recognised sustainability leader. Sustainability is at the 
core of our business. Both because renewable energy 
is crucial for tackling climate change and protecting 
our environment, and because we insist on a renewable 
build-out that is done right. We want to leverage the full 
potential of renewable energy to create lasting positive 
impact that contributes to reviving nature, promoting 
just societies, and creating resilient jobs. We want to do 
so because it is the right thing to do, but also because it 

17

Growth 
platform

Offshore  
wind

Onshore  
wind

Solar
PV

Energy 
storage

Renewable 
P2X

2030 aspiration 

Become the world’s leading  
green energy major

One of the world’s largest green electricity producers

Global no. 1  
in offshore 
wind

Significant player  
in onshore  
renewables

A global leader  
in P2X

One of the world’s largest and most value-creating  
deployers of capital into the green transformation

The world’s leading talent platform in renewable energy

A globally recognised sustainability leader

A core contributor and catalyst for change towards  
a world running entirely on green energy

Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Becoming the world’s leading green energy major

Our growth platform

Europe

Americas

APAC

Global leader

Strong growth  
platform

Identify  
opportunities

New growth  
platform

Identify  
opportunities

e
r
o
h
s
f
f

O

d
n
w

i

e
r
o
h
s
n
O

s
e
l
b
a
w
e
n
e
r

r
e
h
t
O

)

X
2
P

.
l
c
n

i
(

Gross installed capacity 
GW

2030 ambition

30

17.5

~50

> ×3

15.1

2.5

8.9

4.2

2.0

Offshore

Onshore

Other 
(incl. P2X)

2022

Offshore

Onshore

Other 
(incl. P2X)

18

is the right direction for Ørsted to take to create lasting 
value for our stakeholders and business. To build a truly 
resilient business and supply chain, we need to integrate 
sustainable and reliable solutions into everything we do. 
And we need to do it now.

Europe and the Americas. We remain a global leader in 
offshore wind across Europe, the Americas, and APAC.  
We are continuously identifying new opportunities  
with both short- and long-term potential across our 
growth platform. 

Finally, we have set an ambition to be a core contributor 
and catalyst for change towards reaching our vision of a 
world that runs entirely on green energy. 

We want to set new and ambitious standards for what it 
means to be a green energy major, and we want to lead 
by example in the energy industry and beyond. As part 
of this, we will continue to engage with stakeholders and 
decision-makers to build support for and promote action 
towards our vision. 

Ørsted is already working across the industry and playing 
a vital role in finding common ground for decarbonisation, 
for example by linking suppliers and offtakers. 

To help us track our progress, our strategic aspiration is 
supported by eight strategic targets, as described under 
‘Strategic targets’ on the next page. For each target,  
it is also illustrated how the target supports our pillars.

Our work towards our strategic aspiration spans our  
entire business, and we continue to drive forward our 
efforts alongside the progress on our strategic targets.

An expanded and diversified  
growth platform 

To reach our 2030 strategic aspiration, we are expanding 
and globalising our growth platform. Over the last year, 
we have identified new opportunities, and we now have 
a strong growth platform for onshore and P2X in both 

In offshore wind, we have expanded our market presence 
since 2021. We commissioned the world’s largest offshore 
wind farm, Hornsea 2 in the UK, and we are acting to 
expand our market footprint in growth markets, such as 
the Nordics, the Baltics, Spain, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and 
Australia. As part of our expansion, we want to play a sig-
nificant role in enabling the commercialisation of floating 
offshore wind, which we see as an important technology 
for the build-out of renewables in deep water geogra-
phies. In order to reach our 2030 target of 30 GW installed 
offshore capacity, our annual build-out target is 2 GW per 
year towards 2025 and 3 GW per year towards 2030.

In onshore renewables, we have taken significant steps 
over the last year. In the US, we took FID on three new 
projects. With our acquisition of Ostwind (with an attrac-
tive pipeline covering Germany and France) as well as 
multiple new partnerships in Spain, we have built a strong 
growth platform in Europe. We are continuing to identify 
opportunities to further scale our onshore presence and 
build our onshore renewables capacity. In order to reach 
our 2030 target of 17.5 GW installed onshore capacity, 
our annual onshore build-out target is 1.5 GW per year 
towards 2030. 

Our P2X business is the most recent addition to our 
growth platform. We see hydrogen and e-fuels as a key 
component of the green transition and a major growth 
area for our business. We are continuously developing 
and maturing our +3 GW global pipeline of renewable 
hydrogen and e-fuels projects, and in 2022, we took FID 
on FlagshipONE and expanded into North America. 

Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
 
 
 
Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Strategic targets

Strategic  
targets

  Target

2030 aspiration

One of the world’s largest green  
electricity producers

Value-creating deployer of capital

Leading talent platform

A globally recognised sustainability leader

A catalyst for change

19

~50

Other (incl. bio- 
mass and P2X)

90 %

90 %

91 %

99 %

11.3

13.0

15.1

17.5
Onshore  
renewables 

30
Offshore  
wind

17 %

2020

2021

2022

2030

2006

2020

2021

2022

2025

1. Installed green capacity 
GW 

By 2030, our ambition is to have a gross installed renewable 
capacity of approx. 50 GW. By the end of 2022, we had reached 
15.1 GW of global renewable capacity installed, 4.3 GW under 
construction, and 11.2 GW awarded.

2. Green share of generation  
% 

We intend to do everything within our control to meet our target 
of having 99 % green share of generation by 2025. However, our 
intermediate target in 2023 of a 95 % green share cannot be met 
following orders from the Danish authorities to extend operation  
of three of our coal- and oil-fired power stations in order to secure 
the electricity supply in Denmark.

CAGR 
+12 %

CAGR 
-7 %

35-40 bn

16.9 bn

15.0 bn

14.6 bn

16.8 %

14.8 %

11–12 %

8.3 %

2020

2021

2022

2027

2020

2021

2022

2020–2027

3. EBITDA growth from operating  
offshore and onshore assets  
% 

Our target is to increase EBITDA from our offshore and onshore  
assets in operation by an annual average of 12 % between 2020 
and 2027. Between 2020 and 2022, we reached an annual  
average growth of -7 %. The decline in 2022 is temporary.

4. ROCE 
%

Our target is an average annual return on capital employed (ROCE) 
of 11-12 % from 2020 to 2027. In 2022, our ROCE of 16.8 % was 
positively impacted by the 50 % farm-downs of Hornsea 2 and 
Borkum Riffgrund 3.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Strategic targets

2040 net-zero full value chain decarbonisation target
Our science-based net-zero target, which was approved by the Science Based Targets initiative 
(SBTi) in October 2021, consists of two overall GHG reduction targets (5 and 6) and a limit on the 
use of certified carbon-removal projects for neutralising residual emissions.

78 78 73 77 79 74 76 80 74

462

-98 % scope 1-2

322

-99 % scope 1-3

147

2006

2018

2022

<10

<2.9

2040

2025
Science-based 
targets

-90 % gas products

-50 % all scope 3

29.2

25.3

18.2

14.6

11.0

2020 2021

2022

Adjusted 
base year 
2018

<2.4

2032 2040
Science-based 
targets

5. Greenhouse gas emissions intensity  
g CO2e/kWh

6. Greenhouse gas emissions (scope 3) 
million tonnes CO2e

  Scope 1-2 
  Scope 3 

  Natural gas sales 
  Total scope 3 
  Other scope 3 emissions 

Our target is to reduce our scope 1-3 GHG emissions intensity (excl.  
natural gas sales) by 99 % compared to 2018, implying a reduction  
of the emissions intensity to 2.9 g CO2e/kWh by 2040. 

For scope 1-2, we have an additional target to reduce emissions to  
less than 10 g CO2e/kWh by 2025, which will be 98 % lower than in 2006, 
and to less than 1 g CO2e/kWh by the end of 2040. We are committed to 
using certified carbon-removal projects as a means of neutralising  
the residual emissions.

We want to reach a 50 % reduction in scope 3 emissions from 2018 to 2032. 
In addition, we will reduce our scope 3 emissions from wholesale buying and 
selling of natural gas by 90 % by 2040 (also compared to 2018). In 2022, 
we reduced scope 3 emissions beyond our 50 % reduction target for 
2032. This was due to generally lower demand for gas following Russia’s 
invasion of Ukraine and ceased deliveries from our gas sourcing contract 
with Gazprom Export. We expect our scope 3 emissions to increase again 
in 2024 once the Tyra gas field is reopened, and DUC resumes delivery to 
us under our long-term gas sourcing contract.

20

2020

2021

2022

7. Employee satisfaction  
index 0-100

  Ørsted
  Ennova benchmark top 10 %
  Ennova benchmark

Our target on employee satisfaction is to be in 
the top 10 % in external benchmarks. In 2022, 
the overall ‘motivation and satisfaction’ score 
among our employees dropped slightly to 76 
out of 100.

3.6

3.0

3.1

2.5

2020

2021 2022

2025

8. Safety 
TRIR

Our target is to reduce the total recordable 
injury rate (TRIR) to 2.5 in 2025. In 2022,  
our TRIR was 3.1. We continue to strive to 
become a safer place to work.

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Our journey towards a thriving and sustainable future

Our journey towards a thriving  
and sustainable future

Green energy is the most impactful solution for fighting  
global heating, and in our race against time, we need to build 
it now. Yet, we must also build green energy right to ensure 
we deliver a low-emission energy system that contributes to 
a just and thriving planet. At Ørsted, we aspire to run a business 
that gives more to nature and society than it takes, and we  
will continue to partner with companies, customers, NGOs, 
and others who share our aspiration to create lasting  
positive impact.

Build green energy right, now 
A massive acceleration of the renewable energy build-out is the 
single biggest contribution that countries can make towards 
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately tackle the 
dramatic and damaging impacts of global heating. 

Yet, it is increasingly apparent that a simplistic approach 
focusing purely on quick wins and gigawatt numbers will 
unreasonably stress nature, local communities, working 
conditions, and supply chains. This is because the build-out 
requires access to land and sea, which relies heavily on 
coexistence with other users, nature, and local communities. 
It requires materials for construction – some of which are 
scarce or in high demand – and people with the right skills, 
necessitating a larger workforce and reskilling and upskilling 
to meet demand. In other words, focusing only on getting the 
cheapest possible clean power increases the risk of negative 
impacts on nature and society.

Ultimately, the success of the green transition heavily relies 
on how we go about it. The world needs a speedy, scalable,  
and progressive sustainable build-out. One that fully acknow- 
ledges and addresses the impacts that climate change and 
the build-out itself have on nature and societies to create a 
truly sustainable world that runs entirely on green energy. 
We need to build green energy right, now.

Giving up business as usual 
The acceleration of renewable energy has already made 
huge strides. Solar and wind power are already the most af-
fordable options for generating electricity in two thirds of the 
world, and renewables are set to replace coal as the world’s 
leading source of power generation by 2027. But in order to 
stay below the 1.5°C threshold and avoid catastrophic and 
irreversible damage, it is time to give up business as usual. 

Time to give back more than we take
At Ørsted, we aspire to run a business that gives more to 
nature and society than it takes. This requires us to integrate 
solutions to the root causes of some of our biggest societal 
challenges into our green energy projects, ensuring that the 
green transformation creates a lasting positive impact on 
our environment, biodiversity, and social structures. 

Our end goal is to build practices that regenerate nature and 
society. Our actions should contribute to fully decarbonising 
the world’s energy systems – including the more difficult 

21

Cod are top marine predators, making them vital for maintaining  
the marine ecosystem’s delicate balance. We have embarked on 
a number of projects to help protect and restore cod stocks in the 
North Sea and, in turn, improve ocean biodiversity.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Our journey towards a thriving and sustainable future

sectors to decarbonise, like steel, concrete, and shipping 
– while reviving and rewilding our oceans and lands. They 
should identify, prevent, mitigate, and remedy any poten-
tial adverse human rights impacts in our work, promote 
just societies, and build thriving local communities based 
on high-quality jobs and local economic benefits. 

“
We work consistently  
to integrate sustainability 
across all relevant parts 
of our operating model

Our actions to deliver
In the past years, we have focused many of our efforts 
on developing and defining the much-needed medium- 
and long-term targets across our various sustainability 
priorities. In 2022, we launched additional commitments, 
initiatives, and pilots that are needed to move forward 
and solve key challenges. To continue to deliver on our 
strategic aspirations, we have also strengthened our 
efforts to embed sustainability throughout how we do 
business. In practice, this means that we work consistently 
to integrate sustainability across all relevant parts of our 
operating model to ensure we unleash the potential from 
having everyone in Ørsted, our decisions, and our business 
developments, pulling in the same direction towards our  
aspiration. But also to ensure we have a strong organisation, 
fit for the future and able to navigate in the constantly 
evolving regulatory landscape.

We do not have all the answers, but we are committed 
to finding them. And we know that to lift this agenda, 
bold decisions and unprecedented collaborative action 
are required at all levels of society – within and between 
industries, businesses, and countries. 

On the following pages, we unfold this work across our 
four interlinked strategic priority areas: climate, nature, 
people, and governance. To the right, our full portfolio of 
sustainability programmes is presented, spread across the 
four priority areas.

Our aspiration enables us to work on renewable energy 
projects that contribute positively to wide-ranging and 
common sustainability goals with the aim of realising 
shared objectives for our customers, partners, investors, 
and our business. We will therefore continue to partner  
with key stakeholders, including local communities  
and NGOs who share this agenda, to build and launch 
commitments, pilots, and initiatives, scale learnings,  
and successfully deliver long-lasting positive impact.

→

Every year, we identify the sustainability themes that are material  
to our stakeholders and the success of our business. 

We compare the material themes with our capability to address 
impacts and expectations, we develop actions to close gaps, and 
we update our portfolio of sustainability programmes. Learn more 
about our approach, and how we work with each of our sustaina-
bility programmes in our sustainability report for 2022 (orsted.com/
sustainability2022).

22

Our sustainability programmes

Environment 
Science-aligned climate action

1. 

 Decarbonisation of supply chain and natural  
gas wholesales 
 Decarbonisation of energy generation and operations

2. 
3.  Reliable and secure energy infrastructure

Environment 
Green energy that revives nature 

 Energy projects with net-positive biodiversity impact

4. 
5.  Circular resource use
6.  Healthy water systems
7. 

Sustainable use of biomass

Social
A green transformation that works for people 

8.  Thriving communities
9. 
10 
11. 
12. 
13.  Safe and better ways of working

 Skills and talent for the green transformation
 Human rights management and integration
 Responsible sourcing of minerals and metals
 Diverse and inclusive renewable energy sector

Governance
Governance that enables the right decisions

 Embedding sustainability in our operating model

14.  Mobilisation of sustainable finance
15. 
16.  Responsible business partners
17.  Responsible tax practices  
18.  Responsible business conduct

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Our journey towards a thriving and sustainable future

Environment
Science-aligned climate action

With our 2040 net-zero target being validated as aligned 
with climate science in 2021, we have spent 2022 focusing   
on translating our commitment into tangible actions.

energy generation in 2023-2024, until we are allowed to 
completely phase out coal. 

From a leading climate target to action
As the first energy company, Ørsted’s 2040 net-zero target, 
covering our full value chain, was validated as aligned with 
science by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2021. An 
important step to achieving this is our commitment to reduce 
the emissions intensity in our own energy generation and opera-
tions (scope 1-2) by at least 98 % by 2025 compared to 2006. 

With our long-term target in place, we have focused our 
efforts in 2022 on launching the next set of initiatives needed 
to decarbonise our supply chain. Many of our core materials, 
such as steel, concrete, and fuels, face a steep road towards 
full decarbonisation. We do not have all the answers, but to 
get on track for 2040, we need to move now - to pilot and 
lean into innovative solutions.

Plans to meet scienced-based 2025 target unchanged
We had a set-back in 2022, with our absolute scope 1-2  
emissions increasing by 17 %, as we temporarily had to resume 
coal use at our Studstrup Power Station. This was due to  
global scarcity of wood pellets following a ban on imports 
from Russia and a wood pellet fire at Studstrup. Moreover, 
following orders from the Danish authorities to temporarily 
extend operation of three of our coal- and oil-fired power sta-
tions in order to ensure the security of the electricity supply in 
Denmark, we had to delay our 2023 zero-coal target to 2025.

We maintain that coal has no place in the future energy  
system, and our 98 % target for 2025 remains unchanged. 
However, we will not see steep emission reductions from 

23

By 2025, our primary remaining emissions will be from the fuels 
used for offshore wind logistics and the natural gas used at our 
power stations for back-up capacity. We have initiated several 
initiatives to reduce offshore logistics emissions — an area 
where green options are not yet widely available. This includes 
our pioneering agreement with a supplier on investing in the 
world’s first service operation vessel (SOV) that can operate 
entirely on green fuels. This is a big step towards decarbonising 
offshore logistics, and together with our systematic approach 
to fuel saving initiatives, it helps to create critical demand  
signals to the industry to accelerate the green transition.

In addition, we continue to explore ways to further reduce 
emissions from the remaining gas used at our power stations. 

Realising net-zero in 2040
Looking towards 2040, our approach to realise net-zero 
emissions in our value chain is twofold. First, we will gradu-
ally phase out our natural gas sales. Second, we will work to 
decarbonise our renewable energy supply chains, which will 
be the most challenging part of meeting the target. 

We took three important steps in 2022: 
– 

– 

– 

 We expanded the expectation to use 100 % renewable 
electricity by 2025 to all our suppliers — an industry first. 
 We made a new commitment on ‘near-zero’ concrete 
through the First Movers Coalition to procure at least  
10 % ‘near-zero’ concrete by 2030.
 Together with Climate Group, we hosted the inaugural 
SteelZero summit, a crucial step in our promotion of poli-
cies to decarbonise the steel industry.

Together, these commitments are important ways for us to 
operationalise our 2040 target in the short to medium term. 
Based on them, we can learn and test different solutions to-
gether with partners, and we can push the market to develop 
and mature green technologies already now. 

We expect our scope 3 emissions to increase again in 2024 
once the Tyra gas field is reopened, and deliveries under our 
long-term gas sourcing contract with DUC are resumed. We 
remain on track to meet our 2032 target.

To read more about our decarbonisation efforts, including 
how we now use site-specific life cycle assessments to  
report on scope 3 emissions, please see pages 14-17 in our 
sustainability report.

  Taking credible climate action 

On our journey towards net-zero, we face the challenge  
that for many of the low-carbon solutions we urgently need, 
a fully sustainable option does not yet exist or is not com- 
petitive at scale and cost. Navigating these less mature 
areas of sustainability can be difficult for all companies; 
however, not acting is an option we do not have.

We seek to be a catalyst for change and try to tackle the 
challenge by developing clear guidelines and outlining  
sustainability ambition levels for our own approach, which  
we also share with suppliers and partners. In this way,  
we continually work to strengthen our approach, and we 
aim to communicate transparently about it.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Our journey towards a thriving and sustainable future

Environment
Green energy that revives nature 

If built right, renewable energy holds the potential for  
enhancing biodiversity and improving ecosystems. We want  
to do just that, and we are dedicated to delivering projects 
that contribute to reviving our nature. We have set the  
ambition that all our green energy assets will deliver a net- 
positive biodiversity impact from 2030 at the latest. 

Leading a build-out with a net-positive impact  

on biodiversity 
We are facing a global biodiversity crisis with 70 % of the 
world’s wildlife having been lost since 1970. Climate change 
is one of the main reasons, and the two crises are deeply 
interconnected. However, if done right, the green energy 
transition can play a key part in tackling both. To do so,  
we need to start addressing climate and biodiversity goals 
together. That is why we set our net-positive biodiversity 
ambition in 2021, stating that with every asset we build,  
we want to leave the surrounding ecosystems and wildlife  
in a better condition than it was before. 

Moving towards net-positive
Since setting our target, we have worked hard to progress.  
In 2022, we took several exciting steps to move us from  
ambition to action:

– 

– 

 We have strengthened our dedicated biodiversity pro-
gramme. We have onboarded full-time regional bio- 
diversity leads and taken the first steps to introducing 
net-positive considerations early in our projects. We are 
also integrating our Onshore business to the programme, 
and as a first exciting initiative, we will protect almost 
1,000 acres of native prairie as part of our Mockingbird Solar 
Center in the US together with The Nature Conservancy.

 We continued to develop and pilot innovative biodiversity 
projects. We do so to gain experience and learn from our 
successes and failures with the aim of scaling successful 
solutions. These include our 3D-printed reefs at the Danish  
offshore wind farm Anholt (read more here), restoring  
biodiversity in the UK’s Humber estuary (read more here),  
and our ReCoral project in Taiwan (read more here). 

Measuring our impact
A key challenge we face today is that no clear frameworks  
exist for measuring and reporting on biodiversity impacts 
across both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This is  
challenging not only when we wish to measure our own  
impact, but also for ensuring global alignment on how  
companies act and report. 

– 

 We launched an innovative five-year global partnership 
with WWF. In this partnership, we want to set a new 
standard for biodiversity protection and restoration in  
offshore wind development by showing what can be 
done. Jointly, we will identify, develop, and advocate  
initiatives and approaches that can enhance ocean bio- 
diversity. Read more here.

To succeed, close collaboration is needed. We support 
framework developers like the Science Based Targets 
Network (SBTN) and work with them to develop an industry 
standard for measuring biodiversity impacts at a corporate 
level. In the meantime, we are also developing our own 
framework so that we can already now begin to align on 
how we measure and report on biodiversity.

 Mitigating impacts through 
a circular economy 

Raw materials are being extracted, produced, and used  
at a pace and scale that is damaging to our nature.  
Transitioning to a circular economy — through which  
we can reduce waste, circulate materials, and regenerate 
nature — can play a key role in tackling this. 

We are currently building a strategic approach to circu- 
larity across our entire value chain. We do so with the 
aim of reducing our use of raw materials, increasing asset 
lifespan, and reusing and recycling materials. In 2022,  
we adopted a commitment to reuse or recycle all solar 
PV modules from our Region Americas’ solar farms.  
We also built a circularity roadmap for our monopile  
foundations to reduce their environmental footprint, 
including the use of scrap steel. Read more in the  
sustainability report, page 22. 

 Supporting the transition towards  
a water-secure world 

Pressure on global water systems and clean freshwater 
supplies is increasing. Therefore, in 2022, we developed  
a programme on water to ensure that our continued 
build-out supports the transition to a water-secure world 
with sufficient and clean supplies. 

This includes our target to reduce our total freshwater 
withdrawal intensity measured in l/kWh by 40 % from 
2021 to 2025. We also work systematically to identify 
opportunities to reduce or substitute our freshwater use. 
For our P2X pipeline, we have established guiding water 
principles that restrict the use of freshwater resources  
in areas with elevated levels of water stress, instead  
prioritising the use of alternative sources. Read more in 
the sustainability report, page 24. 

24

Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Our journey towards a thriving and sustainable future

Social
A green transformation that 
works for people

We are committed to drive a just transition to a green  
economy. The challenge is to translate this commitment  
into concrete action. How do we deliver a rapid build-out  
of renewable energy that leaves no one behind? 

Delivering a just transition
To succeed with our renewable energy ambitions, we must 
drive a build-out that works for people. A build-out that is 
just. This means going beyond ensuring that workers from 
declining industries are brought into the green economy.  
It demands that we respect fundamental human and labour 
rights, promote a diverse and inclusive sector, take active 
part in developing skills and talent, and support thriving 
communities where we construct and operate assets. 

Just transition is about people in our …

company

supply  
chain

local  
communities

energy  
industry

wider  
society

Narrow,  
more control

Impact scale

Wide,  
less control

to build on this experience and define the actions necessary 
for us to keep contributing to a just transition.

Social programmes

Objective

We are strengthening our social sustainability programmes
In 2022, we defined six social sustainability programmes that 
are essential for delivering a just transition, see table to the 
right. Some were already familiar to us. Thus, we have built 
solid practices regarding e.g. safety for years. For others, 
however, we recognise that we have more work to do. Over the 
next two years, we will strengthen each programme with long-
term targets and detailed roadmaps. Here, we outline how we 
will work with two of the prioritised areas. To read more about 
each programme, see our sustainability report pages 26-34.

Respecting human rights wherever we operate
In 2022, we published our ‘Global human rights policy’,  
which outlines our commitment and approach to respect  
human rights standards in everything we do. At the core of 
the approach is the integration of human rights due diligence 
in all key business processes. A first step was to perform a 
corporate human rights impact assessment, which identified  
Ørsted’s salient human rights impacts and gaps in our existing  
human rights management system. The findings will inform 
our continuous efforts to strengthen our human rights due 
diligence approach.

Thriving communities

Deliver socio-economic benefits to our local 
communities in a fair and inclusive way

Skills and talent for the 
green transformation

Develop talent inside and outside our company 
to be the future leaders of the green transition

Human rights  
management and 
integration

Ensure that human rights are respected in  
our operations, supply chains, and local 
communities

Responsible sourcing  
of minerals and metals

Ensure that our minerals and metals are 
sourced in a socially responsible way

Diverse and inclusive 
energy sector

Safe and better  
ways of working

Improve diversity, equity, and inclusion  
in our own company and help our suppliers  
do the same

Maintain our strong safety performance and 
foster a working environment that enables our 
employees to live fulfilled lives

and implement initiatives. In doing this, we are building on 
experience across our markets. For example, in Choczewo in 
Poland, we have set up a Community Fund to support local 
sustainable development opportunities. As part of Sunrise 
Wind in New York, we have committed to recruit and train 
workers from marginalised communities. And, at the Port of 
Taichung in Taiwan, we have inaugurated the largest local 
operations and maintenance (O&M) facility in Asia in terms 
of offshore service capacity, supporting the development of 
local jobs and supply chains. 

Going forward, we will define a community impact approach, 
further strengthen our cross-market knowledge sharing,  
start integrating social impact assessments into early project 
planning, and track impact data to evaluate initiatives.

For more than ten years, we have built experience on what  
a just build-out can bring. We have developed renewable  
energy talents in Grimsby, expanded renewable energy  
supply chains in Taiwan, and promoted women- and minority- 
owned businesses in New Jersey. As we globalise our business, 
and our projects impact more and more people, we are keen 

Being a trusted partner to our local communities
We recognise that we have a responsibility to bring economic  
opportunities to the communities where we operate, and 
that thriving and supportive communities are critical for a 
successful build-out. Therefore, in 2022, we began expanding 
our local communities programme to make sure we have 
a robust impact management system in place to shape 

25

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Our journey towards a thriving and sustainable future

Governance 
Governance that enables 
the right decisions

We are embedding sustainability throughout our business 
practice and processes, carrying our commitment to building 
green energy in the right way all the way through our operating  
model to ensure we have a future-fit organisation in an 
evolving regulatory environment.

Delivering on ambitions and mitigating risks
To ensure we continue to deliver on our sustainability  
priorities and to mitigate potential financial and reputational  
risks, we need to continue to strengthen our efforts to system- 
atically integrate sustainability into our operating model and 
key decision-making. This will further unleash the potential 
from having everyone in Ørsted pulling in the same direction 
towards our ambitions. 

Moreover, the reporting and regulatory space is rapidly devel-
oping. Sustainability is migrating from the sidelines and into 
the heart of company reporting. We need to ensure a strong 
organisation, fit for the future, with still more distinct and 
complex sustainability reporting requirements and regulation.

Embedding sustainability into our operating model 
To continuously embed sustainability throughout our operating  
model, we have defined three strategic pillars: i) decision- 
making & accountability, which focus on using sustainability 
criteria as one of the key decision drivers in relevant parts of 
our asset project model, ii) competences & governance, which 
focus on ensuring that we have the right sustainability compe-
tences at the right places in our organisation, and iii) culture & 
leadership, which focus on building behaviour, mindsets, and 
awareness that are driven by sustainability improvements. 

During recent years, we have taken steps to systematically  
 integrate sustainability across our operating model, for 

example through our responsible business partner, conduct, 
and tax practice programmes. 

Following the changes in our short-term incentive (STI) scheme 
for the leadership team in 2022, we have adjusted our STI 
scheme for all participant employees, effective from 2023.  
The new STI supports a stronger link to our 2030 sustainability 
aspirations. We will assess leadership performance through 
a combination of group level KPIs and by inspiring individual 
goals. This approach to set individual sustainability-linked 
goals will be expanded to all eligible Ørsted employees in 
2023. Read more in the sustainability report, page 38. 

We also built sustainability considerations further into  
Offshore and P2X. From 2022, all our new Offshore opera-
tions and maintenance (O&M) facilities will have a LEED  
certification, improving the buildings’ environmental and 
social aspects. In our P2X market development activities,  
we developed an ESG risk assessment framework that 
supports systematic screening for decision-making on new 
market opportunities. To guide us going forward, we have 
defined a roadmap towards 2025 with activities spanning 
across the three pillars.

A transparent, credible, and future-fit organisation 
We have increased our engagement with investors through 
calls and dialogues on our sustainability performance and 
next steps. It has been an enriching experience to dive further 
into expectations from a key stakeholder group.

We continued advocacy efforts in our industry and beyond, 
including efforts to deliver credible climate action. At the UN 
COP27, we called for giving up business as usual and giving way 
to a build-out of renewables that create value through positive 

impacts on biodiversity and local communities. We also took 
part in the formal launch of the Global Offshore Wind Alliance 
(GOWA) where we will continue to play an active role in advising 
governments and share best practice on how to speed up the 
deployment of offshore wind power to more countries across the 
world. We have endorsed the Corporate Knights’ Action Decla-
ration on Climate Policy Engagement to close the say-do gap on 
countries’ emissions reductions, working with policy-makers and 
industry associations to Paris-align climate policy activities. 

Finally, in 2022, we continued to align with EU taxonomy 
KPIs to show that we not only have activities that contribute 
mitigating the effects of climate change, but also performing 
them in a way that respects nature and people.

 We endorse and align with existing  
and upcoming regulation

We are at a pivotal moment in the reporting sphere, which is 
rapidly expanding. We fully welcome this development, which 
will significantly improve data accuracy and transparency 
and place ESG reporting on a par with financial. We endorse 
and align our practices to relevant regulatory requirements 
and standards and welcome the upcoming Corporate Sus-
tainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) from the EU. Across our 
various reports, we show the risks and opportunities climate 
change can have on our business (TCFD), our greenhouse gas 
emissions (GHG Protocol), the extent to which our business 
activities are defined as sustainable according to the EU 
taxonomy, and how we are advancing in respect of the 17 UN 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

We will continue our pro-active participation in various phas-
es of the regulatory process, engaging with peers, industry 
groups, and regulators to help shape the legislation.

26

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Management’s review Strategy and business   |   The markets where we operate

The markets where we operate 

The future energy system and  
the shift in customer landscape

We operate across multiple adjacent markets that all have  
substantial growth potential in the coming years and offer  
attractive opportunities for us to expand our market presence.

Given recent geopolitical developments and the actions 
and targets set by governments to limit global climate 
change, we expect that the transformation of the global 
energy system will accelerate in the years to come. This 
will bring us significant growth opportunities across all 
our business areas.

cross-national renewable hybrid transmission infrastruc-
tures and energy islands, which will be linked to several 
markets. Such new types of transmission infrastructure will 
enable significant cost savings and a more efficient use of 
the energy produced by balancing intermittent electricity 
generation with demand across two or more markets.

In the past year, Russia’s propensity to use energy for  
geopolitical leverage has underscored how dependence 
on fossil fuels cannot deliver the security of supply Europe 
needs. As a result of Russia’s decision to limit gas flows to 
Europe, many countries have decided to continue to use 
or reinstate fossil energy sources that negatively affect 
our climate. The solutions to the objectives of reducing 
our energy dependence and mitigating climate change 
are the same: replace fossil fuels with renewables,  directly 
and indirectly electrify energy use, and use energy as 
efficiently as possible.

To decarbonise the global energy system and to increase 
our energy independence, a large-scale renewable build-
out is needed. We believe this build-out will be based on 
increasingly larger renewable energy projects, which will 
require a significant scale-up of the transmission infrastruc-
ture, both onshore and offshore. To support the significant 
build-out of offshore wind, we expect to see new types of 

In addition to widespread green electrification, an important  
driver of global decarbonisation will be P2X. Renewable 
hydrogen will become the main decarbonisation vector 
for heavy industry, long distance transportation, and other  
hard-to-electrify sectors such as steel, refineries, and  
chemicals. When renewable hydrogen is processed further  
into e-fuels, it is expected to be the key instrument in 
decarbonising heavy transport, such as deep-sea shipping 
and aviation. The scale-up of P2X is expected to spark the 
development of entirely new industries and value chains, 
with companies from various offtake sectors engaging in 
strategic partnerships with renewable energy developers. 
This trend, too, will generate significant market oppor-
tunities for us, both in the P2X value chains and in the 
associated required build-out of renewable energy.

By 2050, it is expected that nearly 90 % of global electricity 
generation will come from renewables, with almost 70 % 
from wind and solar PV alone (IEA). 

27

New customer  
landscape

Integrated smart 
energy systems

P2X

Cross-national projects  
and energy islands

Massive  
renewable  
build-out

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   The markets where we operate

Global renewable market forecasts  
towards 2030

Installed capacity excl. Mainland China 
GW

  Europe 

  US 

  APAC 

  Rest of the world

~3,840

~169

15 % CAGR

~1,120

23 % CAGR

~27

2021

2030

2021

2030

Offshore wind

Onshore renewables

Renewable H2 & green fuels
Installed electrolyser capacity 
GW

Actual

2030 targets  
& forecasts

+120

+100

+90

+70

<1

Installed 
today

Country 
targets

H2 
Council

IRENA

EU H2 
strategy1

28

This will require a smart and highly digitalised energy system 
that can integrate and balance multiple renewable generation 
sources as well as P2X and energy storage solutions. Digital 
technologies will play a critical role in optimising energy pro-
duction to meet real-time needs across offtake segments. 

The future customer landscape is also expected to change. 
Companies are increasingly setting ambitious decarbonisa-
tion targets, seeking green solutions directly from energy 
providers and becoming key drivers of green energy demand 
alongside governments. An increased corporate demand is 
contributing to the development of multi-product renewable  
solutions, combining corporate purchasing of green electrons  
from a variety of technologies with more sophisticated 
storage solutions to enable different offtake profiles. In 
addition, strategically advanced shipping companies such 
as A.P. Moller - Maersk are leading the development of P2X 
assets, acting ahead of anticipated EU decarbonisation obli-
gations, to execute direct long-term offtake agreements for 
e-methanol, which is accelerating the P2X build-out.

Substantial market growth 

The global renewable energy market is forecast to grow 
exponentially towards 2030. This is partly due to the rising 
political momentum behind the green energy transition, 
which is resulting in ambitious new renewable energy build-
out plans around the world. 

←

1  Electrolyser capacity based on REPowerEU target of  
10 million tonnes of domestic renewable hydrogen production 
and 10 million tonnes of imports by 2030. 

Source: BNEF New Energy Outlook 2022 for Onshore, Solar PV 
and Batteries; BNEF Offshore Wind Market Outlook H2 2022 
for Offshore; H2 Council; EU; IRENA; BNEF Global Hydrogen 
Strategy Tracker 2022.

Some of our core markets are at the forefront of this 
development, with multiple countries and regions an-
nouncing considerably accelerated ambitions. In addition, 
renewables have become more cost-efficient compared 
to fossil energy sources, and renewables can play a key 
role in securing energy supply.

The global renewables capacity (offshore wind, onshore 
wind, solar PV, and energy storage), excluding Mainland 
China, is expected to increase by a combined average 
growth rate (CAGR) of 15 % to around 4,000 GW in 2030. 
Offshore wind is expected to show the fastest growth 
(23 % CAGR), partly driven by significant build-out of  
offshore wind in the US and APAC, though Europe will 
remain the largest region by far.

Onshore renewables (wind, solar PV, and energy storage) 
are more established and have the highest installed 
capacity. Within onshore renewables, forecasts show a 
CAGR of approx. 15 % towards 2030. Again, this is driven 
particularly by the US and APAC, but Europe is expected 
to maintain its position as the biggest onshore region.

Global targets for P2X now exceed 70 GW of installed 
electrolyser capacity by 2030. Delivering on these will 
require a very significant global ramp-up from developers, 
offtakers, and the supply chain since installed electrolyser 
capacity globally at present is less than 500 MW. The  
development of infrastructure investment, in particular 
pipelines, will be an essential element for facilitating this  
expansion, particularly for transporting renewable hydrogen  
within Europe. These are in planning stages and expected 
to be constructed in the second half of the decade.

The growing role of multi-technology projects
With governments around the world raising their  
ambitions and targets for renewable energy build-out, 
there is an ever-growing need for integrating multiple 
renewable energy technologies. 

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   The markets where we operate

As offshore wind has been commoditised and has become 
cost-competitive to fossil energy sources, governments 
are now moving away from competition on lowest re-
quired subsidy and towards competition on either 1) pure 
concession payment or 2) a combination of concession 
payment and other value elements (sustainability, local 
content, ability to deliver, etc.). Competition based only on 
the highest concession payment incentivises developers  
to narrowly focus on how to drive further aggressive cost 
reductions of the offshore wind technology. This puts  
additional pressure on the supply chain and leaves no 
room to invest in project-specific solutions that otherwise 
could have created a positive impact on biodiversity, 
advanced social sustainability, and stimulated innovation 
and system integration.

In 2022, some regulators proposed energy price caps or 
windfall taxes to protect business and consumers against 
increasing energy bills. In the EU, a price cap of EUR 180 
per MWh was proposed, and the UK implemented a 45 % 
windfall tax on power utility profits above GBP 75 per 
MWh from January 2023. 

In our ‘Need for speed’ white paper published in April 2022, 
we outlined the urgency of speeding up regulatory pro-
cesses and tenders to meet the ambitious decarbonisation 
and renewable build-out targets set by governments  
around the world. We believe this is crucial to ensuring 
sufficient renewable energy build-out to secure Europe’s 
energy supply and help keep the global temperature 
increase below 1.5 °C by 2100.

Large-scale renewable energy build-out will require multi-
ple sources and forms of green energy in order to balance 
demand and supply and to mitigate the constraints of 
energy infrastructure (such as transmission grids). 

One way of integrating renewable energy technologies  
is by developing energy islands, which we believe will  
play a significant role in future energy systems. How- 
ever, we also see a role for multi-technology energy  
hubs in various other forms, with the potential to combine 
(among others) wind energy, solar PV, P2X, carbon  
capture, and energy storage.

Ørsted is positioned ideally to develop multi-technology 
projects and cater for the growing customer demand. 

Our capabilities and experience span offshore wind,  
onshore wind, solar PV, energy storage, P2X, and combined 
heat and power plants. On top of this, our existing assets 
(both operational and under development) provide a 
strong position from which to integrate additional renew-
able energy technologies. With our recent reorganisation, 
structuring our business areas into a regionally organised 
set-up, we are even better placed to integrate our work 
across technologies. A multi-technology platform will 
help us optimise energy systems, drive cost reductions, 
and realise portfolio synergies.

Main industry challenges to solve in the coming years
Although we expect a significant build-out of renewable 
energy in the coming years, the renewables industry is 
presently facing several challenges. With rising inflation  
and interest rates and with global supply chain challenges 
(such as bottlenecks and scarcity of green materials), 
increased pressure is placed on developers and manu- 
facturers alike. 

29

Increasing political momentum  
Governments are raising renewable energy ambitions

Policies & legislation
New targets & initiatives in 2022

To be achieved by

REPowerEU
45 % renewable energy 
Increased renewables investments

Esbjerg declaration (North Sea)
65 GW installed offshore wind capacity
20 GW renewable hydrogen production capacity
150 GW installed offshore wind capacity

Marienborg declaration (Baltic Sea)
19.6 GW installed offshore wind capacity
Pursuing faster permitting processes

Inflation Reduction Act
Tax credits to incentivise investment in renewable 
energy, P2X, and energy storage in the US

British Energy Security Strategy
Up to 50 GW installed offshore wind capacity 

Powering Australia
82 % renewable energy

Selected targets & initiatives in previous years

OFW capacity build-out target
20 GW installed offshore wind capacity

Green New Deal
12 GW installed offshore wind capacity

OFW capacity build-out target
30 GW installed offshore wind capacity 

2030

2030
2030
2050

2030

2030

2030

2035

2030

2030

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Business model

Business model  
Our core activities

We create value by developing, constructing,  
operating, and owning renewable assets and by  
providing energy products to our customers.

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Secure our pipeline  
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Manage and optimise  
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30

Key resources 
Financial capital — natural and human resources  
innovation culture — relational capital

Value created
Society — customers 
employees — shareholders

Partnerships

Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Executing our strategy

Executing  
our strategy

To reach our strategic aspiration of becoming the  
world’s leading green energy major, we are continually  
seeking to expand our growth, create value, and seize  
new opportunities. 

Across our business, we are making bold and strategic  
choices to deliver results, both in the short and the long 
term, and we have made considerable strategic progress 
during 2022. In the following sections, we have outlined 
some of our concrete achievements in the past year for  
each of our business areas.

→ 

Colleagues at Gode Wind, Germany.

31

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Executing our strategy

Offshore wind

Our Offshore business reached significant milestones 
during 2022. We were awarded a new project in Europe, 
corresponding to a fifth of the total awarded offshore 
capacity in 2022 (excluding seabed lease auctions), took 
final investment decision (FID) on a development project 
in the US, commissioned the world’s largest operational 
offshore wind farm, and advanced the construction of our 
other projects, including generation of first power from 
Greater Changhua 1 & 2a. We also successfully farmed 
down two of our projects in accordance with our farm-
down strategy.

We remain the world leader in offshore wind, having 
developed around a third of the global capacity installed, 
excluding Mainland China. We have played a key role in 
maturing the industry and have built more offshore wind 
farms worldwide than any other company. By the end  
of 2022, we had 8.9 GW of capacity installed, 2.2 GW 
of capacity under construction, and further 11.2 GW of 
capacity awarded resulting in a firm capacity of 22.2 GW. 
This aligns with our annual build-out targets to reach  
30 GW installed capacity by 2030. 

The additional 7.8 GW needed will be based on our substan- 
tiated pipeline of around 16 GW and our opportunity pipeline  
of around 57 GW. The oversized opportunity pipeline provides  
us with the flexibility we need to select only projects that are 
truly value-creating.

Strategic progress and expansion of our portfolio
During 2022, we commissioned our Hornsea 2 project in  
the UK, now being the largest operational offshore wind farm  
in the world, and we were awarded the Hornsea 3 project, with 
an expected commissioning in 2027, if FID’ed. If Hornsea 3  
is built, the Hornsea zone, including Hornsea 1, 2, and 3,  
will have a total capacity of more than 5 GW, making it  
the world’s largest offshore wind zone and providing power 
to approx. five million homes in the UK.

In Denmark, we formed a new partnership with Copenhagen 
Infrastructure Partners to develop up to 5.2 GW of offshore 
wind across four projects. The partnership aims to accelerate 
the green transformation, create value in the offshore wind 
industry, and create a Danish business and export stronghold 
within P2X.

1  Projects that have reached a level of maturity, such as secured  
exclusivity through a lease, secured consent or environmental  
impact assessment (EIA), or established partnerships, but not yet 
taken final investment decision (FID).

2  Refers to early-stage projects which we are actively pursuing 
through tenders.

3  Refers to the combination of capacity installed or under  
construction which we have contracted or have been awarded.

32

In the Americas, we took FID on our 130 MW US project 
South Fork Wind, which is part of the Northeast Programme 
with a total contracted capacity of 1.8 GW. The project has 
started offshore construction and is expected to be opera-
tional in 2023. In our Ocean Wind 1 project, we continued to 
mature the project boundary conditions and secured key 
supply chain contracts. The Bureau of Ocean and Energy 
Management (BOEM) published the project draft environ-
mental impact statement in June 2022, a major milestone in 
the federal permitting process. In January 2023, we signed 
an agreement to purchase PSEG’s 25 % equity stake in the 
project. The transaction is expected to close in H1 2023.

Offshore wind build-out plan
Gross renewable capacity

30 GW
2030 ambition

11.1 GW
Installed capacity  
+ decided capacity

57 GW 
Opportunity pipeline2 

16 GW 
Substantiated pipeline1 

22.2 GW
Installed capacity + decided  
+ awarded = firm capacity3

Greater Changhua  
2b & 4 

920 MW

Skipjack 

966 MW

Baltica 3 

1,045 MW

Ocean Wind 1 

1,100 MW

Ocean Wind 2 

1,148 MW

Baltica 2 

1,498 MW

US North-East  
cluster  

1,628 MW

Hornsea 3 

2,852 MW

South Fork 

130 MW

Greater Changhua 1 & 2a 

900 MW

8.9 GW
Installed capacity

German portfolio 

1,166 MW

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Executing our strategy

Installation of blades at Hornsea 2, the UK.

33

We have also signed an agreement that sets up a partner- 
ship with Repsol, a global multi-energy company, to explore  
the joint development of floating offshore wind in Spain.  
The agreement marks our next step into floating offshore wind. 
Due to the country’s deep waters, this will allow Spain to  
unlock the potential of its extensive coastline and transform 
Spain into a European floating offshore wind hub. With Ørsted’s 
three decades of experience in global offshore wind and  
Repsol’s insights into the local market conditions, we are 
strongly positioned to support Spain’s continued energy  
transition.

Growing our usage of e-methanol
As part of our continued efforts to decarbonise, we signed  
a ten-year lease in 2022 for the world’s first green fuel  
vessel for offshore operations. Esvagt, a market leader in 
service and support for offshore wind, will deliver the service 
operation vessel (SOV), which will be powered by batteries 
and dual-fuel engines, capable of sailing on e-methanol  
produced from wind energy and biogenic carbon, which will 
lead to an annual carbon emissions reduction of approx. 
4,500 tonnes. 

In Asia Pacific, our first large-scale wind farm Greater  
Changhua 1 & 2a (0.9 GW) generated first power in April.  
The project is moving forward, and we expect COD to be in  
H2 2023. Additionally, we expect FID on Greater Changhua  
2b & 4 (0.9 GW) in Taiwan during 2023, with expected  
commissioning in 2025.

Farm-downs to free up capital for future projects
Farm-down agreements continue to be strategically  
important for Ørsted as an essential part of our efforts  
to raise capital for accelerating new renewable energy  
projects across our markets. During 2022, we completed  
the divestments of two major assets. The agreement to  
farm down 50 % of the 0.9 GW Borkum Riffgrund 3 project  
in Germany to Glenmont Partners, one of Europe’s largest 
fund managers exclusively investing in clean energy infra-
structure, was completed in February. The farm-down of 
Hornsea 2 in the UK was completed in September, following  
the commissioning of the 1.3 GW wind farm. The 50 % divest-
ment to a consortium comprising AXA IM Alts and Credit 
Agricole Assurances was one of the largest renewable energy 
M&A transactions ever. Both transactions secured a NPV 
retention of around 100 %.

Further expansion into floating offshore wind
Floating offshore wind is a rapidly maturing technology with 
an enormous potential for expanding offshore wind genera-
tion in existing markets and deploying offshore wind in new 
geographies. We are partnering with the offshore project 
developer Simply Blue Group and Subsea 7 on the 100 MW 
floating project Salamander in Scotland. The project will be 
developed in a joint venture, with Ørsted owning 80 %, and is 
located off the east coast of Scotland. 

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Executing our strategy

Onshore renewables

Onshore wind build-out plan
Gross renewable capacity

The contracts for both projects have upside sharing 
structures on the power price. These structures reduce 
downside risks and allows for the capture of additional 
revenue compared to traditional PPAs.

17.5 GW
2030 ambition

Our Onshore business made significant strategic progress 
in 2022. We took a major step to expand our geographic 
footprint through the acquisition of Ostwind in Europe and 
strengthened our market positions in the Americas and in  
Europe by commissioning assets under construction and 
taking FIDs. In total, we added 825 MW of capacity to our 
operating portfolio by commissioning three projects and 
acquiring a German and French platform and an operational 
wind farm in the US.

By the end of 2022, we had 4.2 GW of capacity installed  
and 2.1 GW of capacity under construction. To reach our  
ambition of 17.5 GW installed onshore capacity by 2030,  
we will need to add an additional 11.2 GW to our firm  
capacity of 6.3 GW. The additional capacity will be based 
on our substantiated pipeline of around 12.6 GW and other 
opportunities that may arise.

Strategic progress and expansion of our onshore portfolio
In the US, we commissioned Haystack in Nebraska (298 MW  
wind), and the wind phase of Helena Energy Center in Texas 
(268 MW wind). Both projects qualify for 100 % of the pro- 
duction tax credit. Most of the production from Haystack is  
contracted under long-term power purchase agreements 
with Pepsi, Hormel, and Target, while the wind phase of  
Helena Energy Center is contracted with Henkel. 

1  Projects that have reached a level of maturity, such as secured 
exclusivity through a lease, secured consent or environmental 
impact assessment (EIA), or established partnerships, but not yet 
taken final investment decision (FID).

2  Refers to the combination of capacity installed or under con-
struction which we have contracted or have been awarded.

34

In addition to commissioning our own assets, we finalised 
the acquisition of Ford Ridge, a 121 MW operational wind 
farm in Illinois. This is our second project in the Midconti-
nental Independent System Operator (MISO) area, which 
is an attractive market and one of the largest in the US. 
The project is eligible for 100 % of production tax credits, 
and its production is contracted under long-term PPAs 
with Mars and its suppliers.

We took FID on three US projects. The first, Sunflower,  
is a 201 MW wind project in Kansas, which we acquired as 
an early-stage development project together with Lincoln 
Land in 2021. The project was matured and significant-
ly advanced towards final investment decision in April 
2022. The project is eligible for 100 % of the production 
tax credit and is on track to reach commercial operation 
before the end of 2023. The second, Mockingbird, is a  
471 MWAC solar PV project in Texas, which we expect will 
be the first solar project in our portfolio to qualify for 
100 % of the production tax credit, as this scheme was 
recently expanded by the US Inflation Reduction Act to 
include solar PV projects. The third, Eleven Mile, is a com-
bined solar PV (300 MWAC) and storage (300 MW) project 
in Arizona. Both Mockingbird and Eleven Mile are expect-
ed to reach commercial operation before the end of 2024.

In addition, we are constructing Old 300 and the solar 
phase of Helena Energy Center. Both are US projects and 
have been subject to delays due to the Uyghur Forced 

12.6 GW 
Substantiated pipeline1 
6.3 GW
Installed capacity + decided  
+ awarded = firm capacity2

Ballinrea 

65 MW

16 MW

29 MW

75 MW

201 MW

250 MW

6.2 GW
Installed capacity  
+ decided capacity

Ballykeel 

Lisheen 3 

Ostwind 

Sunflower Wind 

Sparta Solar 

Old 300 

430 MW

Mockingbird 

471 MW

4.2 GW
Installed capacity

Eleven Mile 

600 MW

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Executing our strategy

Amazon Wind Farm, Scurry County, Texas, the US.

35

Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and related legislation, 
resulting in detainment of module shipments while trace-
ability documentation is collated. During 2022, however, 
we installed around 78 % of project capacity at Old 300 
with modules already cleared and delivered to the site. 
The remaining modules are expected to be delivered  
during 2023, and we expect full commercial operation  
before the end of 2023. For the solar phase of Helena 
Energy Center, we are also planning for commercial  
operation before the end of 2023. 

Farm-downs to free up capital for future projects
In October, we closed a transaction with ECP to divest  
50 % of our ownership interest in a US project portfolio  
consisting of Plum Creek, Willow Creek, Lincoln Land, and 
Muscle Shoals. The four projects all have tax equity partners, 
who will remain partners following the divestment. The 
farm-down is a first for the Onshore business and entailed  
a NPV retention of around 100 %. We expect to continue  
to leverage farm-downs to help raise capital to fund new 
value-creating growth.

We expanded our footprint across Europe, entering multi- 
ple new markets. In September, we closed the acquisition 
of Ostwind and added 152 MW wind and solar capacity 
in operation and under construction and 526 MW of 
advanced development projects to our portfolio. The 
acquisition marked our entry into the German and French 
onshore markets. In 2022, we took FID on three German 
and French wind farms with a total capacity of 68 MW. 
Following Ørsted’s acquisition of Ostwind, Caisse des 
Dépôts et Consignations, a co-investor in parts of Ostwind’s 
operating portfolio in France, decided to exercise an  
option to acquire Ostwind’s shares (totalling 87 MW)  
of the projects that Ostwind and Caisse des Dépôts et  
Consignations co-owned. 

During 2022, we commissioned Kennoxhead 1, a 62 MW 
wind farm in Scotland, the UK. In Spain, we entered into 
four partnerships to pursue early-stage solar and onshore 
wind projects.

Growing our corporate customer portfolio
During 2022, we announced offtake contracts with seven 
companies globally. The majority of the PPAs signed in the 
US was for projects we either commissioned during the year 
or are planning to bring online during 2023.

At the end of 2022, a significant part of the energy generation  
from our asset portfolio of onshore wind and solar projects 
across the US and Europe, including the UK, were contracted 
with external counterparties with an average duration of 
12 years. The contracted share for most individual projects 
ranges from 65 % to 100 % and is dependent on the market, 
project risk profile, attractiveness of the contract terms, and 
the risk-reduction potential.

Most of our PPA counterparts are strategic customers whose 
businesses span geographies and technologies. In this sense, 
our diverse Onshore asset platform is commercially attrac-
tive and positions us as a trusted partner for companies 
seeking to offtake green energy solutions.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Executing our strategy

P2X

Renewable hydrogen and e-fuels are critically important in 
the quest to decarbonise the global economy and to create 
a world running entirely on green energy. They are the most 
promising routes to decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors, 
such as heavy road transport, deep-sea shipping, aviation, 
and the chemical industry. We have ambitious plans for 
accelerating development of renewable hydrogen produc-
tion and e-fuels, and we made noteworthy progress across 
several projects during 2022.

for maturing the European and global P2X industry to being 
a genuine alternative to imported fossil fuels. The Danish 
government has subsequently awarded DKK 600 million in 
funding towards realising the first phases of ‘Green Fuels  
for Denmark’, developing electrolysis capacities of 10 MW, 
100 MW, and 300 MW, respectively. Once it is fully developed,  
the project aims to reach a total installed electrolyser capac-
ity of 1.3 GW for producing green fuels for shipping, aviation, 
and heavy road transport.

Strategic progress and expansion of our P2X portfolio
In December, we took FID on the FlagshipONE project,  
a late-stage development project in Northern Sweden.  
We expect to commission it in 2025. The facility comprises  
a 70 MW electrolyser and is expected to deliver 50,000 
tonnes of e-methanol from the renewable hydrogen  
synthesised with biogenic carbon derived from the host  
CHP plant. Once completed in 2025, this is expected to be  
the largest e-methanol facility in Europe and will catalyse  
the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.

Another valuable step in 2022 for our ‘Green Fuels for Denmark’  
project was that we signed a letter of intent with the Danish 
district heating transmission companies. The agreement is to 
utilise surplus heat from carbon capture and P2X at Avedøre 
Power Station for district heating purposes. Avedøre Power 
Station has been designated to capture and deliver part of 
the carbon for the first phases of ‘Green Fuels for Denmark’. 
In addition, the power station is also expected to supply 
carbon for storage and serve as a hub for other actors with 
carbon emissions in the Greater Copenhagen area.

During the past year, we expanded our P2X geographical  
footprint to the US by agreeing on a landmark fuel supply  
concept with A.P. Moller - Maersk to deliver 300,000 tonnes  
of e-methanol to supply Maersk’s newly ordered e-methanol  
vessels. The facility will comprise a 675 MW electrolyser 
located on the US Gulf Coast, powered by approx. 1.2 GW of 
dedicated renewable energy from onshore wind and solar PV.

Our ‘Green Fuels for Denmark’ project reached an impor-
tant milestone in 2022, as it was identified as an ‘Important 
Project of Common European Interest’ (IPCEI). IPCEI projects 
contribute to sustainable economic growth, job creation, and 
the competitiveness of the EU economy and are key enablers 

We continue to work closely with Green Hydrogen Systems, 
the electrolyser supplier, on their rectification of equipment 
shortcomings to finalise the execution phase of our 2 MW 
H2RES pilot project at Avedøre Power Station funded by the 
Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration  
Program (EUDP). The ongoing delay to first hydrogen, expect-
ed in H2 2023, is an important reminder that although the 
P2X industry has a lot of potential, there are also significant 
challenges in scaling up equipment manufacturing and 
 maturing the suppliers to meet society’s demands. Given 
our experience in doing this within offshore wind, we con-
sider that this plays to our strengths, and we are extracting 
 valuable learnings from this early project.

36

Lastly, we have continued to mature the rest of our port-
folio of P2X projects. Notably, our Haddock Project in the 
Netherlands has been selected as one of the recipients of 
funding in the Dutch government’s IPCEI tender, and Lingen 
Green Hydrogen Project in Germany has been shortlisted as 
an IPCEI project.

Our hydrogen test facility at Avedøre Power Station,  
Copenhagen, Denmark.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Executing our strategy

CHP plants and long-term  
gas contracts

During 2022, we harvested the benefits of having a broad 
portfolio of generation assets. Our combined heat and 
power (CHP) plants not only filled the gap in production from 
renewable generation, but also benefitted from high power 
prices and attractive spreads. 

In October, the Danish authorities ordered us to continue 
operation of Esbjerg Power Station beyond Q1 2023 and to 
resume operations of a coal-fuelled unit at the Studstrup 
Power Station and an oil-fuelled unit at Kyndby to ensure the 
security of electricity supply in Denmark. The order applies 
until 30 June 2024. 

To help secure the Danish gas supply for the 2022/2023 
winter period, we took all possible measures to inject gas 
into Danish gas storages under our capacity contracts during 
the summer period. We also entered into a gas agreement 
with Equinor under which Equinor will supply 8 TWh of 
Norwegian gas to Denmark via Baltic Pipe from 1 January 
2023 until April 2024, covering the period when the Tyra field 
is not supplying gas to Denmark. The agreement strengthens 
the security of supply in Denmark and will be supplementing 
our purchase of biogas and gas from the South Arne field. 
Together, these offtake agreements will more than cover  
the consumption of our Danish and Swedish B2B customers.

Gazprom Export suspended its deliveries under the sourcing  
contract from 1 June 2022. The contract with Gazprom 
Export has subsequently been terminated pursuant to the 
provisions in the contract due to long-term force majeure on 
the part of Gazprom Export. 

37

We initiated a process for identifying the right owner of our 
Renescience business, including our waste treatment facility 
in Northwich in the UK. The Renescience technology has 
great potential to help solve the increasing global waste 
challenge, and Ørsted has been a successful incubator for 
the technology. However, waste treatment is no longer part 
of our business model and strategic focus.

Studstrup Power Station, Studstrup, Denmark.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Risks and risk management

Risks and risk management

Top 6 business risks
Effect on our value and credit metric

Risks are a natural and integral part of our business activities, 
and our risk profile changes continuously. We aim to mitigate 
our risks and reduce them to an acceptable level through  
risk management.

The purpose of our risk management is to identify and quan-
tify our risks and decide how best to manage and mitigate 
them. We assess the extent to which individual risks are 
acceptable or perhaps even desirable as well as the extent 
to which these risks can be reduced to ensure an optimum 
balance between risk and return. Besides business risks (incl. 
financial risks), we are exposed to risks in connection with 
legal compliance, climate change, ESG, and sustainability, 
both at a strategic and operational level. 

A large part of our earnings is generated from offshore wind, 
with the UK and Continental Europe being the key contrib-
utors. However, with our expansions into the US and Asia 
Pacific and into onshore wind, solar PV, and P2X, our future 
earnings continue to be spread across more geographical 
regions and technologies. Therefore, political and other 
macroeconomic factors play an important role in our risk 
management. When we invest in new assets and activities 
or divest assets, the consolidated risks associated with our 
portfolio change. Therefore, we assess the impact of a given 
decision on the portfolio upfront.

of a short-term (0-2 years), a medium-term (2-5 years), a long-
term (5+ years), or a recurring nature. All our risks are then 
consolidated and evaluated at Group level. The ultimate 
responsibility for all individual risks rests with a member of 
the Group Executive Team.

The top six business risks identified are shown to the right 
where they are illustrated based on their potential impact 
(post-risk mitigation) on our value and credit metrics over 
the next years. You can read more about these risks on the 
following pages.

We have similar processes in place for identifying and  
prioritising risks related to ESG, sustainability, and legal 
compliance. However, as these are assessed using different 
parameters, we do not show them in a consolidated picture 
together with the business risks. A description of the most 
significant ESG and sustainability risks can be found in our 
sustainability report.

We work systematically with risks. All business segments, 
regions, and selected staff functions identify and prioritise 
business risks. An assessment is made of the potential  
financial impact of individual risks, and whether they are 

→ 

Quantification of risks is based on a scenario where the risk 
occurs with 10 % probability (P90). Our Internal Audit function 
has examined the process for identifying and measuring the 
accompanying portfolio risks.

38

High

5

2 1
3

6

4

e
u
l
a
v
n
o
t
c
a
p
m

I

Low

High

Impact on FFO/adjusted net debt

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

 (#1 in 2021)
Financial markets risks

  (#4 in 2021)
Power prices and energy markets

(#3 in 2021)
Cost inflation and supply chains

 (new in 2022)
Regulatory intervention

 (#2 in 2021)
Competition

 (#6 in 2021) 
Cybersecurity 

Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Risks and risk management

In addition to our ordinary business risks, we are exposed to 
risks which have a very small probability of occurring, but 
which could potentially impact our finances and/or reputa-
tion substantially. These risks include, but are not limited to:

–  fatal injuries
– 

 strong hurricanes, typhoons, hailstorms, arctic blasts, or 
earthquakes, especially in Taiwan, which may lead to the 
partial loss of offshore and onshore wind farms, solar PV 
farms, and storage assets
 broken pipes at the Nybro Gas Treatment Plant in  
Denmark, which may lead to personal injury and damage 
to the environment
 breakdowns at power stations that may lead to personal 
injury and partial loss of assets.

– 

– 

After risk-reducing measures are implemented, the Group 
Executive Team assesses whether the level of each risk is 
appropriate, or if it is higher than the desired level. If the  
risk level is still too high, further risk reducing measures are  
initiated to the extent possible.

Climate-related risks
Climate change presents financial risk to the global economy.  
To mitigate the impacts of climate change, it is important to 
understand the risks (both physically and transitional) and 
opportunities presented by rising temperatures, climate-related 
policies, and emerging technologies in our changing world.

During the year, we have assessed whether our taxonomy- 
eligible activities are taxonomy-aligned by determining  
if they: 1) contribute substantially to climate change mitiga-
tion, 2) do no significant harm to the other environmental 
objectives, and 3) comply with the minimum safeguards.  
Our assessment showed that all our eligible activities  
were aligned.

Development in risks during 2022
We have introduced ‘Regulatory intervention’ as a new top 6 
risk in 2022 and have seen changes in the relative importance 
of our top risks from last year.

‘Financial markets risks’ (previously ‘Inflation and interest 
rates’ and ‘Currency risks’) remain our number 1 risk. During 
the year, we have seen a substantial increase in inflation and 
interest rates across the regions where we operate as well as 
volatility in the foreign exchange markets. 

‘Power prices and energy markets’ (previously ‘Currencies 
and energy prices’) have been moved up as our second 
largest risk in 2022. The recent surge in energy prices have 
led to an increase in this risk assessment. As a response to the 
unintended impacts from hedges, we have established and 
are in the process of implementing a new risk management 
framework to reduce the volatility from financial instruments 
and bring back the inherent predictability of earnings that 
our contracted and regulated activities possess.

governing bodies have started to implement price caps or 
windfall taxes to help businesses and consumers with  
their increasing power bills. This could have an adverse 
impact on our revenue from power generating activities if 
implemented without consideration of fixed-price contracts 
and hedged volumes.

‘Competition’ remains in our top six risks, but has dropped 
down to our fifth largest risk, mainly because the other risks 
have increased in magnitude. 

‘Cybersecurity’ remains our sixth largest risk. The geopolitical  
development over the past year has shown that cyberattacks  
remain a threat to our operations. It is of the utmost impor-
tance that we protect our infrastructure and systems from 
malicious attacks.

COVID-19
During the year, we have seen some adverse impacts of 
the pandemic, mainly related to our supply chain. While 
COVID-19-related lockdowns among our suppliers had some 
adverse impact on the construction timeline for some of our 
projects, we expect these delays to only result in a limited 
overall impact on the project economics.

As climate-related risks and opportunities are directly  
linked to our green vision and strategy, we address them as 
an integral part of our daily business, and we report on them  
as recommended by the Task Force on Climate-related  
Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Read more about our climate- 
related risks on page 41.

‘Cost inflation and supply chains’ remain our third largest 
risk in 2022. The still increasing cost inflation and, to some 
extent, COVID-19-related delays remain in the market.

‘Regulatory intervention’ is placed as our fourth largest risk. 
With the increasing power prices throughout Europe, the 

39

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Risks and risk management

1. Financial markets risks

2. Power prices and energy  markets

3. Cost inflation and supply chains

4. Regulatory intervention

Description
Our financial markets risks are related to volatility 
in the macroeconomic environments where we 
operate. Changes to inflation rates, interest rates, 
and foreign exchange rates all have an impact on 
the value of our assets.

To a certain extent, our medium- to long-term 
earnings can be expected to follow the devel-
opment in consumer and market prices, thereby 
protecting the real value of our assets and equity. 
This is the case for earnings related to our UK wind 
farms. However, we are exposed to inflation risk 
on projects with fixed nominal cash flows, as an 
increase in inflation will erode the expected real 
value of the revenue. 

Our largest currency exposure stems from offshore 
wind farms in the UK, but activities in the US and 
Taiwan have increased our exposure to USD and 
NTD significantly. 

Potential impact
Fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, and foreign 
exchange rates may adversely impact our earnings 
and the value of our assets.

Based on our GBP exposure after hedges, a 10 % 
decrease in the GBP/DKK exchange rate will result 
in a loss of DKK 1.4 billion over the period 2023-
2027, all else remaining unchanged.

Mitigating actions
Our inflation and interest rate exposures are  
managed by matching assets and liabilities in the 
same currency and with similar payment structures.

Our currency exposure is managed by actively 
hedging within the first five years. 

Read more about inflation and interest rate risks  
in note 6.4 and currency risks in note 6.2.

40

Description
Power price risks primarily originate from the sale 
of our renewable power generation in the UK,  
the US, and north-western Europe. Our CHP plants 
entail a spread risk due to the difference between 
the prices of the power generated and the fuel 
consumed. 

Furthermore, we are exposed to second-order risks 
arising from power price hedges not fully matching 
our actual revenue exposure (ie. position, intermit-
tency, and regulatory risks). We are also exposed to 
liquidity risks, as we are required to post collateral 
at exchanges if our positions are ‘out of the money’. 

Potential impact
Fluctuations in energy prices and energy policies 
can have an adverse effect on our earnings and/
or liquidity.

During 2022, we saw negative effects from volume- 
related overhedging of DKK 3.8 billion due to lower 
generation combined with soaring energy prices. 
There is a risk that we could see the same effects 
in 2023 if our power generation falls short of the 
hedged volumes, and the energy prices increases. 

Based on our power price exposure after hedges, 
a 10 % decrease in the power price will result in a 
loss of DKK 4.0 billion over the period 2023-2027, 
all else remaining unchanged for our offshore and 
onshore assets.

Mitigating actions
To keep cash flows stable, we have historically 
hedged energy prices for up to five years. 

Based on a review of our hedging needs and 
learnings over the recent 18 months of unintended 
impacts of high hedge levels together with signif-
icant changes in market prices and volatility, we 
have adjusted our hedging policy to encompass a 
shorter hedging horizon and lower hedge levels. 

Read more about energy price risks and our new 
hedging framework in notes 6.1 and 6.3.

Description
As a global renewable energy developer, we are 
exposed to risks related to cost inflation, supply 
chain bottlenecks, performance of new suppliers, 
and suppliers’ financial positions, including from 
derived consequences of COVID-19.

Among other things, we are exposed to highly 
volatile prices, which are influenced by high global 
demand with widespread application in various 
sectors. As the industry grows with continuous 
new technological developments, we are exposed 
to potential bottlenecks in parts of the supply 
chain if there is only a limited number of suppliers 
capable of meeting the future demands. Therefore, 
it is important that new suppliers enter and stay in 
the market. We are also exposed to counterparty 
risks if one of our suppliers should default or deliver 
unsatisfactory products.

Furthermore, we are exposed to import restrictions 
and price increases related to trade restrictions.

Potential impact
Disruptions in the supply chain or sudden inflation 
in key materials could result in project delays and 
budget overruns. 

An example of a supply chain bottleneck is the 
limited number of vessels with sufficient lifting 
capacity due to the increase in wind turbine and 
foundation size. These technical limitations coupled 
with an increased demand for offshore wind have 
increased the market price for installation vessels 
with up to 75 %.

Mitigating actions
To combat cost inflation, we have implemented a 
hedging programme for steel and other commod-
ities, which will be rolled out to our asset projects. 
Furthermore, we enter into volume agreements and 
source wind turbines from key suppliers in a timely 
manner to reduce uncertainty.

Description
Following the recent spike in European energy 
prices, regulators have introduced energy price caps 
and windfall taxes to alleviate the financial burden 
of higher energy prices for businesses and con-
sumers. A new regulation, still subject to national 
implementation, is one of the regulatory initiatives 
being issued. It will be aimed at temporarily capping 
revenues for electricity producers – notably wind, 
solar PV, and nuclear. 

Hence, in the EU, a revenue cap of EUR 180/MWh 
will initially be in place from 1 December 2022 until 
30 June 2023. Important for Ørsted, the revenue 
cap regulation should reflect actual revenue by 
taking hedges and other risk mitigation measures 
properly into account. We are in constructive dia-
logue about this with governments in the markets 
where we operate.

In the UK, regulators have announced the  
‘Electricity Generator Levy’, which entails a 45 % 
additional levy on revenue above GBP 75/MWh, 
effective from 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2028. 
Furthermore, in Ireland, a EUR 120/MWh cap was 
implemented on 1 December 2022.

Potential impact
After hedges, fixed-price contracts, and the  
guaranteed German subsidy levels have been  
considered in the final regulation, the potential 
impact on Ørsted is significantly reduced. However, 
given the complexity associated with hedging  
strategies, including in which countries and legal 
entities these activities are performed, there is 
a risk that national implementation of any such 
regulation is counterproductive. Hence, an effect on 
revenue from our UK ROC wind farms, our offshore 
assets in Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark, 
and our onshore assets in Ireland may occur.  
Our Danish multi-fuelled combined heat and  
power plants will to a large extent be exempted 
from the cap. 

Our process for vetting new suppliers is thorough, 
and we have strict credit risk policies in place to 
manage credit and counterparty risks.

Mitigating actions
We are in constructive dialogue with governments 
in the markets where we operate. 

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Strategy and business   |   Risks and risk management

5.  Competition

6.  Cybersecurity

Legal compliance

Climate-related risks

Description
Global renewable energy markets are expected  
to grow rapidly over the next decade in all the  
technological areas where we are present. Key 
drivers for this growth are ambitious government 
policies and targets, the push from corporates for 
the green transition, and significant cost reductions. 

Competition in the renewable energy industry 
is intensifying, driven by the increasing market 
opportunities. New players are entering the market, 
not least the oil majors, who are increasingly setting 
high targets for their build-out of renewable energy. 

Lately, we have seen some of the consequences 
of the new competitive landscape. Many auctions, 
tenders, and lease rounds have been awarded to 
bidders at extreme prices (i.e. Japan’s first fixed- 
bottom offshore wind auction, the New York Bight 
seabed lease sale, and the Crown Estate’s UK  
seabed leasing round 4). 

Potential impact
These extreme awarded prices propose a risk for  
the entire renewable build-out where it will not  
be possible to sustain a healthy and sustainable  
renewable global business. 

In addition, there is a risk that we will not win the 
targeted capacity in the auctions and tenders in 
which we participate. 

Mitigating actions
To ensure our competitive edge, we will continue 
to utilise portfolio-scale advantages and knowhow 
gained from previously executed projects to devel-
op supply chain solutions and reduce costs and risks. 

Over the last years, we have established a dedi-
cated P2X business and entered into key strategic 
partnerships in new markets to ensure our  
competitiveness.

41

Description
The cybersecurity risks are a product of individu-
als, groups, and nations actively working to harm 
and profit off of Ørsted. As a green energy major, 
we are exposed to several different cyberattack 
threats: ransomware attacks, data exfiltration 
attacks, cyber-physical impact attacks, and more. 
Our adversaries’ capacities and capabilities are 
constantly improving, and we must strive to  
stay ahead.

Furthermore, the energy crisis and ongoing war in 
Ukraine have resulted in an increased cyber threat 
from a geopolitical context where Russian hackers 
have been known to target energy grids and assets.

Potential impact
Minor digital risk events, such as viruses and 
attempted break-ins, are everyday risks without 
significant impact. However, major cyberattacks  
or events may impact all or part of our assets or,  
in the event of a ransomware attack, have an 
impact on our financial position.

Mitigating actions
We face different types of cyber risks. Some are 
related to our assets and some to our systems. 
Thus, we mitigate cyber risks with several different 
initiatives, which are continuously assessed and 
prioritised based on our strategic cybersecurity 
risk assessment with the aim of lowering our risk 
exposure.

At our operating assets, we have deployed  
production cyber defences to enhance protection 
against onsite and offsite attacks. In addition,  
we have a top-level ‘Information and cybersecurity 
policy’ supported by our global governance model, 
we have regular trainings, and we participate in 
fora on information and knowledge sharing.

This way, our cyber capability is continuously  
improved in order to identify, protect, detect, 
respond, and recover across the enterprise and 
production sites.

Description
Risks associated with legal compliance are 
assessed based on financial and reputational 
significance and probability. Our most signifi-
cant risks are 1) tax law, 2) financial regulation, 
and 3) offshore grid code compliance. (1) 
We operate in tax regimes with different tax 
rules and rates, and our tax affairs span over 
corporate tax compliance, transfer pricing, and 
indirect taxes. (2) We are subject to several 
financial regulations, such as REMIT, MAR, 
EMIR, Dodd Frank, MiFID, SFTR, and AML1. The 
financial regulations are relevant for a large 
part of our activities. (3) In every country where 
we operate, we have to meet certain grid code 
requirements set by the transmission system 
operator (TSO) to be allowed to generate and 
supply electricity to the grid.

Potential impact
Failure to comply with the above-mentioned 
rules and regulations may result in severe legal 
sanctions, such as imprisonment, fines, and 
damage claims, but also in possible disconnec- 
tion from the grid or loss of generation license.

Mitigating actions
(1) We have implemented a comprehensive tax 
control framework and mandatory compliance, 
including transfer pricing documentation, in line 
with the OECD recommendations and local 
requirements. This has been prepared on a  
contemporary basis to mitigate our tax risks.  
(2) We have implemented comprehensive  
policies, procedures, training, and controls  
for relevant parts of our business to ensure  
compliance with financial regulations.  
(3) We have implemented grid code govern-
ance to provide clear responsibility, and we 
have a ‘compliance critical systems’ project 
underway to help our sites identify what  
systems are critical and ensure suitable meas-
ures for reliability.

Description
Changes in the world’s climate constitute both 
a risk and an opportunity for us. In October,  
the International Energy Agency (IEA) launched 
their World Energy Outlook report, which  
supports the Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change (IPCC) conclusion that it is 
unequivocal that human activity causes global 
warming, and that we are on course to reach 
the critical point of 1.5 °C of warming already 
in the early 2030s. IEA now puts us on a path 
towards 1.7 °C.

Potential impact
Failure to adhere to the 1.5 °C limit may cause 
severe changes in the worlds’ climate and 
make catastrophic events more severe and 
frequent. This could not only have an adverse 
effect on our planet, but on our operating 
assets as well.

Mitigating actions
In accordance with the recommendations 
set out by the Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD), we seek to exploit 
climate-related opportunities and be a part of 
the solution through development and genera-
tion of renewable energy.

At the same time, we seek to reduce the risks 
related to climate change by encouraging reg- 
ulators and public authorities to set ambitious 
renewable energy targets, improving the com- 
petitiveness of green technologies, assessing 
acute and chronic weather development, and 
taking extreme weather conditions and events 
into account when designing and building our 
assets.

Furthermore, we take climate-related risks  
and opportunities into account when we 
prepare business cases for investment in new 
assets or activities. By doing this, we seek to 
avoid ending up with stranded assets or assets 
and activities with a significantly lower value 
than originally expected.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Results

43  Follow-up on 2022 guidance 
44  Results 
48  Five-year summary 
49  Fourth quarter 
54  Quarterly summary, 2021-2022

42

Ørsted’s pre-commencement community  
fund in Choczewo in Poland supports local  
sustainable development projects in the area 
from 2022 to 2024. The fund will focus on social 
development, safety, local meeting places, 
cultural and natural heritage, and children and 
youth and will be allocated in close collabora-
tion with local communities.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Results   |   Follow-up on 2022 guidance

Follow-up on 2022 guidance 

EBITDA excluding new partnerships
DKKbn

Full-year EBITDA
Operating profit (EBITDA) excluding new 
partnerships totalled DKK 21.1 billion com-
pared to our expectations at the beginning 
of the year of DKK 19-21 billion. 

Earnings from our CHP plants increased 
due to the higher power prices. As we only 
hedge the power we cogenerate with heat, 
we benefitted from the high prices on our 
condensing power generation. 

The further increase in the level and volatility 
of energy prices throughout most of the year, 
together with a substantial increase in infla-
tion, led to a significantly different composi-
tion of EBITDA than our initial expectations. 

In ‘Gas Markets & Infrastructure’, we achieved 
higher earnings from our gas storage activi-
ties and release of a provision related to the 
close-down of our B2B business in the UK.

Earnings in Offshore ended up lower than 
expected, mainly due to volume-related 
overhedging (DKK 2.9 billion), ineffective 
hedges related to inflation indexation 
(DKK 0.7 billion), and other IFRS 9-related 
ineffective hedges (DKK 1.6 billion). We also 
saw higher balancing costs and BSUoS/
TNUoS tariffs than expected. Further delays 
in the installation process and with the com-
missioning of turbines at Greater Changhua 
1 & 2a resulted in lower ramp-up generation 
and lower partnership earnings. This was 
partly offset by a lower-than-expected 
DEVEX and positive effects from reversal 
of provisions incl. CPS issues. 

Earnings in Onshore ended up significantly 
higher due to higher achieved prices in both 
the US and Europe. Furthermore, the acquisi-
tions of Ostwind and Ford Ridge contributed 
positively.

Q4 EBITDA 
Neither the development in nor the composi-
tion of our earnings mix were as expected in 
our 9M report.

In Offshore, we had to recognise a nega- 
tive effect from ineffectiveness related to 
inflation-indexed contracts with partners, 
a reduction in the value of intermittency 
hedges (part of volume-ineffective hedges), 
and we saw higher balancing costs. In addi-
tion, the delays at Greater Changhua 1 & 2a 
had a negative impact. 

In Bioenergy & Other, we realised signifi-
cantly higher-than-expected earnings from 
our gas storage activities and released a 
provision related to our B2B business. This 
was partly offset by lower earnings from 
our CHP plants due to lower-than-expected 
power prices.

43

2021

Wind impact 2021 

Sites, other

Existing partnerships

Other, incl. DEVEX

Sites and tax credits

Other, incl. DEVEX

CHP plants

Gas markets

Other

Expected 2022

Wind impact 

Hedges

Ramp-up

Sites, other

15.8

2.0

2.3

1.7

Offshore

1.4

Onshore

Bio & Other

-0.5

-0.3

-0.6

-1.6

-0.2

-0.2

20

-5.2

-1.5

-0.5

Offshore

Greater Changhua 1 CA

-0.6

Other existing partnerships

Other, incl. DEVEX

Onshore

CHP plants

Gas markets

Other

2022

1.1

0.6

1.2

3.2

Bio & Other

2.8

0.2

21.1

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Results   |   Results

Results

Financial results

Revenue
Power generation from offshore and 
onshore assets increased by 34 % and 
totalled 29.6 TWh in 2022. The increase 
was due to ramp-up of generation from 
Hornsea 2, Western Trail, Haystack, 
Lincoln Land, Old 300, the wind part of 
Helena Energy Center, the acquisition of 
Ford Ridge, the full-year effects from I&UK 
assets acquired during 2021, and higher 
wind speeds, partly offset by the 50 % 
farm-down of Borssele 1 & 2 in May 2021.

Heat generation amounted to 6.4 TWh, 
19 % lower than last year, mainly due to 
warmer weather. Thermal power genera-
tion decreased by 13 % and amounted to 
6.0 TWh. 

Lower CHP generation (warmer weather) 
was partly offset by higher condensing 
power generation.

Our renewable share of generation was 
91 % in 2022, 1 percentage point higher 
than last year, driven by a higher share 
of generation from offshore and onshore 
renewables, partly offset by higher CHP 
generation on coal due to scarcity of sus-
tainable biomass and as we had to switch 
to coal at Studstrup 3.

Revenue amounted to DKK 132.3 billion. 
The increase of 70 % relative to 2021 was 
primarily due to the significantly higher 
power prices across all markets.

EBITDA
Operating profit (EBITDA) totalled 
DKK 32.1 billion, of which the gain from 
the 50 % farm-downs of Hornsea 2 and 
Borkum  Riffgrund 3 amounted to DKK 9.4 
billion and DKK 1.6 billion, respectively. 
Thus, EBITDA excluding new partnerships 
amounted to DKK 21.1 billion, an increase 
of DKK 5.3 billion compared to last year.

Earnings from Offshore sites amounted 
to DKK 9.9 billion, a decrease of DKK 3.1 
billion compared to last year.

‘Wind impact’ was positive with DKK 1.7 
billion due to higher wind speeds than  
last year (DKK -0.2 billion versus a normal 
wind year).

Impact from ‘hedges’ was negative with 
DKK 3.7 billion in 2022 compared to last 
year (2022 was negatively impacted 
by DKK 5.6 billion, whereas 2021 was 
negatively impacted by DKK 1.9 billion). 
This was due to ineffectiveness related to 
inflation-based contracts with partners 

Financial results
DKKm

Revenue

EBITDA

New partnerships

EBITDA excl. new partnerships

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment

Operating profit (loss) (EBIT)

Gain (loss) on divestment of enterprises

Financial items, net

Profit before tax

Tax on profit (loss) for the year

Tax rate

Profit (loss) for the year

EBITDA excluding new partnerships
DKKbn

2022

132,277

32,057

10,993

21,064

(9,754)

(2,529)

19,774

331

(2,536)

17,609

(2,613)

15 %

14,996

2021

77,673

24,296

8,507

15,789

(7,972)

(129)

16,195

(742)

(2,166)

13,277

(2,390)

18 %

10,887

%

70 %

32 %

29 %

33 %

22 %

1,860 %

22 %

n.a.

17 %

33 %

9 %

(3 %p)

38 %

Offshore

Onshore

Bio & Other

1.2

0.0

21.1

2.7

1.31

22.4

1.7

15.8

2.7

2.3

-0.4

-0.1

-3.7

-1.2

2021

Wind

Hedges

Sites,  
other

Existing 
partner-
ships

Other,  
incl.  
DEVEX

Sites

Other,  
incl.  
DEVEX

CHPs

Gas & 
other

Other

2022

Temp.  
IFRS 9  
adj.

2022 
excl. 
temp. 
IFRS 9 
adj.

44

1  Absolute effect from IFRS 9 hedge effects

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Results   |   Results

EBITDA
DKK 32.1 bn

Offshore 62 %

Onshore 11 %

Bioenergy & 
Other 27 %

EBITDA in Onshore increased by DKK 2.3  
billion to DKK 3.6 billion, driven by ramp-up 
of generation and higher achieved prices 
across the portfolio.

Wind project in the US, driven by supply 
chain bottlenecks, cost inflation, and higher 
costs of capital. 

EBITDA
DKKbn

2022

2021

New partnerships

32.1

24.3

In 2022, regulated and quasi-regulated activities and  contracted activities 
accounted for 45 % and 49 % of our EBITDA,  respectively, whereas market- 
exposed activities accounted for 6 %. 

(DKK 0.7 billion), negative effects from  
volume-related overhedging (DKK 2.6 billion),  
and IFRS 9-related ineffective hedges  
(DKK 0.4 billion). 

Earnings from ‘Sites, other’ decreased with 
DKK 1.2 billion, mainly due to a negative 
impact from high prices and volatility (bal-
ancing costs), from expanding our portfolio 
(higher OPEX, BSUoS, and TNUoS tariffs),  
and from the 50 % farm-down of Borssele. 
This was partly offset by ramp-up of gener-
ation at Hornsea 2, higher achieved prices 
from one-sided German CfD sites, and from 
value-creating market trading activities.

EBITDA from partnerships amounted to  
DKK 12.3 billion and was mainly related to the  
DKK 9.4 billion and DKK 1.6 billion gains from 
the 50 % farm-downs of Hornsea 2 and Borkum  
Riffgrund 3 (new partnerships), respectively. 
Earnings from existing partnerships amount-
ed to DKK 1.3 billion compared to a loss 
of DKK 1.0 billion in 2021. In 2022, we had 
positive earnings from finalised projects and 
construction work for partners at Greater 
Changhua 1. In addition, we reversed DKK 0.5 
billion of the DKK 0.8 billion warranty pro-
vision towards our partners we recognised 
in 2021 related to cable protection system 
issues at some of our offshore wind farms. 

45

EBITDA from our CHP plants amounted to 
DKK 5.9 billion, an increase of DKK 2.6 billion 
compared to last year. The increase was 
mainly due to higher power prices. As we in-
itially only hedge the power we cogenerate 
with heat, we have been able to benefit from 
the high power prices on our condensing 
power generation. 

EBITDA from our gas business contributed 
with earnings of DKK 3.1 billion in 2022, 
DKK 1.3 billion higher than last year, with 
some offsetting effects. We saw a positive 
effect from optimising our north-western 
European gas activities, where we were able 
to lock in gains from the offtake flexibility 
in some of our sourcing contracts and at 
gas storages. In addition, we had a positive 
effect from our B2B activities in the UK, where 
we released part of the provision for closing 
down the business. In contrast, our decision 
during the spring to unwind gas hedges 
related to the Gazprom Export contract to 
 balance our risk, if gas supplies from Russia 
were ceased, led to a net loss on the  Gazprom 
Export sourcing contract in the first half of 
the year. Furthermore, 2021 was positively 
impacted by renegotiation of gas purchase 
contracts and earnings from optimising pur-
chase via our long-term gas contracts.

Impairment
Impairment losses amounted to DKK 2.5 
billion in 2022 and was related to our Sunrise 

EBIT
EBIT increased by DKK 3.6 billion to DKK 19.8 
billion in 2022. The higher EBITDA was partly 
offset by impairment losses and higher de-
preciation from more assets in operation.

Financial income and expenses 
Net financial income and expenses amount-
ed to DKK -2.5 billion compared to DKK -2.2 
billion in 2021. The higher net expenses were 
mainly due to higher interest expenses and 
capital losses on the bond portfolio (net of 
related interest rate swaps) due to increasing 
interest rates and higher agreed returns on 
tax equity contributions due to more onshore 
assets in operation, only partly offset by 
positive exchange rate adjustments. 

Tax and tax rate 
Tax on profit for the period amounted to  
DKK 2.6 billion, DKK 0.2 higher than 2021.  
The effective tax rate was 15 % and was im-
pacted by the tax-exempt gains of DKK 10.9 
billion from the 50 % farm-downs of Hornsea 
2 and Borkum Riffgrund 3, the recognition of 
deferred taxes related to tax equity contribu-
tions in the US, and by prior year adjustments.

Profit for the year
Profit for the year totalled DKK 15.0 billion, 
DKK 4.1 billion higher than in 2021. The in-
crease was mainly due to the higher EBIT.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Results   |   Results

Cash flows and net debt

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from operating activities totalled 
DKK 11.9 billion in 2022 compared to DKK 12.1 
billion in 2021. 

During 2022, we tied up additional DKK 6.9 
billion, net, in variation margin payments 
on unrealised hedges (part of ‘Change in 
derivatives’) and initial margin payments 
at clearing houses (part of ‘Change in other 
working capital’) due to the increasing and 
volatile power and gas prices:

– 

– 

– 

 The variation margin payments were a 
cash outflow of DKK 10.4 billion vs. a cash 
inflow of 0.6 billion in 2021. DKK 2.0 billion 
of the outflow in 2022 related to power 
hedges in Offshore, and DKK 8.4 billion 
related to gas hedges in Bioenergy & Other.
 The initial margin payments were a cash 
inflow of DKK 3.5 billion vs a cash outflow 
of DKK 7.3 billion in 2021.
 During the second quarter, we issued  
parent company guarantees in total of  
EUR 1 billion, which reduced our initial  
margin payments. 

The negative impact from variation margin 
payments included in ‘Change in derivatives’ 
was partly offset by the reversal of unrealised 
market trading results and ineffective hedges.

partly offset by construction work at Greater 
Changhua 1. In 2021, we had a net cash inflow 
of DKK 4.5 billion, mainly from the divest-
ment of the Hornsea 1 offshore transmission 
asset and milestone payments received at 
Greater Changhua 1, only partly offset by 
construction work regarding the offshore 
transmission asset at Hornsea 2.

In 2022, cash inflows from tax equity contri-
butions were more than offset by tax equity 
reversals, whereas we had a large inflow of 
tax equity contributions in 2021. 

Furthermore, the positive effect in ‘Change 
in other working capital’ from lower initial 
margins was partly offset by higher fuel 
inventories and lower payables.

Investments and divestments
Gross investments amounted to DKK 37.4 
billion in 2022. The main investments were:

– 

– 

 offshore wind farms (DKK 26.7 billion), 
including Greater Changhua 1 & 2a in 
Taiwan, Hornsea 2 in the UK, and our 
portfolio of US and German projects 
 onshore wind and solar PV farms (DKK 
10.4 billion), including the acquisitions of 
Ostwind and Ford Ridge as well as the 
construction of Old 300, Sunflower Wind, 
Helena Energy Center, Eleven Mile, and 
our portfolio of European projects.

In 2022, we had a net cash inflow from work 
in progress of DKK 4.3 billion, mainly from 
the farm-down of 50 % of the offshore trans-
mission asset at Hornsea 2 and milestone 
payments received at Borkum Riffgrund 3, 

Divestments amounted to DKK 25.6 billion 
in 2022 and were mainly related to the 
50 % farm-downs of Hornsea 2 and Borkum 
 Riffgrund 3 with proceeds (NIBD impact) 
of DKK 22.2 billion and DKK 1.9 billion, 

46

Cash flows and net debt 
DKKm

Cash flows from operating activities

EBITDA

Reversal of gain (loss) on divestment of assets

Change in derivatives, excl. variation margin

Change in variation margin

Change in provisions

Other items

Interest expense, net

Paid tax

Change in work in progress

Change in tax equity partner liabilities

Change in other working capital

Gross investments

Divestments

Free cash flow

Net debt at 1 January

Free cash flow

Dividends and hybrid coupons paid

Addition of leasing obligations

Issuance of leasing hybrid capital, net

Exchange rate adjustments, etc.

Net debt at 31 December

2022

11,924

32,057

(10,885)

1,645

(10,332)

(1,935)

(278)

(563)

(1,263)

4,271

(353)

(440)

(37,447)

25,636

113

24,280

(113)

6,052

1,598

(1,747)

501

30,571

2021

12,148

24,296

(7,920)

(2,678)

627

(158)

(262)

(467)

(1,380)

4,466

3,678

(8,054)

(39,307)

21,519

(5,640)

12,343

5,640

5,581

2,742

(4,356)

2,330

24,280

%

(2 %)

32 %

37 %

n.a.

n.a.

1125 %

6 %

21 %

(8 %)

(4 %)

n.a.

(95 %)

(5 %)

19 %

n.a.

97 %

n.a.

8 %

(42 %)

(60 %)

(78 %)

26 %

Gain (loss) on sale of assets is part of EBITDA, but is presented as part of the 
‘divestment’ cash flow. The EBITDA effect is thus reversed in the specification  
of cash flows from operating activities.

Key ratios 
DKKm, %

ROCE

Adjusted net debt

FFO/adjusted net debt

2022

16.8

42,075

42.7

2021

14.8

39,774

26.3

%

2 %p

6 %

16 %p

ROCE and FFO/adjusted net debt is specified in notes 2 and 5.1

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Taxonomy-aligned KPIs

The taxonomy-aligned share of revenue 
was 73 %, EBITDA was 85 %, gross  
investments was 99 %, and OPEX was 
80 % in 2022. The non-eligible part of  
our revenue primarily concerned our 
long-term legacy activities related to 
sourcing and sale of gas (16 % of revenue 
in 2022), coal-based generation, and 
non-eligible power sales. We expect the 
share of taxonomy-aligned revenue to 
increase in the coming years.

Read more about our EU taxonomy- 
aligned KPIs in notes 2.1-2.5 in the ESG 
performance report for 2022.

See our full EU taxonomy reporting  
in our ESG performance report:  
orsted.com/ESGperformance2022.

Management’s review Results   |   Results

respectively, and payments from our 25 % 
partner in Ocean Wind 1. In 2021, divestments 
amounted to DKK 21.5 billion and were 
mainly related to the 50 % farm-downs of 
Borssele 1 & 2 and Greater Changhua 1. In 
addition, we completed the divestment of 
a portfolio of four onshore projects in 2022, 
with no impact on EBITDA, divestments cash 
flow, or NIBD.

Interest-bearing net debt
Interest-bearing net debt totalled DKK 
30.6 billion at the end of December 2022 
against DKK 24.3 billion at the end of 2021. 
The increase was mainly due to dividend 
payments of DKK 5.7 billion and higher net 
lease obligations of DKK 1.6 billion, partly 
offset by net issuance of hybrid capital in 
2022. Free cash flow was positive with DKK 
0.1 billion. At the end of 2022, we had posted 
DKK 14.0 billion as collateral at exchanges.

Equity and capital employed

Equity 
Equity was DKK 95.5 billion at the end of 
December 2022 against DKK 85.1 billion at 
the end of 2021. At the end of 2022, the post-
tax hedging and currency translation reserve 
amounted to a loss of DKK 26.5 billion. 
The reserve will be matched by higher future 
revenue from the underlying activities when 
the contracts fall into delivery. Approx. 30 % 
of the reserve will materialise before 31 
December 2023. 

Capital employed
Capital employed was DKK 126.1 billion 

at the end of December 2022 against 
DKK 109.4 billion at the end of 2021, mainly 
due to new investments.

was driven by more wind and solar assets in 
operation and higher wind speeds, partially 
offset by higher coal-based generation and 
lower sustainable biomass-based generation.

Financial ratios

Return on capital employed (ROCE)
Return on capital employed (ROCE) was 
16.8 % in 2022. The increase of 2.0  percentage 
points compared to last year was attributa-
ble to a higher EBIT.

Credit metric (FFO/adjusted net debt)
The funds from operations (FFO)/adjusted 
net debt credit metric was 42.7 % in 2022 
against 26.3 % last year. The increase was 
mainly due to higher FFO.

During the year, we updated the definition 
of our FFO/adjusted net debt ratio. We have 
excluded variation margin payments in our 
FFO definition to reflect the changes imple-
mented by the rating agencies. Furthermore, 
we have excluded ‘other interest-bearing 
debt’ and ‘other interest-bearing receivables’ 
from our adjusted net debt to align with the 
common methodology used by the rating 
agencies. We have restated comparison 
numbers for 2022 and 2021 accordingly. 
See note 5.1 for definitions. 

ESG results 

Green share of heat and power generation
The green share of heat and power genera-
tion amounted to 91 % in 2022 compared to 
90 % in 2021. The 1 percentage point increase 

Greenhouse gas emissions
Our greenhouse gas emissions from heat and 
power generation (scope 1 and 2) increased by 
17 % compared to 2021 to 2.5 million tonnes 
CO2e due to increased use of coal in our 
thermal heat and power generation due to 
scarcity of supply of biomass in the first part of 
the year and a switch from biomass to coal at 
Studstrup 3 due to a fire in a wood pellet silo. 

Greenhouse gas intensity from our heat 
and power generation and other operating 
activities increased to 60 g CO2e/kWh in 2022 
against 58 g CO2e/kWh in 2021. The increase 
was driven by the increased use of coal in the 
thermal heat and power generation, partly 
offset by higher wind and solar generation.

Greenhouse gas emissions from our supply 
chain and sales activities (scope 3) decreased 
by 40 % to 11.0 million tonnes in 2022. This 
was primarily due to a 48 % decrease in gas 
sales and a 10 % reduction in emissions from 
commissioning of renewable assets.

Safety
In 2022, we had 78 total recordable inju-
ries (TRIs), of which 52 injuries were related 
to contractors’ employees. This was an 
increase of 4 injuries compared to last year. 
The number of hours worked was 24.8 
million hours, same as in 2021. The total 
recordable injury rate (TRIR) increased from 
3.0 in 2021 to 3.1 in 2022.

47

Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Management’s review Results   |   Five-year summary

Five-year summary

Financial statements
DKKm

Income statement
Revenue
EBITDA

Offshore

Sites, O&M, and PPAs
Construction agreements and divestment gains
Other, incl. project development

Onshore
Bioenergy & Other
Other activities

Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment
Operating profit (loss) (EBIT)
Gain (loss) on divestment of enterprises
Net financial income and expenses
Profit (loss) before tax
Tax
Profit (loss) for the year

Balance sheet
Assets
Equity

Shareholders in Ørsted A/S
Non-controlling interests
Hybrid capital

Interest-bearing net debt
Capital employed
Additions to property, plant, and equipment

Cash flows
Cash flows from operating activities
Gross investments
Divestments
Free cash flow

Financial ratios
Return on capital employed (ROCE), %
FFO/adjusted net debt, %
Number of outstanding shares, 31 December, ’000
Share price, 31 December, DKK
Market capitalisation, 31 December, DKKbn
Earnings per share (EPS), DKK
Dividend yield, %

48

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Business drivers

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

132,277
32,057
19,569
9,940
12,277
(2,648)
3,644
8,619
225
(9,754)
(2,529)
19,774
331
(2,536)
17,609
(2,613)
14,996

314,142
95,532
71,743
3,996
19,793
30,571
126,103
33,662

11,924
(37,447)
25,636
113

16.8
42.7
420,209
631
265
34.6
2.1

77,673
24,296
18,021
13,059
7,535
(2,573)
1,349
4,747
179
(7,972)
(129)
16,195
(742)
(2,166)
13,277
(2,390)
10,887

270,385
85,137
64,072
3,081
17,984
24,280
109,416
43,941

12,148
(39,307)
21,519
(5,640)

14.8
26.3
420,175
835
351
24.3
1.5

50,151
16,598
14,451
15,177
1,593
(2,319)
1,112
824
210
(7,588)
-
9,010
10,831
(2,524)
17,324
(1,776)
15,537

196,719
97,329
81,376
2,721
13,232
12,343
109,672
28,442

16,466
(26,967)
19,039
8,538

8.3
65.0
420,068
1,244
522
38.8
0.9

70,398
19,020
14,503
13,092
3,765
(2,354)
801
3,551
166
(6,864)
(568)
11,588
(63)
(1,135)
10,392
(3,101)
7,235

192,860
89,562
73,082
3,248
13,232
17,230
106,792
22,440

13,079
(23,305)
3,329
(6,897)

12.2
31.0
419,985
689
290
12.8
1.5

75,520
28,491
26,305
9,538
18,765
(1,998)
509
1,603
74
(5,978)
603
23,116
127
(1,278)
21,966
(3,700)
18,276

174,575
85,115
68,488
3,388
13,239
(2,219)
82,896
14,436

10,343
(24,481)
19,950
5,812

30.2
69.0
420,045
436
183
45.3
2.2

Offshore
Decided and installed capacity, GW
Installed capacity, GW
Generation capacity, GW
Wind speed, m/s
Load factor, %
Availability, %
Power generation, GWh
Power sales, GWh
Onshore
Decided and installed capacity, GW
Installed capacity, GW
Wind speed¹, m/s
Load factor¹, wind, %
Load factor¹, solar PV, %
Availability¹, wind, %
Availability¹, solar PV, %
Power generation, GWh
Bioenergy & Other
Degree days, number
Heat generation, GWh
Power generation, GWh
Power sales, GWh
Gas sales, GWh

ESG statements

Employees (FTE), end of year, number
Total recordable injury rate (TRIR)
Fatalities, number
Green share of heat and power generation, %
GHG emission (scope 1 & 2), Mtonnes
GHG intensity (scope 1 & 2), g CO2e/kWh
GHG emissions (scope 3), Mtonnes

11.1
8.9
4.7
9.5
42
94
16,483
33,745

6.2
4.2
7.4
40
25
93
98
13,146

2,548
6,368
6,012
5,399
31,637

8,027
3.1
-
91
2.5
60
11.0

10.9
7.6
4.0
9.1
39
94
13,808
25,020

4.7
3.4
7.4
42
24
96
96
8,352

2,820
7,907
6,890
8,797
61,349

6,836
3.0
-
90
2.1
58
18.2

9.9
7.6
4.4
10.0
45
94
15,248
29,152

3.4
1.7
7.6
45
-
96
-
5,738

2,432
6,671
4,438
11,623
90,347

6,179
3.6
-
90
1.9
58
25.3

9.9
6.8
3.6
9.2
42
93
11,965
27,615

2.1
1.0
7.3
45
-
98
-
3,513

9.0
5.6
3.0
9.1
42
93
10,042
27,434

1.0
0.8
7.3
41
-
-
-
552

2,399
8,312
4,640
14,700
124,951

2,526
8,768
6,652
15,296
131,144

6,526
4.9
1
86
1.9
65
34.6

6,080
4.7
-
75
3.5
131
36.2

1  For 2021-2018, these business drivers are for US only. Whereas they are 
for the whole portfolio from 2022.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Results   |   Fourth quarter

Fourth quarter

Financial performance – Group

EBITDA
Operating profit (EBITDA) totalled DKK 6.7 
billion compared to DKK 8.3 billion in Q4 
2021. In Q4 2021, we completed the 50 % 
farm-down of Greater Changhua 1 with a 
gain of DKK 3.2 billion. Adjusted for new 
partnerships, EBITDA increased by DKK 1.6 
billion compared to the same period in 2021.

Earnings from offshore sites were DKK 0.2 
billion lower than the same period last 
year and amounted to DKK 3.7 billion. 

‘Wind impact’ was positive with DKK 0.2 
billion due to higher wind speeds than  
last year.

Impact from ‘Hedges’ was negative with 
DKK 0.7 billion in Q4 2022 compared to  
Q4 2021 (Q4 2022 was negatively impacted  
by DKK 1.7 billion, whereas Q4 2021 was 
negatively impacted by DKK 1.0 billion). 
This was due to ineffectiveness related to 
inflation-indexed contracts with partners 
(DKK 0.7 billion) and negative effects 
from volume-related overhedging due to 
a reduction in the value of intermittency 
hedges, only partly offset by lower under- 
lying overhedging Q-Q (DKK 0.3 billion). 
This was partly offset by a net positive 
change in IFRS 9-related ineffective  
hedges (DKK 0.3 billion). 

Earnings from ‘Sites, other’ increased by 
DKK 0.2 billion, mainly due to ramp-up 
generation at Hornsea 2 and gains from 
value-creating market trading activities, 
partly offset by negative effects from high 
ROC recycle settlements in Q4 2021 not 
repeated in 2022, high prices and volatility 
(higher balancing costs), and from expand-
ing our portfolio (higher OPEX, and BSUoS 
tariffs).

Earnings from existing partnerships were 
DKK 0.1 billion lower than the same period 
last year and amounted to DKK -0.8 billion. 
Due to further delay with commissioning of 
the turbines at Greater Changhua 1, total 
costs for the project have increased and 
consequently reduced earnings under the 
construction agreement. 

EBITDA from our Onshore business in-
creased by DKK 0.3 billion to DKK 0.9  
billion, driven by ramp-up of generation 
and higher achieved prices across the 
portfolio. 

EBITDA from our CHP plants stayed at  
the same level as Q4 2021 and amounted 
to DKK 1.7 billion.

Earnings from our gas business were  
DKK 2.1 billion, a DKK 1.3 billion increase 
compared to the same period last year, 
mainly driven by a positive effect from our 

Financial performance
DKKm

Revenue

EBITDA

New partnerships

EBITDA excl. new partnerships

Impairment loss

Operating profit (loss) (EBIT)

Profit (loss) before tax

Tax

Tax rate

Profit (loss) for the period

Q4 2022

Q4 2021

35,679

6,696

77

6,619

(2,529)

1,375

460

(789)

172 %

(329)

30,666

8,253

3,211

5,042

(129)

5,980

4,361

(1,103)

25 %

3,258

%

16 %

(19 %)

(98 %)

31 %

n.a.

(77 %)

(89 %)

(28 %)

147 %p

n.a.

EBITDA excluding new partnerships
DKKbn

Offshore

Onshore

Bio & Other

0.1

6.6

6.3

1.2

-0.31

0.2

5.0

0.4

0.0

0.3

-0.1

0.2

-0.7

-0.1

Q4 
2021

Wind

Hedges

Sites,  
other

Existing 
partner-
ships

Other,  
incl.  
DEVEX

Sites

Other,  
incl.  
DEVEX

CHP 
plants

Gas & 
other

Other

Q4 
2022

Temp.  
IFRS 9  
adj.

Q4 
2022 
excl. 
temp. 
IFRS 9 
adj.

49

1  Absolute effect from IFRS 9 hedge effects in Q4 2022

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Results   |   Fourth quarter

Cash flows and net debt 
DKKm

Cash flows from operating activities

EBITDA

Reversal of gain (loss) on divestment of assets

Change in derivatives, excl. variation margin

Variation margin

Change in provisions

Other items

Interest expenses, net

Paid tax

Change in work in progress

Change in tax equity partner liabilities

Change in other working capital

Gross investments

Divestments

Free cash flow

Net debt, beginning of period 

Free cash flow

Dividends and hybrid coupon paid

Addition to lease obligations

Issuance of hybrid capital, net

Exchange rate adjustments, etc.

Net debt, end of period

50

Q4 2022

Q4 2021

20,915

6,696

57

(6,543)

8,658

(668)

(98)

(54)

(28)

1,830

251

10,814

(9,826)

983

12,072

45,701

(12,072)

228

582

(1,747)

(2,121)

30,571

668

8,253

(2,294)

(3,912)

1,850

112

(209)

130

(26)

1,322

1,018

(5,576)

(11,752)

10,952

(132)

21,211

132

212

2,092

-

633

24,280

%

n.a.

(19 %)

n.a.

67 %

368 %

n.a.

(53 %)

n.a.

8 %

38 %

(75 %)

n.a.

(16 %)

(91 %)

n.a.

115 %

n.a.

8 %

(72 %)

n.a.

n.a.

26 %

gas storage activities and release of a pro-
vision related to the close-down of our B2B 
business in the UK. This was partly offset 
by lower volumes sold in 2022 and strong 
earnings from optimising purchase from our 
long-term gas contracts in 2021.

– 

– 

 The variation margin payments were a 
cash inflow of DKK 8.7 billion vs. a cash 
inflow of DKK 1.9 billion in Q4 2021.
 The initial margin payments were a cash 
inflow of DKK 8.7 billion in Q4 2022 vs. a 
cash outflow of DKK 4.8 billion in Q4 2021.

Impairment losses 
Impairment losses amounted to DKK 2.5 
billion in Q4 2022 and was related to our 
Sunrise Wind project in the US. Supply chain 
bottlenecks, cost inflation, and higher costs 
of capital led to an impairment.

Profit for the period
Profit for the period totalled DKK -0.3 billion, 
DKK 3.6 billion lower than Q4 2021. The 
decrease was primarily due to the gain from 
the 50 % farm-down of Greater Changhua 1 
in Q4 2021 and from the impairment loss in 
Q4 2022.

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from operating activities totalled 
DKK 20.9 billion in Q4 2022 compared to  
DKK 0.7 billion in Q4 2021. The increase of 
DKK 20.2 billion was mainly due to a release 
of collateral tied up at clearing houses.

During Q4 2022, we released DKK 17.4 
billion, net, in variation margin payments 
on unrealised hedges (part of ‘Change in 
derivatives’) and initial margin payments 
at clearing houses (part of ‘Change in other 
working capital’) due to the sharp decrease 
in power and gas prices at the end of the 
quarter, whereas we tied up an additional 
DKK 2.9 billion in Q4 2021: 

The positive impact from variation margin 
payments included in ‘Change in derivatives’  
was partly offset by reversal of unrealised 
market trading results and ineffective 
hedges.

In Q4 2022, we had tax equity contribution 
from Old 300, whereas we received tax 
equity contributions from Lincoln Land in 
Q4 2021. 

In Q4 2022, we had a net cash inflow from 
work in progress of DKK 1.8 billion, mainly 
due to milestone payments received at 
Borkum Riffgrund 3 and construction work 
related to Greater Changhua 1. In Q4 2021, 
we had a net cash inflow of DKK 1.3 billion, 
mainly due to milestone payments at 
 Greater Changhua 1. 

Investments and divestments
Gross investments amounted to DKK 9.8 
billion in Q4 2021 and related to the con-
struction of offshore and onshore assets. 
Divestments amounted to DKK 1.0 billion 
and mainly related to payments from our 
25 % partner in Ocean Wind 1.

Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Management’s review Results   |   Fourth quarter

Offshore

Financial results Q4 2022
Power generation increased by 22 % to  
5.4 TWh in Q4 2022. The increase was due  
to ramp-up at Hornsea 2 and slightly higher 
wind speeds. 

Wind speeds amounted to a portfolio  
average of 10.7 m/s, which was higher than 
in Q4 2021 (10.6 m/s), but below the normal 
wind speeds expected in the fourth quarter 
(11.0 m/s). 

Availability ended at 95 %, in line with the 
same period last year. 

Revenue increased by 28 % to DKK 24.9 billion.

Revenue from offshore wind farms in  
operation increased by 80 % to DKK 10.8 
billion, mainly driven by higher generation 
and higher PPA revenue following our 50 % 
farm-down of Hornsea 2. The Hornsea 2 PPA 
will run until CfD start. 

Revenue from power sales increased by 7 % 
to DKK 13.2 billion due to an increase in power 
sales, partly offset by lower power prices.

EBITDA decreased by DKK 3.2 billion and 
amounted to DKK 2.1 billion.

EBITDA from ‘Sites, O&M, and PPAs’ amount-
ed to DKK 3.7 billion in Q4 2022. Despite a 
positive impact from ramp-up of generation 
at Hornsea 2, value-creating market trading 

51

activities, net-positive changes in IFRS 
9- related ineffective hedges (DKK 0.3 billion), 
and higher wind speeds than last year (DKK 
0.2 billion), earnings decreased by DKK 0.2 
billion. This was primarily due to ineffective-
ness related to inflation-indexed contracts 
with partners (DKK 0.7 billion) and negative 
effects from volume-related overhedging 
due to a reduction in the value of intermit-
tency hedges, only partly offset by lower un-
derlying overhedging Q-Q (DKK 0.3 billion). 
Furthermore, we saw negative effects from 
high ROC recycle settlements in Q4 2021 not 
repeated in 2022, from generally high prices 
and volatility (balancing costs), and from 
expanding our portfolio (higher OPEX, BSUoS, 
and TNUoS tariffs). 

EBITDA from partnerships amounted to  
DKK -0.7 billion in Q4 2022 and mainly related 
to the construction of Greater Changhua 1.  
Due to further delay with commissioning 
of the turbines, total costs for the project 
have increased and consequently reduced 
earnings under the construction agreement. 
In Q4 2021, EBITDA from partnerships mostly 
related to the 50 % farm-down of Greater 
Changhua 1 with a gain of DKK 3.6 billion.

EBITDA from other activities, including project 
development, amounted to DKK -0.9 billion, 
DKK 0.3 billion less than in Q4 2021, and was 
mainly related to lower expensed project 
development costs.

Results 

Business drivers

Decided (FID'ed) and installed capacity, GW

Installed capacity, GW

Generation capacity, GW

Wind speed, m/s

Load factor, %

Availability, %

Power generation, GWh

Denmark

The United Kingdom

Germany

The Netherlands

Other

Power sales, GWh

Power price, LEBA UK

British pound

Financial performance, DKKm

Revenue

Sites, O&M, and PPAs

Power sales

Construction agreements

Other

EBITDA

Sites, O&M, and PPAs

Construction agreements and divestment gains

Other, incl. project development

Depreciation

Impairment

EBIT

Cash flow from operating activities

Gross investments

Divestments

Free cash flow

Capital employed

Q4 2022 Q4 2021

%

2022

2021

%

11.1

8.9

4.7

10.7

54

95

5,411

634

3,631

626

401

119

10.9

7.6

4.0

10.6

53

95

4,452

611

2,757

680

383

1 %

17 %

17 %

1 %

1 %p

0 %p

22 %

4 %

32 %

(8 %)

5 %

21

484 %

11.1

10.9

8.9

4.7

9.5

42

94

7.6

4.0

9.1

39

94

16,483

13,808

2,084

10,989

1,949

1,259

202

1,918

7,880

2,022

1,904

84

11,563

8,791

32 %

33,745

25,020

210

8.6

261

8.8

(20 %)

(2 %)

252

8.7

147

8.6

24,922

10,767

13,209

916

30

2,094

3,746

(715)

(937)

(1,994)

(2,529)

(2,429)

17,728

(7,926)

19,410

5,988

12,388

905

129

28 %

80 %

7 %

1 %

(77 %)

87,121

23,349

52,001

11,640

131

5,244

(60 %)

19,569

3,983

2,469

(6 %)

n.a.

(1,208)

(22 %)

(1,519)

31 %

(69) 3565 %

9,940

12,277

(2,648)

(7,006)

(2,529)

50,791

18,432

25,905

6,044

410

(68 %)

18,021

13,059

7,535

(2,573)

(5,993)

9 %

(24 %)

63 %

3 %

17 %

(69)

3,565 %

3,656

(1,761)

(7,015)

n.a.

n.a.

5,272

(898)

13 %

(26,710)

(23,416)

10,034

11,959

(16 %)

1,034

10,910

(91 %)

25,451

10,836

89,941

2,134

408 %

4,013

85,814

5 %

89,941

21,595

(2,719)

85,814

1 %

17 %

17 %

4 %

3 %p

(0 %p)

19 %

9 %

39 %

(4 %)

(34 %)

142 %

35 %

71 %

1 %

72 %

27 %

101 %

93 %

n.a.

14 %

18 %

n.a.

5 %

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Results   |   Fourth quarter

Onshore

Financial results Q4 2022 
Power generation from our operating  
onshore assets increased by 22 % compared 
to Q4 2021 and amounted to 3.4 TWh.  
The increase was due to the  commissioning 
of Haystack, Ford Ridge, the wind part 
of Helena Energy Center, and ramp-up of 
generation at Old 300. In Q4 2022, the wind 
speeds across the portfolio were 7.7 m/s, 
which were higher than last year (7.5 m/s 
for the entire portfolio) and 1 % higher than 
a normal wind year.

Availability for wind farms was lower during 
the quarter due to minor technical issues, 
mainly at Willow Springs.

Revenue was up by DKK 0.3 billion compared 
to Q4 2021 and amounted to DKK 0.7 billion. 
The increase was mainly due to increased 
power generation as a result of the newly 
commissioned assets and higher achieved 
prices across the portfolio.

In the US, we benefitted from the higher 
power prices during the ramp-up phases of 
assets under construction, where PPAs do 
not start until COD. Furthermore, some of 
our PPAs have upside share structures that 
allow for capture of additional revenue in 
periods of high pricing compared to tradi-
tional PPAs.

52

EBITDA for Q4 2022 amounted to DKK 0.9 
billion, DKK 0.3 billion higher than in the 
same period last year. The increase was 
due to higher generation and higher prices 
across the portfolio. This was partly offset 
by higher fixed costs due to the expansion  
of the business and project development.

Results 

Business drivers

Decided (FID'ed) and installed capacity, GW

Installed capacity, GW

Wind speed1, m/s

Load factor1, wind, %

Load factor1, solar PV, %

Availability1, wind, %

Availability1, solar PV, %

Power generation, GWh

US wind

US solar PV

Europe, wind and solar PV

US dollar

Financial performance, DKKm

Revenue

EBITDA

Sites

Production tax credits and tax attributes

Other, including project development

Depreciation & impairment

EBIT

Q4 2022 Q4 2021

%

2022

2021

%

6.2

4.2

7.7

40

17

91

99

3,425

2,711

388

326

7.3

758

852

420

712

(280)

(448)

404

4.7

3.4

7.9

47

19

96

99

2,818

2,336

272

210

6.5

362

530

211

480

(161)

(373)

33  %

25 %

(2 %)

(7 %p)

(2 %p)

(5 %p)

0 %p

22 %

16 %

42 %

55 %

12 %

109 %

61 %

99 %

48 %

74 %

20 %

157

157 %

6.2

4.2

7.4

40

25

93

98

13,146

10,389

1,920

837

7.1

3,014

3,644

2,097

2,556

(1,009)

(1,644)

2,000

2,509

4.7

3.4

7.4

42

24

96

96

8,352

6,997

1,018

337

6.3

995

1,349

535

1,382

(568)

(963)

386

4,467

33 %

25 %

0 %

(2 %p)

1 %p

(3 %p)

2 %p

57 %

48 %

89 %

148 %

13 %

203 %

170 %

292 %

85 %

78 %

71 %

418 %

(44 %)

(33 %)

n.a.

(29 %)

26 %

Cash flow from operating activities

1,039

1,591

(35 %)

Gross investments

Divestments

Free cash flow

Capital employed

(1,856)

(4,606)

(60 %)

(10,396)

(15,525)

13

-

n.a.

56

-

(804)

(3,015)

(73 %)

(7,831)

(11,058)

28,463

22,634

26 %

28,463

22,634

1  For 2021, these business drivers are for US only. Whereas they are for the whole 
portfolio from 2022.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Results   |   Fourth quarter

Bioenergy & Other

Financial results Q4 2022
Heat generation decreased by 16 % in Q4 
2022, mainly due to warmer weather. Power 
generation decreased by 33 %, mainly due 
to lower CHP generation and less attractive 
spreads for condensing power generation. 

Gas sales and power sales decreased by 
71 % and 56 %, respectively, due to no vol-
umes being delivered under the Gazprom 
Export sourcing contract and a gradual 
phase-out of our remaining B2B activities 
in the UK. 

Revenue decreased by 23 % compared to 
Q4 2021 and amounted to DKK 10.3 billion. 
The decrease was driven by significantly 
lower gas and power sales, partly offset 
by higher prices.

EBITDA amounted to DKK 3.6 billion  
compared to DKK 2.4 billion in Q4 2021. 

EBITDA from ‘CHP plants’ was in line with 
Q4 2021. The decrease in generation and 
lower spreads was offset by a positive 
adjustment on ineffective hedges (DKK 0.2 
billion).

53

EBITDA from ‘Gas Markets & Infrastructure’ 
increased by DKK 1.3 billion relative to the 
same period last year, amounting to DKK 2.1 
billion in Q4 2022. The increase was mainly 
driven by a positive effect from our gas 
storage activities and release of a provi-
sion related to the close-down of our B2B 
business in the UK. This was partly offset 
by lower volumes sold in 2022 and strong 
earnings from optimising purchase from our 
long-term gas contracts in 2021.

Results 

Business drivers

Degree days

Heat generation, GWh

Power generation, GWh

Gas sales, GWh

Power sales, GWh

Gas price, TTF, EUR/Mwh

Power price, DK, EUR/Mwh

Green dark spread, DK, EUR/Mwh

Wood pellet spread, DK, EUR/Mwh

Financial performance, DKKm

Revenue

EBITDA

CHP plants

Gas Markets & Infrastructure

Other, incl. project development

Depreciation

EBIT

Cash flow from operating activities

Gross investments

Divestments

Free cash flow

Capital employed

Q4 2022 Q4 2021

%

2022

2021

%

861

2,064

1,409

4,048

904

94.4

176.2

23.3

(6.2)

927

(7 %)

2,467

(16 %)

2,096

(33 %)

2,548

6,368

6,012

2,820

7,907

6,890

13,744

(71 %)

31,637

61,349

2,072

(56 %)

92.0

147.1

27.0

70.8

3 %

20 %

(14 %)

n.a.

5,399

120.5

213.7

39.5

54.4

8,797

45.7

87.8

4.8

29.8

10,251

13,252

(23 %)

46,243

32,390

3,609

1,718

2,073

(182)

(287)

3,322

738

(25)

(4)

709

2,416

1,715

770

(69)

(243)

2,173

419

49 %

0 %

169 %

164 %

18 %

53 %

76 %

(113)

(78 %)

73

379

n.a.

87 %

5,211

1,950

167 %

8,619

5,851

3,117

(349)

(859)

7,760

2,622

(267)

(4)

2,351

5,211

4,747

3,202

1,829

(284)

(831)

3,916

7,593

(274)

(178)

7,141

1,950

(10 %)

(19 %)

(13 %)

(48 %)

(39 %)

164 %

143 %

732 %

82 %

43 %

82 %

83 %

70 %

23 %

3 %

98 %

(65 %)

(3 %)

(98 %)

(67 %)

167 %

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Management’s review Results   |   Quarterly summary, 2021-2022

Quarterly summary, 2021–2022

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Business drivers

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

2022

2021

2022

2021

35,679
6,696
2,094
3,746

(715)
(937)
852
3,609
141
(2,792)
(2,529)
1,375
32
(985)
460
(789)
(329)

36,541
12,317
9,652
467

9,765
(580)
867
1,849
(51)
(2,530)
-
9,787
124
(217)
9,695
(340)
9,355

26,295
3,615
1,904
2,031

601
(728)
1,075
647
(11)
(2,304)
-
1,311
67
(486)
893
(624)
269

33,762
9,429
5,919
3,698

2,620
(399)
850
2,514
146
(2,128)
-
7,301
108
(848)
6,561
(860)
5,701

30,666
8,253
5,244
3,983

14,510
2,984
1,304
1,822

13,553
8,196
7,527
2,368

18,944
4,863
3,946
4,886

2,469
(1,208)
530
2,416
63
(2,143)
(129)
5,980
(684)
(930)
4,361
(1,103)
3,258

(9)
(509)
413
1,206
61
(1,939)
-
1,045
(22)
(351)
671
(184)
487

5,648
(489)
178
503
(12)
(1,959)
-
6,237
(72)
(466)
5,698
(154)
5,544

(573)
(367)
228
622
67
(1,930)
-
2,933
36
(419)
2,547
(949)
1,598

314,142 359,758 320,722 285,087
76,719
61,276
53,777
55,704
40,091
32,413
3,031
3,201
3,380
17,984
17,984
17,984
45,701
30,026
41,449
99,478 102,725 106,745

95,532
71,743
3,996
19,793
30,571
126,103

270,385 261,892 223,791 210,972
96,541
75,835
2,722
17,984
13,190
109,416 100,361 108,977 109,731

96,910
75,842
3,084
17,984
12,067

85,137
64,072
3,081
17,984
24,280

79,150
58,129
3,037
17,984
21,211

9,912

9,899

8,724

5,127

17,041

11,477

8,954

6,469

20,915
(9,826)
983
12,072

(11,309)
(14,417)
22,459
(3,267)

2,355
(6,372)
267
(3,750)

(37)
(6,832)
1,927
(4,942)

668
(11,752)
10,952
(132)

246
(8,757)
7
(8,504)

3,147
(12,133)
10,591
1,605

8,087
(6,665)
(31)
1,391

16.8
42.7

24.4
35.3

14.8
17.6

19.0
25.0

14.8
26.3

12.9
42.5

12.5
56.9

7.5
51.7

Offshore
Decided (FID’ed) and installed capacity, GW
Installed capacity, GW
Generation capacity, GW
Wind speed, m/s
Load factor, %
Availability, %
Power generation, GWh
Power sales, GWh
Onshore
Decided (FID’ed) and installed capacity, GW
Installed capacity, GW
Wind speed1, m/s
Load factor1, wind, %
Load factor1, solar PV, %
Availability1, wind, %
Availability1, solar PV, %
Power generation, GWh
Bioenergy & Other
Degree days, number
Heat generation, GWh
Power generation, GWh
Power sales, GWh
Gas sales, GWh 

11.1
8.9
4.7
10.7
54
95
5,411
11,563

6.2
4.2
7.7
40
17
91
99
3,425

861
2,064
1,409
904
4,048

11.1
8.9
5.3
7.7
28
91
3,246
5,600

5.1
4.2
6.0
28
32
92
96
2,723

98
239
1,363
1,339
5,706

11.1
7.6
4.8
8.4
35
94
3,324
7,416

4.9
4.0
7.8
47
31
92
99
3,795

448
823
1,102
1,466
8,891

11.1
7.6
4.2
11.3
54
95
4,502
9,166

4.7
3.6
7.9
47
21
96
99
3,203

10.9
7.6
4.0
10.6
53
95
4,452
8,791

4.7
3.4
7.9
47
19
96
99
2,818

9.8
7.6
4.0
7.6
27
93
2,286
4,803

4.7
3.0
6.4
33
27
98
98
1,904

9.8
7.6
4.0
7.8
29
93
2,521
4,541

4.7
2.4
7.3
45
29
97
90
1,983

9.9
7.6
4.4
10.5
50
95
4,549
6,885

4.0
1.7
7.7
45
-
93
-
1,647

1,141
3,243
2,138
1,690
12,993

927
2,467
2,096
2,072
13,744

81
402
1,028
2,271
13,580

487
1,148
1,507
2,167
15,079

1,325
3,890
2,259
2,287
18,945

ESG statements

Employees, end of period, number
Total recordable injury rate (TRIR)
Fatalities, number
Green share of heat and power genera-

tion, %
GHG emissions (scope 1 & 2), Mtonnes
GHG intensity (scope 1 & 2), g CO2e/kWh
GHG emissions (scope 3), Mtonnes

8,027
3.1
-

7,681
3.3
-

7,292
2.8
-

7,016
1.3
-

6,836
3.0
-

6,672
3.0
-

6,472
3.1
-

6,311
3.0
-

88
0.8
62
1.5

89
0.7
88
3.1

93
0.4
49
2.6

92
0.6
48
3.7

93
0.5
45
3.9

89
0.5
91
4.4

93
0.4
51
4.6

87
0.7
59
5.3

1  For 2021, these business drivers are for US only. Whereas they are for the whole 
portfolio from 2022.

420,209 420,209 420,209 420,175
849

631

608

742

420,175 420,175 420,175 420,068
1,025

849

835

880

265
1.2

255
22.3

312
0.3

357
13.2

351
7.5

357
1.1

370
12.9

430
2.8

Financial statements
DKKm

Income statement
Revenue
EBITDA

Offshore

Sites, O&M, and PPAs
Construction agreements  
and divestment gains
Other, incl. project development

Onshore
Bioenergy & Other 
Other activities

Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment
Operating profit (loss)
Gain (loss) on divestment of enterprises
Net financial income and expenses
Profit (loss) before tax
Tax
Profit (loss) for the period

Balance sheet
Assets
Equity

Shareholders in Ørsted A/S
Non-controlling interests
Hybrid capital

Interest-bearing net debt
Capital employed
Additions to property, plant, and equip-
ment

Cash flows
Cash flows from operating activities
Gross investments
Divestments
Free cash flow

Financial ratios
Return on capital employed (ROCE), % LTM
FFO/adjusted net debt, % LTM
Number of outstanding shares, end of 
period, ’000
Share price, end of period, DKK
Market capitalisation, end of period, 
DKKbn
Earnings per share (EPS), DKK

54

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review

Governance

56  Message from the Chair 
57  Corporate governance 
60  Board of Directors 
65  Group Executive Team   
67  Shareholder information

55

We rely on ships to install, service, and  
operate the offshore wind farms that are 
helping de carbonise the world’s energy  
systems. But ships themselves are difficult  
to decarbonise, since they rely on fossil fuels 
and cannot yet be electrified. 

That is why we, in partnership with Danish 
offshore support supplier ESVAGT, have taken 
the important step of investing in the world’s 
first service operation vessel that can run on 
e-methanol produced by wind energy and 
carbon captured from biomass.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Governance   |   Message from the Chairman

Message from the Chair

We continued strengthening our corporate governance  
model for the next step in Ørsted’s growth journey.

In the Board, we firmly believe that corporate governance is  
fundamental for Ørsted’s growth journey towards becoming  
the world’s leading green energy major. In 2022, the Board 
continued to strengthen the corporate governance model,  
which is based on three pillars: enabling the right decision- 
making, having the right competences in the right places, 
and fostering a company culture of inclusiveness and integ-
rity. These pillars are the foundation for our ways of working 
across the organisation.

As part of our commitment to continuously improve our 
ways of working, the Board completed its evaluation with 
the support from an external advisor in 2022. This evaluation 
highlighted development areas, which we consolidated into 
two primary projects going forward: revisiting our approach  
to the split of mandates between the Board and leader- 
ship team and strengthening our processes for talent  
management and retention.

Strengthening decision-making across our footprint
In 2022, we implemented a new organisational structure with 
three regions: the Americas, Europe, and APAC,  complemented 
by global capabilities. Our aim is to strengthen simpler and 
faster decision-making, to secure customer and market 
centricity, and to realise synergies between our onshore and 
offshore businesses. The Board is confident that this new 
structure will assist Ørsted in seizing unprecedented market 
opportunities while meeting customer demands for integrated 
energy solutions.

We formed a new executive leadership team, the Group  
Executive Team (GET), which reflects the new organisational 
set-up and consequently includes the Americas, Europe, and 
APAC regions, P2X, Legal, and Global Stakeholder Relations. 
The Board welcomed new senior executives, who bring varied 
skills and experiences to the team.

In early 2023, we will implement new delegated authorities 
across the organisation to scale our governance model  
for future growth while supporting simpler and faster  
decision-making.

Securing the right competences 
We want to ensure the right competences to success- 
fully drive our business forward. To further improve talent 
management and retention, we have introduced a recurring 
’People’ update on the agenda for each ordinary meeting,  
an annual update on GET member successors with oppor- 
tunities for the Board to meet talents, and a process for  
better involvement of all Board members in recruitment  
to the Board.

We welcomed the four employee-elected Board members, 
who won the elections early in 2022 for employees based 
in Denmark. The election process had a high level of en-
gagement and a diverse representation of nationalities, 
backgrounds, ages, and genders. Following approval at our 
annual general meeting in 2022, the 2024 election will be 
open to all employees across our footprint. This will further 
solidify our global presence and bring perspectives from  
all locations where we are present.

56

Fostering a culture of inclusiveness and integrity
Diversity was among the key criteria when filling the leader-
ship positions of the new Ørsted organisation. This resulted 
in a more diverse leadership composition in terms of nation-
ality, ethnicity, background, age, and gender. We recognise 
that we need to move our diversity, equity, and inclusion 
(DE&I) efforts further and farther, and this will continue to be 
a priority area for the Board. 

We believe that all Board members should be role models 
for integrity. We do so by being open and trustworthy while 
upholding high ethical standards. In the Board, we will con-
tinue to promote a good culture, purpose, and sound values 
through our meetings and offsite activities. 

Efforts for the future
We welcome and follow the recommendations prepared  
by the Danish Committee on Corporate Governance.

On the following pages, you can read more about our cor-
porate governance and our continued efforts to strengthen 
Ørsted’s governance procedures and culture. 

Thomas Thune Andersen
Chair

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Governance   |   Corporate governance

Corporate governance

The overall and strategic management of the company  
is anchored in a board of non-executive directors appointed 
by the shareholders.

The Board of Directors appoints the Executive Board,  
consisting of the Group President and CEO, the CFO, and  
the Chief HR Officer (CHRO), who undertake the day-to-day  
management of Ørsted through the Group Executive  
Team. None of our executives are members of the Board 
of Directors. 

Shareholders and general meeting
Ørsted is a publicly listed company with the Danish State 
as majority shareholder with a 50.1 % ownership share. 
The Danish State exercises its ownership interest in Ørsted 
in accordance with the ordinary governance set-up in 
Danish companies, where a board of non-executive  
directors (the Board of Directors) and executive directors  
(the Executive Board) are responsible for the management 
of the company. The Danish State exercises its interest at 
the general meeting. The Danish State’s ownership policy 
is available here (only in Danish): fm.dk/udgivelser/2015/
april/statens-ejerskabspolitik/.

All our shareholders may exercise their rights and vote 
at the general meeting through a one-share-one-vote 
principle. The general meeting adopts decisions, such as 
the election of the Board of Directors and the auditor, 
in accordance with the ordinary Danish rules. Due to 
our majority ownership by the Danish State, we have a 
bespoke quorum requirement, as proposals to amend  

our articles of association or dissolve the company require 
that the Danish State participates in the general meeting 
and supports the proposals.

Board of Directors 
Each year at the annual general meeting, the shareholders 
elect six to eight board members. In addition, our employ-
ees may elect members corresponding to half of the board 
members elected by the general meeting pursuant to 
Danish mandatory rules. Employee elections are ordinarily 
held every four years, most recently in 2022. As our general 
meeting after the employee election in 2022 approved to 
expand our scheme for employee-elected board members 
to also cover employees outside Denmark, the current 
election period is only two years to allow for the first 
international election to be held already in 2024. For the 
time being, our Board of Directors comprises 12 members, 
eight members elected by the general meeting and four 
members elected by the employees.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall and 
strategic management of the company. The Board of 
Directors lays down the company’s strategy and makes 
decisions concerning major investments and divestments, 
the capital base, key policies, control and audit matters, 
risk management, and significant operational issues. 

57

Our governance model

Shareholders and general meeting

Board of Directors

Nomination  
& Remuneration  
Commitee

Audit & Risk 
Commitee

Group Executive Team

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Governance   |   Corporate governance

You can see the most important tasks in 2022 to the right.

The Board of Directors monitors and oversees progress 
related to our sustainability and climate change strategy, 
including our ambitious net-zero carbon reduction targets  
for scope 1-3 emissions. We routinely integrate climate 
change considerations when setting our strategic direction, 
reviewing sustainability risks, setting performance objectives, 
deciding on our capital allocation, and when approving and 
overseeing major investments, acquisitions, and divestments.

The Board of Directors has prepared an overview of the com-
petences required on the board. The list of required compe-
tences can be found at orsted.com/competences-overview.

We have a diverse Board of Directors. With three female 
board members out of the eight elected by the general 
meeting, we have equal representation as defined under 
Danish law. The age of our board members spans from 51 to 
72 years old among board members elected by the general 
meeting and from 28 to 55 years old among board members 
elected by the employees. 

Our board members have different educational backgrounds 
within finance, economics, geophysics, and engineering and 
professional experience from the energy or other industries, 
private equity, private investments, and academia.

A description of the individual board members, including 
their other executive positions, independence, and how the 
individual board members contribute to the required com-
petences can be found in the following pages. Their meeting 
attendance during 2022 can be found on the next page.

In the first half of 2022, the Board of Directors performed its 
annual evaluation of the Board of Directors with the assis-
tance of an external advisor, Leadership Advisor Group. 

58

Important tasks 2022 
— managed by the Board of Directors

Investments, acquisitions, and divestments
Build-out of our offshore wind portfolio,  
including bids into seabed, project, or trans-
mission auctions and tenders in the US, the UK, 
Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Final investment decision on the South Fork 
Offshore wind farm. 

Signing of an agreement to divest 50 % of the 
Hornsea 2 Offshore Wind Farm to AXA IM Alts 
and Crédit Agricole Assurances.

Build-out of our onshore portfolio in the US, 
including final investment decisions on the  
Sunflower Wind, Mockingbird Solar Center, and 
Eleven Mile projects.

Acquisition of the onshore wind and solar plat-
form in Germany and France from Ostwind and 
the Ford Ridge wind project in the US from Ares.

Divestment of 50 % of a portfolio of four US  
onshore wind and solar projects to Energy  
Capital Partners.

Acquisition of Public Service Enterprise Group’s 
(PSEG) 25 % equity stake in the 1,100 MW off-
shore wind energy project Ocean Wind 1.

Strategic discussions on development of the 
P2X business and FID on the Swedish Flag-
shipONE e-methanol project.

Decision to seek to divest our Renescience 
business.

Other tasks
Approval of new organisational structure,  
including formation of the Group Executive 
Team to drive global growth.

Discussion of social responsibility and  
biodiversity.

Issuance of green senior bonds to finance global  
build-out of renewable energy and green 
growth ambition and refinancing of green and 
hybrid capital securities.

Approval of new hedging framework for  
merchant price exposure

Oversight of our financial results and guidance.

Oversight of the impacts of the Russian invasion 
of Ukraine, including the contractual relation-
ship with Gazprom Export.

Oversight of the results from the 2022 employee  
satisfaction survey, including the focus areas 
identified by the Group Executive Team.

Oversight and discussion of the development  
of our consolidated environmental, social,  
and governance (ESG) statements.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Governance   |   Corporate governance

The evaluation was based on input from board members 
and executives. It consisted of in-depth personal inter-
views, a customised online questionnaire, an analysis of 
how time is spent during board meetings, board composi-
tion mapping, and board composition benchmarking. 

The external advisor also observed a board meeting.  
As part of the evaluation, board members and executives 
were provided with feedback on their individual perfor-
mance regarding how they add value to the board.  
The board evaluation was discussed at a board meeting 
in June.

Each year, the general meeting approves the remuneration 
for the members of the Board of Directors for the coming 
year. In the separate remuneration report, you can read 
more about the remuneration of the Board of Directors. 
Furthermore, we have considered the recommendations 
prepared by the Danish Committee on Corporate Govern-
ance. As further described in our corporate governance 
report, we comply with all recommendations except 
that we, due to lack of shareholder interest in observing 
general meetings virtually, do not offer this option to our 
shareholders unless special circumstances require it, like 
COVID-19 (recommendation 1.2.1).

The Board of Directors was evaluated by the external 
advisor to be a very well-functioning board. The board 
members are highly professional, knowledgeable, and 
passionate about the company purpose. They understand 
their stewardship role and cooperate with the Executive 
Committee (now Group Executive Team) in an engaged 
and transparent way. Led by the Chair, the tone is open, 
respectful, and very encouraging. Meetings are run in a 
structured way, board members feel they can say what 
they mean, and the operation of the board meetings and 
the committees works well. Going forward, the external 
advisor suggested that the board first and foremost 
reviews how it spends it time. 

While the number of investment projects continue to in-
crease, there will be a delicate balance to strike, ensuring 
investments will continue to be appropriately discussed, 
while also allocating sufficient time for discussing other 
key strategic questions. 

“
Led by the Chair, the tone  
is open, respectful, and very 
encouraging

See link to the remuneration report below. See also links 
to the statutory reports on data ethics and corporate gov-
ernance prepared in accordance with the Danish Financial 
Statements Act, sections 99 d and 107 b, respectively. 

orsted.com/remuneration2022
orsted.com/dataethics2022
orsted.com/corporategovernance2022

59

Meeting attendance

Member of the board

Board  
of Directors

Audit & Risk  
Committee

Nomination &  
Remuneration  
Committee

Ordinary Extraordinary

Thomas Thune Andersen

6/11

Lene Skole 

Lynda Armstrong 

Jørgen Kildahl 

Julia King 

Peter Korsholm

Henrik Poulsen

Dieter Wemmer

Benny Gøbel

Leticia Francisca Torres Mandiola2

Alice Florence Marion Vallienne2

Anne Cathrine Collet Yde2

7/0

7/0

7/0

7/0

7/0

7/0

7/0

7/0

6/0

6/0

6/0

6/0

6/0

4/2

6/0

6/0

6/0

5/1

6/0

6/0

2/0

2/0

2/0

6/0

5/1

5/1

7/1

8/0

8/0

The numbers indicate how many meetings in 2022 the members have 
attended or not attended,  respectively, during the year.

1  Due to illness.

2  Joined the Board of Directors on 8 April 2022.

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Management’s review Governance   |   Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Thomas Thune Andersen
*1955, Denmark

Lene Skole
*1959, Denmark

Lynda Armstrong
*1950, Great Britain

Elected by the general meeting 

Elected by the general meeting 

Elected by the general meeting 

Chair since 
Independent
Joined  
Re-elected  
Term of office expires  

2014

2014
2022
2023

Experience
Extensive international leadership experience from leading 
positions in A.P. Moller - Maersk and non-executive director-
ships in listed and privately held companies within the 
energy, critical infrastructure, and other sectors.

Positions
Chair  
VKR Holding A/S, Lloyds Register Group Limited,  
and Lloyds Register Foundation.

Member 
BW Group Ltd, IMI plc (Senior Independent Director)  
and Green Hydrogen Systems A/S.

Board committees 
Remuneration Committee of Lloyds Register Group Limited,  
Nomination Committee of Lloyds Register Foundation, 
Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee, and the 
Audit Committee of IMI plc, and Nomination Committee of 
VKR Holding A/S.

Other
Member of the Danish Committee on Corporate Governance, 
Commissioner of the Energy Transition Commission (ETC), 
member of the Community of Chairpersons of the World 
Economic Forum (WEF), and member of Friends of Ocean 
Action of WEF.

Competences
Management
· General  · Safety  · Risk  · Project  · Stakeholder

Other
· Energy sector  · ESG

60

Deputy Chair since 
Independent
Joined  
Re-elected  
Term of office expires  

2015

2015
2022
2023

Experience
Highly experienced in  managing listed companies from 
her  previous position as CFO of Coloplast and current 
position as CEO of Lundbeckfonden where she serves as 
a non-executive director of the portfolio companies of 
Lundbeckfonden.

Positions
CEO 
Lundbeckfonden and Lundbeckfond Invest A/S.

Chair  
LFI Equity A/S. 

Deputy Chair
ALK-Abelló A/S, H. Lundbeck A/S, and Falck A/S. 

Member
Nordea Bank Abp.

Board committees 
Member of the Audit Committee and member of the 
Remuneration Committee of Falck A/S, member of the 
Nomination & Remuneration Committee and Scientific 
Committee of ALK-Abelló A/S, member of the Nomination 
& Remuneration Committee and Scientific Committee  
of H. Lundbeck A/S, and member of the Audit Committee 
of Nordea Bank Abp.

Competences
Management
· General  · Financial  · Risk  · Stakeholder   
· Human resources.

Other
· Investor and capital market relationships  · ESG

Independent
Joined  
Re-elected  
Term of office expires  

2015
2022
2023

Experience
Strong global managerial  experience from more than 
30 years in leading positions in Shell, including as Vice 
President in Shell International, and from non-executive 
directorships in international companies and large  
organisations.

Positions
Chair  
The Engineering Construction Industry Training  
Board (ECITB).

Competences
Management
· General  · Safety  · Risk  · Project  · Stakeholder  
· Human resources.

Other
· Energy sector  · ESG

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Management’s review Governance   |   Board of Directors

Jørgen Kildahl
*1963, Norway 

Elected by the general meeting 

Independent
Joined  
Re-elected  
Term of office expires  

2018
2022
2023

Experience
Strong international background in renewable energy and 
a profound knowledge of how the energy ecosystems work 
from positions as Executive Vice President of Statkraft and 
member of the Board of Management of E.ON SE.

Positions
Deputy Chair
Telenor ASA. 

Member
Scatec ASA and Alpiq AG. 

Other
Senior Advisor and member of the Energy Investment 
Committee of Energy Infrastructure Partners, Switzerland, 
and advisor to the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi National 
Energy Company PJSC (TAQA).

Board committees 
Chair of the Sustainability & Compliance Committee and 
member of the Audit & Risk Committee of Telenor ASA, the 
Audit Committee of Scatec ASA, and the Audit Committee 
of Alpiq AG.

Competences
Management
· General  · Safety  · Risk  · Project  · Stakeholder

Other
· Energy sector  · IT, technology, and digitalisation 
· Investor and capital market relationships  · ESG

61

Julia King
The Baroness Brown of Cambridge

 *1954, Great Britain

Elected by the general meeting 

Independent
Joined  
Re-elected 
Term of office expires  

2021
2022
2023

Experience
Strong international background within engineering in 
both industry and academia, including Rolls-Royce plc, 
Cambridge University, and Imperial College. A deep 
knowledge of renewable energy and government policy 
perspectives from positions, among others, as member of 
the Committee on Climate Change and Non-executive 
director of the Green Investment Bank.

Positions
Chair 
The Carbon Trust, STEM Learning Ltd.

Non-executive director 
Ceres Power Holdings and Frontier IP.

Other
Crossbench Peer in the UK House of Lords, Chair of  
the House of Lords Science and Technology Select 
Committee, Chair of the Adaptation Committee of the 
Committee on Climate Change, and member of the UK 
Hydrogen Policy Commission.

Competences
Management
· General  · Financial  · Project  · Stakeholder

Other
· IT, technology, and digitalisation  · ESG

Peter Korsholm
*1971, Denmark 

Elected by the general meeting 

Independent
Joined  
Re-elected  
Term of office expires  

2017
2022
2023

Experience
Extensive M&A experience from his time as Partner  
and Head of EQT Partners Denmark and from private 
investments. Also experience with financial reporting,  
risk management, and capital markets from CFO position 
at AAK AB.

Positions
CEO
DSVM Invest A/S, DSV Miljø Group A/S, Togu ApS,  
and Totalleveranser Sverige AB. 

Chair
Flügger Group A/S, Nymølle Stenindustrier A/S,  
Totalleveranser Sverige AB, Lion Danmark I ApS,  
and two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Lion Danmark  
I ApS (Lomax Group).

Member
DSVM Invest A/S and eight wholly-owned subsidiaries 
of DSVM Invest A/S, BCHG Holding A/S, and two-wholly 
owned subsidiaries of BCHG Holding A/S, and Projekt- 
selskabet Teglbuen A/S.

Other
Chair of Investment Committee of Zoscales Partners. 

Competences
Management
· General  · Financial  · Risk  · Stakeholder 

Other
· Investor and capital market relationships  · ESG

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Management’s review Governance   |   Board of Directors

Henrik Poulsen
*1967, Denmark 

Dieter Wemmer
*1957, Switzerland 

Benny Gøbel
*1967, Denmark 

Elected by the employees 

Not independent
Joined  
Re-elected  
Term of office expires  

2011
2022
2024

Experience
Benny Gøbel has worked in Ørsted since 2005.

Positions
Senior Mechanical Specialist, EPCO & IT.

Competences
Other
· Energy sector

Elected by the general meeting

Elected by the general meeting

Independent
Joined  
Re-elected  
Term of office expires  

2018
2022
2023

Experience
Highly experienced in capital markets, investments, and 
risk management from leading positions within the 
finance sector, including as CFO of Allianz.

Positions
Chair  
Marco Holding, plc and one wholly-owned subsidiary  
of Marco Holding, plc.

Member 
UBS Group AG and UBS AG.  

Board committees 
Member of the Audit Committee and Compensation  
Committee of USB Group AG and UBS AG.

Competences
Management
· General  · Financial  · Risk  · Stakeholder

Other
· IT, technology, and digitalisation   
· Investor and capital market relationships  · ESG

Not independent1
Joined  
Re-elected 
Term of office expires  

2021
2022
2023

Experience
Unique company and industry knowledge from his former 
role as CEO of Ørsted. Extensive capabilities within strategy 
and value creation, transformational change, and finance 
from former executive positions in TDC, Capstone/KKR, and 
LEGO, and his current portfolio of non-executive directorships.

Positions
Chair 
Carlsberg A/S and Carlsberg Breweries A/S, Faerch Group 
Holding A/S and Faerch A/S.

Deputy Chair 
Novo Nordisk A/S.

Member
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KgaA and Novo Holdings A/S.

Other
Senior Advisor: A.P. Møller Holding A/S.

Competences
Management
· General  · Safety  · Financial  · Risk  · Project  · Stakeholder

Other
· Energy sector  · Investor and capital market relationships 
· ESG.

1  Henrik Poulsen is not independent as he is the former CEO 
of Ørsted, cf. recommendation 3.2.1 of the Danish corporate 
governance recommendations.

62

Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Management’s review Governance   |   Board of Directors

Anne Cathrine Collet Yde
*1983, Denmark 

Alice Florence Marion Vallienne
*1994, France 

Leticia Francisca Torres Mandiola
*1994, Chile 

Elected by the employees 

Elected by the employees 

Elected by the employees 

Not independent
Joined  
Term of office expires  

2022
2024

Experience
Anne Cathrine Collet Yde has worked in Ørsted since 2017.

Positions
Lead HR Business Partner, People & Development.

Competences
Management
· Project · Stakeholder  · Human resources

Not independent
Joined  
Term of office expires  

2022
2024

Not independent
Joined  
Term of office expires  

2022
2024

Experience
Alice Florence Marion Vallienne has worked in Ørsted 
since 2018.

Experience
Leticia Francisca Torres Mandiola has worked  
in Ørsted since 2018.

Positions
Head of Ventures & Open innovation portfolio, EPCO & IT. 

Positions
Senior Business Developer, P2X.

Competences
Management
  · Financial  · Risk  · Project 

Other
· Energy sector  · IT, technology, and digitalisation 

Competences

Other
· Energy sector  · IT, technology, and digitalisation  

63

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Governance   |   Board of Directors

Board committees

The Board of Directors has appointed two committees  
from among its members: an Audit & Risk Committee and  
a Nomination & Remuneration Committee, which assist the 
Board of Directors within selected areas.

Audit & Risk Committee 
Dieter Wemmer (Chair), Jørgen Kildahl, and Peter Korsholm 
are the members of the Audit & Risk Committee.

The committee assists the Board of Directors in overseeing  
the financial and ESG reporting process (including key 
accounting estimates and judgements), liquidity and capital 
structure development, financial and business-related risks, 
compliance with statutory and other requirements from  
public authorities, internal controls, IT security in operational 
and administrative areas as well as cybersecurity.

Moreover, the committee approves the framework governing 
the work of the company’s external and internal auditors  
(including limits for non-audit services), evaluates the exter-
nal auditors’ independence and qualifications, and monitors 
the company’s whistle-blower scheme.

In 2022, the committee reviewed the continued material 
impact from the volatile energy prices on the risk manage-
ment procedures and the financial statement, the current 
and future hedging framework, the financial impact of the 
acquisition of Ostwind, impairment on our property, plant 
and equipment, as well as the continued implementation 
of the EU taxonomy reporting framework. Furthermore, the 
committee continued to assess the claim made by the Danish 
Tax Agency requiring further Danish taxation of certain of 
our British offshore wind farms, and lastly, it reviewed the 
progress in IT security.

64

Our Internal Audit function reports to the Audit & Risk Com-
mittee and is independent of our administrative manage-
ment structures. Internal Audit enhances and protects the 
organisational value by providing risk-based and objective 
assurance, advice, and insight. The focus for Internal Audit is 
to audit and advise on our core processes, governance, risk 
management, control processes, and IT security.

The Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee is responsible for 
managing our whistle-blower scheme. Internal Audit receives 
and handles any reports submitted. Our employees and  
other associates may report serious offences, such as cases 
of bribery, fraud, and other inappropriate or illegal conduct, 
to our whistle-blower scheme or through our management 
system. In 2022, eight substantiated cases of inappropriate  
or unlawful behaviour were reported through our whistle- 
blower scheme. Six cases related to Good business conduct 
policy violations, while one case concerned IT security, and 
one case concerned the workplace environment. None of 
the reported cases were critical to our business, nor caused 
adjustments to our financial results. One case required a 
police report.

Whistle-blower cases are taken very seriously, and we  
continuously enhance the awareness of good business  
conduct through education and awareness campaigns  
to minimise future similar cases. 

You can read more about the Audit & Risk Committee and 
the terms of reference for the committee at orsted.com/ 
audit-risk-committee.

Nomination & Remuneration Committee
Thomas Thune Andersen (Chair), Lene Skole, and Lynda  
Armstrong are the members of the Nomination & Remunera-
tion Committee.

The committee assists the Board of Directors in matters 
regarding the composition, remuneration, and performance 
of the Board of Directors and the Group Executive Team.

In 2022, the committee reviewed the remuneration policy  
for the Board of Directors and the Executive Board and pro-
posed certain updates to the policy, which were approved 
at our annual general meeting in April 2022. The updates 
of the remuneration policy include an amendment of the 
short-term incentive scheme (STI) for the Executive Board by 
increasing the weight of shared KPIs, including an explicit link 
to our sustainability ambitions, an extension of the share-
holding build-up period in respect of our share-based long-
term incentive scheme from three to five years, and a board 
authorisation to temporarily deviate from the remuneration 
policy by offering a compensation to new external execu-
tives for any former incentive-based remuneration forfeited 
upon joining Ørsted.

The committee also discussed the appointments of Daniel 
Lerup as new CFO, of CHRO Henriette Fenger Ellekrog as 
new member of the Executive Board, and of a new ‘Group 
Executive Team’ replacing the previous ‘Executive Committee’.

You can read more about the Nomination & Remuneration 
Committee and the terms of reference for the committee at 
orsted.com/nomination-remuneration-committee.

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Governance   |   Group Executive Team

Group Executive Team

The 11 members of the Group Executive Team 
undertake the day-to-day management. 

Mads Nipper (Group President and CEO), Daniel Lerup (CFO),  
and Henriette Fenger Ellekrog (CHRO) constitute the members 
of the Executive Board of Ørsted A/S.

The Group Executive Team comprises Rasmus Errboe (CEO of  
Region Europe), David Hardy (CEO of Region Americas), Per 
Mejnert Kristensen (President of Region APAC), Neil O´Donovan 
(Head of Strategy, Portfolio & Partnerships), Olivia Breese  
(Head of P2X), Richard Hunter (COO), Anders Zoëga Hansen 
(Head of Legal), and Ingrid Reumert (Head of Global Stake- 
holder Relations). 

The Board of Directors has laid down guidelines for the work of the 
Executive Board, including the division of work between the Board 
of Directors and the Executive Board, and the Executive Board’s 
powers to enter into agreements on behalf of the company.

The Board of Directors regularly discusses the Group President 
and CEO’s performance, for example by following up on devel-
opments seen in relation to our strategy and objectives.

The Chair of the Board of Directors and the Group President and 
CEO also regularly discuss the cooperation between the Board 
of Directors and the Executive Board.

We describe the remuneration of the Executive Board in the 
 separate remuneration report. You can also find information 
about the members of the Executive Board on the next page.

65

Standing from left to right:

Seated from left to right:

Rasmus Errboe
CEO of Region Europe

Olivia Breese
Head of P2X

Daniel Lerup
CFO, Executive Board

David Hardy
CEO of Region Americas

Per Mejnert Kristensen
President of Region APAC

Mads Nipper
Group President and  
CEO, Executive Board

Richard Hunter
COO

Henriette Fenger  
Ellekrog
CHRO, Executive Board

Neil O’Donovan
Head of Strategy,  
Portfolio & Partnerships

Anders Zoëga Hansen
Head of Legal

Ingrid Reumert
Head of Global  
Stakeholder Relations

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Governance   |   Group Executive Team

Mads Nipper
*1966, Denmark

Registered as CEO. Group President  
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  
since January 2021.

Education
MSc in International Business,  
University of Aarhus 1991

Career
Ørsted A/S 
2021 — 
Group President and Chief Executive Officer.

Grundfos A/S
2014 — 2020 
Group President and Chief Executive Officer.

Lego A/S 
1991 – 2014
EVP, Chief Marketing Officer (2011 – 2014)
EVP, Markets & Products (2006 – 2011)
SVP, Global Innovation & Marketing (2004 – 2006)
Managing Director & SVP, Lego Central Europe (2001 – 2004)
SVP, Global Segment 8+ (1999 – 2001)
Various managerial positions (1992 – 1999)

Other positions
Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors of FLSmidth & Co.  
A/S and one wholly-owned subsidiary hereof.

66

Daniel Lerup
*1983, Denmark

Registered as  
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)  
since April 2022.

Education
MSc in Finance & Accounting,  
Copenhagen Business School 2009.

Career
Ørsted A/S 
2009 – 
Ørsted A/S (and formerly DONG Energy A/S): CFO (2022-), 
Head of Commercial and EPC & Operations Finance 
(2021-2022), Senior Vice President, CFO Offshore  
(2019-2021), Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, 
Financial Planning & Tax (2018-2019), Vice President, 
Financial Planning & Tax (2016-2018), Head of Group 
Financial Analysis (2014-2016), various positions within 
the Finance function (2009-2014). 

Other positions
CEO: Tukan ApS, Shcarole Invest ApS,  
and December 20 ApS.
Chair of the Board of Directors of Koncenton Metropol 
A/S and two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Koncenton 
Metropol A/S.
Member of the Board of Directors: Koncenton  
Søborg Hovedgade A/S, Projekt Svendborg III ApS,  
Tyrsted Holding P/S, and one wholly-owned subsidiary  
of Tyrsted Holding P/S.

Henriette Fenger Ellekrog
*1966, Denmark

Registered as  
Chief HR Officer (CHRO)  
since November 2022.

Education
MA, (Cand.ling.merc)  
Copenhagen Business School 1992.

Career
Ørsted A/S
2019 – 
Chief HR Officer (CHRO) 

Danske Bank A/S
2014 – 2019 
Most recently as Chief HR Officer.

SAS AB
2007 – 2014 
Most recently as Deputy CEO, EVP, HR & Communication.

TDC A/S
1998 – 2007 
Most recently as Senior Executive Vice President,  
Chief of Staff, Member of Executive Management Team.

Peptech (Europe) A/S and Mercuri Urval A/S
1992– 1998 
Various positions.

Other positions
Member of the Board and of the Nomination  
& Remuneration Committee: NV Bekaert SA.
Member of the Board: Specialisterne Foundation.
Member of the ‘Women on Board’ advisory board  
in the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI).

Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Management’s review Governance   |   Shareholder information

Shareholder  
information

Share price development 2022
Ørsted share price compared to peers (indexed)

  Turnover, Ørsted 

  Ørsted 

  MSCI EU Utilities 

  OMXC25

Over the past five years, the Ørsted share has generated a total 
return from share price appreciation and dividends of 107 %.

Price development for the Ørsted share in 2022
The Ørsted share yielded a total loss of 23 % in 2022,  
a decrease in the share price of 24 %, and dividends of  
DKK 12.5 per share. The share price of comparable European 
utility companies decreased by 11 % (7 % total loss), and the 
OMX C25 cap decreased by 13 % (11 % total loss) in 2022. 

Over the past five years, the Ørsted share has generated a 
total return from share price appreciation and dividends of 
107 %, an increase in the share price of 91 %, and dividends of 
DKK 53.82 per share.

The highest traded share price of the year was DKK 898 on 
8 March, while the year’s lowest traded price of DKK 575 was 
on 21 October. The Ørsted share closed 2022 at DKK 631, 
corresponding to a market value of DKK 272 billion at the 
end of the year.

The average daily turnover on Nasdaq Copenhagen was 
496,899 shares in 2022. The trading volume decreased by 
10 % compared to 2021.

Share capital 
Ørsted’s share capital is divided into 420 million shares,  
enjoying the same voting and dividend rights. The company’s  
share capital remained unchanged in 2022. At the end of 
2022, the company held a total of 154 thousand treasury 
shares, which will be used to cover incentive schemes.

67

Share price

1,000

900

800

700

600

500

Volumes

2,500,000

2,000,000

1,500,000

1,000,000

500,000

0

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Share data

Earnings per shares, DKK

Proposed dividend per share, DKK

Dividend yield, %

Share price, year-end, DKK

Share price, high, DKK

Share price, low, DKK

Market capitalisation, year-end, DKKm

2022

2021 

2020

2019

34.6

13.5

2.1

631

898

575

272

24.3

12.5

1.5

835

1,400

790

351

38.8

11.5

0.9

1,244

1,273

574

523

12.7

10.5

1.5

689

691

428

290

2018

45.3

9.8

2.2

436

474

332

183

Average trading per day, thousands of shares

496,899

549,778

516,919

447,567

447,103

Ørsted annual report 2022Management’s review Governance   |   Shareholder information

Composition of shareholders
At the end of the year, the number of shareholders had 
increased by 6 % to 117,818, and the majority (61 %) lies 
with Danish owners. The figure to the right shows the 
composition of our shareholders by country, specifying 
the two shareholders each holding more than 5 % of the 
share capital. Approx. 2 % of the share capital is owned by 
Danish retail investors.

Annual general meeting and dividends
The annual general meeting will be held on 7 March  
2023. Dividends for the year are expected to amount to 
DKK 13.5 per share, corresponding to DKK 5.7 billion and 
a yield of 2.1 % compared to the share price of DKK 631 at 
the end of 2022. In 2022, dividends of DKK 12.5 per share 
were paid for the 2021 financial year.

Investor relations
To achieve a fair pricing of our shares and corporate 
bonds, we seek to ensure a high level of transparency 
and stability in our financial communication. In addition, 
our management and our Investor Relations function 
engage in regular dialogues with investors and analysts. 
The dialogues take the form of quarterly conference 
calls, roadshows, conferences, capital markets days, and 
regular meetings with individual or groups of investors and 
analysts. The dialogues are subject to certain restrictions 
prior to the publication of our financial reporting. In 2022, 
we had over 600 meetings with the financial market, 
participated in 40 investor events, and had 55 travel days. 

Ørsted is covered by 30 equity analysts and 11 bond an-
alysts. Their recommendations and consensus estimates 
for Ørsted’s future financial performance are available 
at orsted.com/en/investors. On this site, you can also 
download our financial reports, our remuneration report, 
our ESG performance report, our sustainability report, our 
investor presentations, and a wide range of other data.

68

Shareholders at 31 December 2022
Share capital and/or voting share %

Denmark 61 %
Danish State (majority shareholder)  50.1 %

Andel A.M.B.A  5 %

Retail investors  2 %

Danish institutional investors  4 %

North America  10 % 

United Kingdom  10 % 

Others  19 % 

Share information

ISIN

Share classes

Nominal value

Exchange

Ticker

Registered share

DK 0060094928220

1

DKK 10 per share

Nasdaq OMX Copenhagen

ORSTED

97.7 %

Number of shares

420,381,080 shares

Number of treasury shares

154,344 shares

Selected company  
announcements in 2022

2 Feb. 

  Ørsted appoints next Group CFO

11 Feb. 

  Ørsted and Eversource joint venture 
approves final investment decision on New 
York’s South Fork Wind Offshore Wind Farm

28 Apr. 

  Ørsted takes final investment decision on 
201 MW onshore wind project Sunflower 
Wind in Kansas, US

7 July 

 Ørsted awarded contract for world’s single 
biggest offshore wind farm

19 Sep. 

 Ørsted completes acquisition of German 
and French onshore wind platform Ostwind

29 Sep. 

 Ørsted completes divestment of 50 % of 
Hornsea 2 Offshore Wind Farm

4 Oct. 

 Ørsted to implement new organisational 
structure and changes to executive  
management to drive global growth

21 Oct. 

 Ørsted partners with ECP in the company’s 
first-ever farm-down of onshore assets

16 Dec. 

 Green fuels for Denmark receives Danish 
IPCEI funding

20 Dec. 

 Ørsted assumes full ownership and takes 
final investment decision on FlagshipONE, 
the largest green e-methanol project in 
Europe

Financial calendar  
2023

1 Feb. 
7 Mar.  Annual general meeting

Annual report 2022

Interim reports:

The first quarter of 2023

3 May 
10 Aug.  The first half-year of 2023
1 Nov. 

The first nine months of 2023

Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Consolidated financial  
statements 2022

1 January – 31 December

69

We are establishing an onshore business in Spain  
– one of Europe’s largest renewables markets –  
by entering into four partnerships with Glide Energy, 
Rolwind, ARBA Energías Renovables, and Ereda, 
who will support project development and services.

Spain is an absolute front runner in the green 
energy transition and an attractive market for us. 
The Spanish government has set out to reach 70 % 
renewable generation by 2030 followed by 100 % 
renewable generation by 2050. 

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Contents

Consolidated financial statements

Notes

Consolidated statement of income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   71
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   72
Consolidated balance sheet  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   73
Consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   74
Consolidated statement of cash flows  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   75

70

1. 

1.1 
1.2 

Basis of reporting

4. 

Tax

Significant changes and events   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   77
Basis of preparation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   78

2. 

Return on capital employed

Segment information  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   82
2.1 
Revenue   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   85
2.2 
Cost of sales    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   87
2.3 
2.4  Government grants   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   88
2.5 
Research and development expenditures .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   88
2.6  Other operating income and expenses    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   89
Employee costs    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   90
2.7 
Share-based payment   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   91
2.8 

Approach to taxes .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   110
4.1 
4.2 
Tax on profit (loss) for the year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   112
4.3  Deferred tax  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   114
4.4  Our tax footprint  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   117

5. 

Capital structure

Interest-bearing debt and FFO  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   123
5.1 
5.2 
Equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   126
5.3  Hybrid capital    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   128
5.4 
Liquidity reserve   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   129
5.5  Maturity analysis of financial liabilities    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   131
Financial income and expenses   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   132
5.6 

3. 

Capital employed

6. 

Risk management

3.1 
Acquisition of enterprises   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   94
3.2  Divestment of enterprises  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   96
Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment  .   97
3.3 
Inventories  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   102
3.4 
Contract assets and liabilities   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   103
3.5 
3.6 
Trade receivables   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   104
3.7  Other receivables and other payables .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   104
Tax equity liabilities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   105
3.8 
3.9 
Provisions and contingent liabilities    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   106
3.10  Non-controlling interests    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   108

6.1  Market risk policy   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   134
Currency risks  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   135
6.2 
Energy and commodity price risks    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   139
6.3 
Inflation and interest rate risks  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   142
6.4 
Credit risks .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   144
6.5 
Fair value measurement  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   145
6.6 
Energy trading portfolio   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   147
6.7 
Categories of financial instruments .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   148
6.8 
Sensitivity analysis of financial instruments   .  .  .  .  .  .   149
6.9 

7. 

7.1 
7.2 
7.3 
7.4 
7.5 

Other notes

Related-party transactions  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   150
Auditor’s fees   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   151
Alternative performance measures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   152
Company overview   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   153
 Events after the reporting period   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   154

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated financial statements 

|  Consolidated statement of income

Consolidated statement of income
1 January – 31 December

Note

DKKm

2.2, 2.4

Revenue

2.3

Cost of sales

Other external expenses

2.7, 2.8

Employee costs

Share of profit (loss) in associates and joint ventures

Other operating income

Other operating expenses

Operating profit (loss) before depreciation, amortisation, and impairment losses (EBITDA)

Amortisation, depreciation, and impairment losses on intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

Operating profit (loss) (EBIT)

Gain (loss) on divestment of enterprises 

Share of profit (loss) in associates and joint ventures

Financial income

Financial expenses

Profit (loss) before tax

Tax on profit (loss) for the year 

Profit (loss) for the year

Profit (loss) for the year is attributable to:

Shareholders in Ørsted A/S

Interests and costs, hybrid capital owners of Ørsted A/S 

Non-controlling interests 

Earnings per share (DKK)
Diluted earnings per share (DKK)
Proposed dividend per share (DKK)

2.6

2.6

3.3

3.2

5.6

5.6

4.2

5.2
5.2
5.2

71

2022

2021

132,277

(97,163)

(7,049)

(5,278)

114

14,119

(4,963)

32,057

(12,283)

19,774

331

40

15,514

(18,050)

17,609

(2,613)

14,996

77,673

(53,110)

(5,760)

(4,289)

(17)

10,185

(386)

24,296

(8,101)

16,195

(742)

(10)

4,380

(6,546)

13,277

(2,390)

10,887

14,549

10,222

577

(130)

34.6
34.6
13.5

740

(75)

24.3
24.3
12.5

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated financial statements 

|  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
1 January – 31 December

Note

DKKm

Profit (loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Cash flow hedging:

Value adjustments for the year

Value adjustments transferred to income statement

Value adjustments transferred to balance sheet

Exchange rate adjustments:

Exchange rate adjustments relating to net investment in foreign enterprises

Value adjustment of net investment hedges

Value adjustments and hedges transferred to income statement

Tax:

Tax on hedging instruments

Tax on exchange rate adjustments

Other:

Share of other comprehensive income from associated companies, after tax

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Comprehensive income for the year is attributable to:

Shareholders in Ørsted A/S

Interest payments and costs, hybrid capital owners of Ørsted A/S 

Non-controlling interests 

Total comprehensive income

6

5.2

5.2

6.2

5.2

72

Statement of comprehensive income
All items in ‘Other comprehensive income’ may 
be recycled to the income statement.

Cash flow hedging
Value adjustments for the year for cash flow 
 hedging amounting to DKK -23,521 million 
mainly consist of losses related to the hedging 
of power and, to a lesser extent, losses related 
to the  hedging of gas and the inflation in the UK. 
The loss of DKK 24,395 million transferred to 
the income statement mainly consists of losses 
 related to the hedging of power.

Exchange rate adjustments
In 2022, foreign exchange losses relating to net 
investment in foreign enterprises amounting to 
DKK 3,747 million were primarily attributable 
to a decrease of 5 % in the GBP exchange rate 
and a decrease of 4 % in the NTD exchange rate, 
partly countered by an increase of 7 % in the USD 
exchange rate. A part of the net investment was 
hedged.

2022

2021

14,996

10,887

(23,521)

24,395

(116)

(39,704)

7,530

(121)

(3,747)

738

676

(902)

666

6,717

(3,359)

(145)

6,713

(265)

26

15

(1,785)

(22,619)

13,211

(11,732)

12,886

(12,585)

577

(252)

740

113

13,211

(11,732)

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated financial statements 

|  Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated balance sheet
31 December

Note

Assets
DKKm

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

6

4.3

3.7

3.4

6

3.5

3.6

3.7

5.4

5.4

Intangible assets

Land and buildings

Production assets

Fixtures and fittings, tools, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment under construction

Property, plant, and equipment

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Other securities and equity investments

Derivatives

Deferred tax

Other receivables

Other non-current assets

Non-current assets

Inventories

Derivatives

Contract assets

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Income tax

Securities

Cash

Current assets

Assets classified as held for sale

Assets

Assets and related liabilities held for sale
At 31 December 2021, assets and related liabilities held for sale comprised our 
oil pipe system in Denmark, which is an activity in Bioenergy & Other.

73

2022

4,029

7,980

119,211

1,543

48,931

177,665

772

182

1,804

13,719

3,243

19,720

2021

1,543

8,066

95,618

604

57,108

161,396

572

221

 2,716

13,281

2,492

19,282

201,414

182,221

14,103

23,433

408

12,701

20,289

419

25,197

16,178

112,728

-

15,998

14,078

2

9,565

16,134

1,200

21,228

8,624

86,829

1,335

314,142

270,385

Note

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.3

Equity and liabilities
DKKm

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Proposed dividends

Equity attributable to shareholders in Ørsted A/S

Hybrid capital

3.10

Non-controlling interests

4.3

3.9

5.5

5.1

6

3.5

3.8

3.7

3.9

5.5

5.1

6

3.5

3.8

3.7

Equity

Deferred tax

Provisions

Lease liabilities

Bond and bank debt

Derivatives

Contract liabilities

Tax equity liabilities

Other payables

Non-current liabilities

Provisions

Lease liabilities

Bond and bank debt

Derivatives

Contract liabilities

Trade payables

Tax equity liabilities

Other payables

Income tax

Current liabilities

Liabilities

2022

4,204

2021

4,204

(26,467)

(24,778)

88,331

5,675

71,743

19,793

3,996

95,532

7,414

19,121

7,697

60,451

24,121

3,085

14,490

7,363

143,742

585

569

2,830

33,438

2,269

20,641

1,903

7,518

5,115

79,391

5,255

64,072

17,984

3,081

85,137

5,616

15,124

6,812

31,502

17,464

3,230

13,358

4,682

97,788

764

720

19,493

32,325

2,440

20,231

1,206

4,768

5,021

74,868

86,968

218,610

184,756

Liabilities relating to assets classified as held for sale

-

492

Equity and liabilities

314,142

270,385

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated financial statements 

|  Consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity 2022

Consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity
1 January – 31 December

DKKm

Share 

capital Reserves 1

Retained 
earnings

Proposed 
dividends

Share-
holders in 
Ørsted A/S 

Hybrid 
capital

Non-con-
trolling
interests

Total 
Group

Share 

capital Reserves 1 

Retained 
earnings

Proposed 
dividends

Share-
holders in 
Ørsted A/S 

Hybrid 
capital

Non-con-
trolling
interests

2022

2021

Total 
Group

Equity at 1 January

4,204

(24,778)

79,391

5,255

64,072

17,984

3,081

85,137

4,204

(1,956)

74,294

4,834

81,376

13,232

2,721

97,329

14,549

577

(130)

14,996

10,222

740

(75)

10,887

Comprehensive income for the year:

Profit (loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Cash flow hedging

Exchange rate adjustments

Tax on other comprehensive income

Share of other comprehensive 
income of associated companies, 
after tax

Total comprehensive income

Coupon payments, hybrid capital

Tax, hybrid capital

Additions, hybrid capital

Disposals, hybrid capital

Proposed dividends

Dividends paid

Additions, non-controlling interests

Other changes

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,549

758

(2,211)

(236)

-

-

-

-

26

(1,689)

14,575

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

758

(2,211)

(236)

26

12,886

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

577

(529)

13

3,693

(1,945)

-

-

-

-

-

758

(122)

(2,333)

-

-

(236)

26

(252)

13,211

-

-

-

-

-

(294)

1,461

-

(529)

13

3,693

(1,945)

-

(5,546)

1,461

37

(5,675)

5,675

3

-

37

(5,255)

(5,252)

-

-

-

37

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,222

(32,295)

3,025

6,448

-

-

-

-

15

(22,822)

10,237

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(32,295)

3,025

6,448

15

(12,585)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

740

(430)

86

7,327

(2,971)

-

-

-

-

-

(32,295)

188

-

-

3,213

6,448

15

113

(11,732)

-

-

-

-

-

(349)

596

-

(430)

86

7,327

(2,971)

-

(5,179)

679

28

(5,255)

5,255

4

83

28

(4,834)

(4,830)

-

-

83

28

Equity at 31 December

4,204

(26,467)

88,331

5,675

71,743

19,793

3,996

95,532

4,204

(24,778)

79,391

5,255

64,072

17,984

3,081

85,137

1  See note 5.2 ‘Equity’ for more information about reserves.

74

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated financial statements 

|  Consolidated statement of cash flows

Consolidated statement of cash flows
1 January – 31 December

Note

DKKm

Operating profit (loss) before depreciation, amortisation, and impairment losses (EBITDA)

Reversal of gain (loss) on divestment of assets

Change in derivatives

Change in provisions

Other items

Change in inventories

Change in contract assets and liabilities

Change in trade receivables

Change in other receivables

Change in trade payables

Change in tax equity liabilities

Change in other payables

Interest received and similar items

Interest paid and similar items

4.4

Income tax paid

Cash flows from operating activities 

Purchase of intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

Sale of intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

3.1

3.2

Acquisition of enterprises

Divestment of enterprises

Purchase of other equity investments

Purchase of securities

Sale/maturation of securities

Change in other non-current assets

Transactions with associates and joint ventures

Dividends received and capital reductions

Cash flows from investing activities

75

Supplementary statements
Our supplementary statements of gross and  
net investment appear from note 3.0 ‘Capital 
employed’ and free cash flows (FCF) from note 
2.1 ‘Segment information’.

2022

32,057

(10,885)

(8,687)

(1,935)

(278)

1,419

(1,303)

(2,875)

2,742

3,886

(353)

(38)

7,985

(8,548)

(1,263)

11,924

2021

24,296

(7,920)

(2,051)

(158)

(262)

(555)

1,490

(2,299)

(8,486)

5,140

3,678

1,122

3,518

(3,985)

(1,380)

12,148

(33,004)

(34,569)

24,052

(3,406)

99

16

(9,414)

3,780

(4)

(54)

23

20,946

(2,431)

(147)

(9)

(8,098)

11,656

53

(21)

29

(17,912)

(12,591)

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated financial statements 

|  Consolidated statement of cash flows

Consolidated statement of cash flows – continued
1 January – 31 December

Note

DKKm

Proceeds from raising loans

Instalments on loans

Instalments on leases

Coupon payments on hybrid capital

Repurchase of hybrid capital

Proceeds from issuance of hybrid capital

Dividends paid to shareholders in Ørsted A/S

3.10 

Transactions with non-controlling interests

Net proceeds from tax equity partners

Collateral posted in relation to trading of derivatives

Collateral released in relation to trading of derivatives

Cash flows from financing activities

Total net change in cash and cash equivalents

5.4

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Total net change in cash and cash equivalents

Exchange rate adjustments of cash and cash equivalents

5.4

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

76

2022

37,090

(22,595)

(582)

(529)

(1,945)

3,693

(5,252)

1,170

(523)

(48,885)

52,143

13,785

7,797

8,614

7,797

(236)

16,175

2021

14,582

(4,435)

(520)

(430)

(2,971)

7,327

(4,830)

332

289

(23,034)

17,082

3,392

2,949

5,210

2,949

455

8,614

  Accounting policies

‘Cash flows from operating activities’ 
are determined using the indirect 
method as operating profit (loss) before 
depreciation, amortisation, and impair-
ment losses adjusted for changes in 
operating items without cash flow effect. 
Trade payables relating to purchases of 
intangible assets, and property, plant, 
and equipment are not recognised in 
change in trade payables.

‘Change in tax equity partner liabilities’ 
relates to cash contributions from tax 
equity partners and repayment hereof 
through production tax credits (PTCs) 
and other tax attributes to tax equity 
partners. See also note 3.8 ‘Tax equity 
liabilities’.

‘Cash flows from investing activities’ 
comprise payments in connection with 
the purchase and sale of non-current 
assets and enterprises as well as the pur-
chase and sale of securities that are not 
recognised as cash and cash equivalents.

‘Cash flows from financing activities’ 
comprise changes in the size or com-
position of equity and loans, including 
instalments on leases and net proceeds 
related to interest-bearing tax equity 
liabilities. Proceeds from the raising of 
short-term repo loans are presented net.

Cash flows in currencies other than the 
functional currency are translated at the 
average exchange rates for the month in 
question, unless these differ significantly 
from the rates at the transaction date.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  1. Basis of reporting

1. Basis of reporting

1.1  Significant changes and events

The financial position and performance of Ørsted was particularly 
affected by the following events and transactions  during 2022.

Energy prices

Acquisitions

Divestments

Impairment

Ostwind
In September, we completed 
the acquisition of the 
onshore renewable energy 
company Ostwind. The 
acquisition expands our 
European onshore portfolio 
into Germany and France 
with more than 1.5 GW 
of development pipeline 
projects. 

See note 3.1 ‘Acquisitions of 
 enterprises’.

Volatility in energy prices
2022 has been a year with 
unusual market conditions, 
not least very volatile energy 
prices and a substantial in-
crease in inflation. This has 
led to adverse impacts on our 
earnings from volume-related 
overhedging, ineffectiveness 
related to inflation-based 
contracts with partners, and 
ineffective hedges. 

As a response to the unintend-
ed impacts from hedges, we 
have established and are in 
the process of implementing a 
new risk management frame-
work to reduce the volatility 
from financial instruments 
and bring back the inherent 
 predictability of earnings that 
our contracted and regulated 
activities possess.

See note 6.1 ‘Market risk 
policy’.

Borkum Riffgrund 3
In March, we completed the 50 % divestment of  
our offshore wind farm Borkum Riffgrund 3 in 
Germany. The transaction resulted in proceeds 
of DKK 1.9 billion and a gain of DKK 1.6 billion. 
See note 2.6 ‘Other operating income and 
expenses’ and note 3.3 ‘ Intangible assets, and 
property, plant, and equipment’. 

Sunrise
Impairment losses amounted 
to DKK 2.5 billion in 2022, 
was related to our Sunrise 
Wind project in the US, and 
was driven by supply chain 
bottlenecks, cost inflation, 
and higher costs of capital. 

See note 3.3 ‘Intangible 
assets, and property, plant, 
and equipment’.

Hornsea 2
In September, we completed the 50 % divestment 
of our offshore wind farm Hornsea 2 in the UK. 
The transaction resulted in proceeds of DKK 22.2 
billion and a gain of DKK 9.4 billion. See note 2.6 
‘Other operating income and expenses’ and note 
3.3 ‘Intangible assets, and property, plant, and 
equipment’. 

US project portfolio
In October, we closed our first-ever agreement to 
farm down a portfolio of four onshore projects, 
divesting a 50 % ownership stake in the onshore 
wind farms Lincoln Land Wind, Plum Creek 
Wind, and Willow Creek Wind and the solar farm 
Muscle Shoals with a  total capacity of 862 MW 
geographically spread over four US states. 
The portfolio will still be fully consolidated after 
the divestment. The contribution received from 
the partner was recognised as interest- bearing 
debt in ‘Other payables’. See note 3.7 ‘Other 
receivables and other payables’.

77

For a detailed discussion about Ørsted’s performance and financial position, please refer to our management’s review.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  1.2  Basis of preparation

1.2  Basis of preparation

This section provides an overall description 
of the accounting policies applied in our 
consolidated financial statements as well 
as the European Single Electronic Format 
(ESEF) reporting requirements. We provide a 
more detailed description of the accounting 
policies applied in the specific notes. Key 
accounting estimates and judgements as 
well as new and  amended IFRS standards 
and interpretations are discussed in detail 
later in this note.

Accounting policies
The consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with the 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted by the EU and further 
requirements in the Danish Financial State-
ments Act (Årsregnskabsloven).

Measurement basis
The consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared on historical cost basis, 
except for derivatives, gas in non-Danish 
storage facilities, financial instruments in 
the trading portfolio, and carbon emission 
allowances in the trading portfolio, which 
are measured at market value.

The accounting policies have been applied 
consistently in the financial year and for 
comparative figures. 

78

Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements 
 comprise the financial statements of 
Ørsted A/S (the parent company) and 
 subsidiaries controlled by Ørsted A/S.  
See more in note 7.4 ‘Company overview’. 

are accounted for as investments in joint 
ventures, unless the nature of the joint 
arrangement is considered a joint operation. 
See our key accounting judgement for 
‘Consolidation method for partnerships’ in 
the next column. 

The consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared as a consolidation of 
the  parent company’s and the individual 
 subsidiaries’ financial statements, which 
have been prepared in accordance with 
the Group’s accounting policies. 

Intra- group income, expenses, shareholdings, 
balances, and dividends as well as realised 
and unrealised gains and losses arising from 
intra-group transactions are eliminated in 
our consolidated financial statements. 

Unrealised gains and losses resulting from 
transactions with associates and joint 
ventures are eliminated to the extent of 
our  ownership interest. 

Enterprises are accounted for as associates 
if we hold or have the ability to exercise, 
directly or indirectly, 20-50 % of the voting 
rights and do not exercise control. However, 
we carry out a specific assessment of our 
ability to exercise influence, including our 
ability to influence financial and operational 
decisions and thus our return. Enterprises 
that satisfy the criteria for joint control 

Our shares in joint operations are recognised 
in the consolidated balance sheet through 
 recognition of the Group’s own assets, liabil-
ities, income, and expenses. The proportion-
ate share of realised and unrealised gains and 
losses arising from intra-group transactions 
between fully consolidated enterprises and 
joint operations is eliminated.

Foreign currency translation
The financial statements are presented in 
million Danish kroner (DKKm), unless other-
wise stated.

Exchange differences arising between the 
exchange rate on the transaction date and 
on the date of payment are recognised in 
profit (loss) for the year as financial income 
or expenses.

Foreign currency transactions are translated 
into the functional currency defined for each 
entity using the exchange rates prevailing at 
the transaction date. Receivables,  payables, 
and other monetary items in foreign curren-
cies are translated at the exchange rates 
on the balance sheet date. The difference 

  Key accounting judgement

Consolidation method for partnerships
On establishment of partnerships and 
in connection with any restructuring of 
existing partnerships, we assess whether 
the structure is a joint arrangement 
under shared control. For joint ar-
rangements, we subsequently assess 
whether they are joint ventures or joint 
operations. 

In assessing joint operations, we look at: 
–   the corporate form of the operation
–   whether we are only entitled to the 
net profit (loss) or to income and 
expenses resulting from the operation.

In addition, the fact that the parties buy 
or are  assigned all output, for example 
the power generated, will lead to the 
structure being considered a joint opera-
tion if we have joint control.

   Ørsted annual report 2022The alternative performance measures most 
commonly presented in the Ørsted annual 
report are:

– 

  EBITDA and EBITDA excluding new 
 partnerships
  funds from operations (FFO)

– 
–  adjusted interest-bearing net debt
– 
– 

  free cash flow (FCF)
  ROCE.

Our definitions of the financial measures are 
included in note 7.3 ‘Alternative performance 
measures’.

Financial statements

Notes 

|  1.2  Basis of preparation

between the exchange rate on the balance 
sheet date and on the date at which the 
receivable or payable arose is  recognised in 
profit (loss) for the year as financial income 
or expenses.

Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, 
joint operations, associates, and joint ven-
tures are translated into DKK at monthly av-
erage exchange rates insofar as these do not 
deviate materially from the  actual exchange 
rates at the transaction dates. Balance sheet 
items are  translated at the exchange rates 
on the balance sheet date. 

All exchange differences are recognised in 
profit (loss) for the year, except for exchange 
differences arising on: 

– 

– 

 translation of the opening equity of these 
entities at the exchange rates on the 
 balance sheet date

  translation of the statements of compre-
hensive income of these enterprises from 
‘the average-for-the-month exchange 
rates’ to ‘the exchange rates on the 
 balance sheet date’

– 

  translation of balances accounted for as 
part of the total net investment

against corresponding foreign exchange 
gains (losses) on the net investment.

The above types of exchange differences are 
recognised in ‘Other comprehensive income’. 
Such exchange rate adjustments are divided 
between the equity of the parent  company 
and the equity of the  non-controlling  interests.

On full or partial divestment of the net 
investment, the accumulated exchange rate 
adjustments are recognised as follows:

– 

 Disposal resulting in loss of control: 
The accumulated exchange rate adjust-
ments, including any associated hedges, 
are recognised in the profit (loss) for the 
year if a foreign exchange gain (loss) is 
realised by the selling enterprise. Any 
foreign exchange gain (loss) is transferred 
to the item in which the gain (loss) from 
the disposal is recognised. The part of the 
foreign currency translation reserve that 
relates to non- controlling interests is not 
transferred to profit (loss) for the year.

– 

 Disposal not resulting in loss of control: 
A proportionate share of the foreign 
 currency translation reserve is transferred 
from the parent company shareholders’ 
share of equity to the minority share-
holders’ share of equity.

iXBRL reporting
We are required to file our annual report 
in the European Single Electronic Format 
(‘ESEF’)  using the XHTML format and to tag 
the consolidated financial statements in-
cluding notes using Inline eXtensible Business 
Reporting Language (iXBRL). The iXBRL tags 
comply with the ESEF taxonomy. Where a 
financial statement line item is not defined 
in the ESEF taxonomy, an extension to the 
taxonomy has been created.

The annual report submitted to the Danish 
Financial Supervisory Authority consists of 
the XHTML document together with certain 
technical files, all included in a ZIP file 
named Orsted-2022-12-31-en.zip. 

Alternative performance measures
We present financial measures in the con-
solidated financial statements which are 
not defined according to IFRS. We use these 
alternative performance measures (APM) 
as we believe that these financial measures 
provide valuable information to our stake-
holders and management. 

The financial measures should not be con-
sidered a replacement for the performance 
measures as defined under IFRS, but rather 
as supplementary information.

– 

 translation of the portion of loans and 
derivatives that has been entered into to 
hedge the net investment in an enterprise, 
and that provides an effective hedge 

Repayment of balances that are considered 
part of the net investment does not consti-
tute a partial disposal of the subsidiary. 

The alternative performance measures may 
not be comparable to similar titled measures 
presented by other companies, as the defini-
tions and calculations may be different. 

79

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  1.2  Basis of preparation

Note

1.2

2.6

3.1

3.3

3.8

3.9

4.2

6.1

Basis of preparation

Consolidation method for partnerships

Key accounting estimates and judgements 

Other operating income and expenses

Variable selling prices related to divestments of offshore wind farms and offshore transmission assets 
Classification of divestment

Acquisition of enterprises

Purchase price allocation in business combinations

Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

Key assumptions in impairment tests

Tax equity liabilities

Recognition of tax equity partnerships

Provisions and contingent liabilities

Assumptions for provisions 

Tax on profit (loss) for the year

Recognition of income taxes

Market risk policy

Valuation of long-term power purchase agreements
Effectiveness of hedge reserve

Estimate/ 
judgement

Judgement

Estimate
Judgement

Estimate

Estimate

Judgement

Estimate

Estimate

Estimate 
Judgement

Potential impact from 
accounting estimates  
and judgements

Implementation of new and changed 

accounting standards and interpretations
The International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB) has issued amended standards 
that are effective for the first time in 2022. 
None of them required a change in our 
 accounting policies. 

New standards and interpretations
IASB has issued new or amended accounting 
standards and interpretations that have not 
yet become effective and have consequently 
not been implemented in the consolidated 
financial statements for 2022. Ørsted expects 
to adopt the accounting standards and inter-
pretations as they become mandatory. 

Key accounting estimates and judgements
The use of reasonable estimates and judge-
ments is an essential part of the preparation 
of the consolidated financial statements.

Given the uncertainties inherent in our 
business activities, we make a number of 
estimates and judgements. The estimates 
and judgements are based on assumptions 
concerning future developments, which 
affect our application of accounting policies 
and the reported amounts of our assets, 
 liabilities, sales, costs, cash flows, hedge 
reserve, and  related disclosures. Actual 
amounts may  differ from the amounts 
 estimated and judgements made, as more 
detailed  information becomes available.

The new or amended standards or interpre-
tations are not expected to have a signifi-
cant impact on our consolidated financial 
statements. 

We regularly reassess these estimates and 
judgements based on, among other things, 
historical experience, the current situation 

80

in the financial markets, and a number of 
other relevant factors, i.e. the updates in 
the annual estimated production. Changes 
in  estimates are recognised in the period in 
which the estimate in question is revised.

↑  Key accounting estimates and judgements and 
their level of potential impact on the consolidated 
financial statements. 

The impact relates to objectivity and business 
practice. 

Very objective/market-conforming 
Objective/partially conforming 
Partially subjective/partially distinctive

  Subjective/distinctive for Ørsted

Accounting estimates, judgements, and 
 assumptions which may entail a risk of 
material adjustments in subsequent years 
are listed in the table above.

In addition, we make judgements when 
we  apply the accounting policies. 

Reference is made to the specific notes for 
further information on the key accounting 
estimates and judgements as well as the 
assumptions applied.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  2. Return on capital employed

2. Return on capital employed

EBIT by segment 1
Percentage of DKK 19,794 million in 2022

Return on capital employed (ROCE) is a key ratio 
showing how profitable our business activities are. 
Our  target is an average ROCE of approx. 11-12 %  
for the Group for the 2020-2027 period.

Return on capital employed was 16.8 % in 2022. 
The  increase of 2 percentage points compared  
to last year was attributable to a higher EBIT.  
See note 2.1 ‘ Segment  information’.

51 %

Offshore

39 %

Bioenergy  
& Other

10 %

Onshore

EBITDA and EBIT
DKKbn

Return on capital employed
DKKbn

EBITDA 32.1 bn
EBIT1 19.8 bn

28.5

23.1

24.3

16.2

19.0

11.6

16.6

9.0

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

1  EBIT of DKK 19,794 million is calculated as EBIT 
for  reportable segments.

16.8 %

Return on capital employed totalled  
16.8 % in 2022 against 14.8 % in 2021.

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

 16.8

 14.8

8.3

12.2

30.2

81

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.1  Segment information

2.1  Segment information

Offshore 
DKKm

Revenue

EBITDA

Gross investments

Number of employees

87,121

19,569

26,710

4,038

Primary activities
Development, construction, ownership, and oper-
ation of offshore wind farms in the UK, Germany, 
Denmark, Poland, the Netherlands, the US, and 
Taiwan as well as development of renewable hy-
drogen and green fuels in Europe and e-methanol 
on the US Gulf Coast. 

 Onshore 
DKKm

Revenue

EBITDA

Gross investments

Number of employees

3,014

3,644

10,396

419

Geographical distribution
Geographical revenue is broken down, as 
far as possible, by the customer’s geo-
graphical location based on supply point. 

A significant part of our sales takes place 
via power exchanges and gas hubs in 
Europe, whose physical locations do not 
reflect the geographical locations of our 
customers. When breaking down these 
sales by  geographical location, we use the 
physical locations of the exchange or hub 
since we do not know the physical loca-
tion of our customers in all cases. 

Revenue
DKKm 2022 (2021)

DKK 132,277 million

The UK

59,132 (41,323)

Denmark 38,471 (19,839)

Germany 14,653

(7,818)

NL

Taiwan

The US

Other

Ireland

9,943

(5,916)

5,439

(831)

2,619

(1,296)

1,083

937

(420)

(230)

No single customer accounted for more 
than 10 % of our consolidated revenue in 
2022 or 2021, respectively. 

Intangible assets, and property, plant,  
and equipment
DKKm 2022 (2021)

  Accounting policies

Our operating segments are consistent 
with our internal reporting to our chief 
operating decision maker, the Group 
Executive Team.

The operating segments are managed 
primarily on the basis of EBITDA and 
investments. Financial income, financial 
expenses, depreciation, amortisations, 
and tax are allocated to the operating 
segments, while we manage them at 
Group level. 

Segment income and segment expenses 
are those items that, in our internal 
management reporting, are directly 
attributable to individual segments or 
can be indirectly allocated to individual 
segments on a reliable basis.

Primary activities
Development, construction, ownership, and oper-
ation of onshore wind and solar farms in the US 
and in Europe, including integrated storage.

Non-current assets are broken down 
geographically, based on the physical 
locations of the assets.

 Bioenergy & Other 
DKKm

Revenue

EBITDA

Gross investments

Number of employees

46,243

8,619

267

988

Primary activities
Generation of heat and power and delivery of 
ancillary services from CHP plants in Denmark, 
optimisation of our gas portfolio, and sale of 
green certificates, power, and gas in wholesale 
and B2B markets.

82

DKK 181,694 million

The US

68,352 (51,045)

The UK

48,963 (63,331)

Taiwan

24,476 (16,234)

Germany 15,141 (11,544)

Denmark 12,182

(9,707)

Ireland

5,017

(4,930)

NL

Poland

France

Other

4,722

(4,904)

1,479

(1,221)

1,357

5

(0)

(23)

Revenue, intangible assets as well as property, 
plant, and equipment are presented based on the 
locations of our customers and assets as well as 
the exchanges on which we trade.

   Ørsted annual report 2022The column ‘Other activities/eliminations’ primarily 
covers the elimination of inter- segment transac-
tions. It also includes income and costs, assets and 
liabilities, investment activity, taxes, etc., handled 
at Group level.

1  Including the elimin ation of other activities, the 
total elimination of intra-group revenue amounts 
to DKK -7,296 million, which primarily relates to 
our Shared Functions services as well as our B2B 
business activities. 

Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.1  Segment information

2022 income statement
DKKm

External revenue

Intra-group revenue

Revenue

Cost of sales

Employee costs and other external expenses 

Gain (loss) on disposal of non-current assets

Additional other operating income and expenses

Share of profit (loss) in associates and joint ventures

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment losses

Operating profit (loss) (EBIT)

Key ratios

Offshore

Onshore

Bioenergy
& Other

Reportable
segments

78,970

8,151

87,121

3,014

-

3,014

50,279

(4,036)

46,243

132,263

4,115

136,378

(66,398)

(57)

(34,748)

(101,203)

(8,410)

10,864

(3,716)

108

19,569

(7,006)

(2,529)

10,034

(1,831)

43

2,472

3

3,644

(1,644)

-

2,000

(2,370)

(12,611)

(22)

(487)

3

8,619

(859)

-

7,760

10,885

(1,731)

114

31,832

(9,509)

(2,529)

19,794

Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

114,130

57,320

8,868

180,318

Equity investments and non-current receivables

Net working capital, capital expenditures

Net working capital, work in progress

Net working capital, tax equity

Net working capital, other items

Derivatives, net

Decommissioning obligations

Other provisions

Tax, net

Other receivables and other payables, net

Capital employed at 31 December

Return on capital employed (ROCE), %

Cash flows from operating activities

Gross investments

Divestments

Free cash flow (FCF)

83

605

(5,050)

1,430

100

(572)

41

-

(15,157)

9,093

(25,914)

(10,233)

(1,910)

5,598

2,192

89,941

85

(7,604)

(1,769)

(39)

(3,938)

(4)

28,463

124

(43)

-

-

873

99

(2,074)

(1,520)

(1,119)

3

829

(5,665)

1,471

(15,157)

10,051

(33,419)

(14,076)

(3,469)

541

2,191

5,211

123,615

5,272

2,509

(26,710)

(10,396)

25,451

4,013

56

(7,831)

2,622

(267)

(4)

2,351

10,403

(37,373)

25,503

(1,467)

Other  
activities/
eliminations

Total

14

132,277

(4,115) 1

(4,101)

4,040

284

-

2

-

225

(245)

-

(20)

1,376

167

-

-

-

1,877

1,097

-

(2,161)

1,068

(936)

2,488

1,521

(74)

133

1,580

-

132,277

(97,163)

(12,327)

10,885

(1,729)

114

32,057

(9,754)

(2,529)

19,774

181,694

996

(5,665)

1,471

(15,157)

11,928

(32,322)

(14,076)

(5,630)

1,609

1,255

126,103

16.8

11,924

(37,447)

25,636

113

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.1  Segment information

2021 income statement
DKKm

External revenue

Intra-group revenue

Revenue

Cost of sales

Employee costs and other external expenses 

Gain (loss) on disposal of non-current assets

Additional other operating income and expenses

Share of profit (loss) in associates and joint ventures

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment losses

Operating profit (loss) (EBIT)

Key ratios

The column ‘Other activities/eliminations’ primarily 
covers the elimination of inter- segment transac-
tions. It also includes income and costs, assets and 
liabilities, investment activity, taxes, etc., handled 
at Group level.

1  Including the elimin ation of other activities, the 
total elimination of intra-group revenue amounts 
to DKK -9,161 million, which primarily relates to 
our Shared Functions services as well as our B2B 
business activities.

Offshore

Onshore

Bioenergy
& Other

Reportable
segments

42,350

8,441

50,791

(33,922)

(7,171)

7,920

424

(21)

18,021

(5,993)

(69)

11,959

1,018

(23)

995

(26)

(1,071)

-

1,448

3

1,349

(903)

(60)

386

34,263

(1,873)

32,390

(25,612)

(2,039)

-

7

1

4,747

(831)

-

3,916

77,631

6,545

84,176

(59,560)

(10,281)

7,920

1,879

(17)

24,117

(7,727)

(129)

16,261

Other  
activities/
eliminations

Total

42

 77,673

(6,545) 1

(6,503)

6,450

232

-

-

-

179

(245)

-

(66)

-

77,673

(53,110)

(10,049)

7,920

1,879

(17)

24,296

(7,972)

(129)

16,195

Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

108,419

44,923

8,259

161,601

1,338

162,939

Assets classified as held for sale, net

Equity investments and non-current receivables

Net working capital, capital expenditures

Net working capital, work in progress

Net working capital, tax equity

Net working capital, other items

Derivatives, net

Decommissioning obligations

Other provisions

Tax, net

Other receivables and other payables, net

Capital employed at 31 December

Return on capital employed (ROCE), %

Cash flows from operating activities

Gross investments

Divestments

Free cash flow (FCF)

84

-

460

(8,294)

5,948

-

44

(581)

-

-

(13,268)

9,680

(23,289)

(6,155)

(3,106)

6,157

(4,006)

85,814

(74)

(2,692)

(1,302)

(11)

(4,390)

(15)

22,634

860

134

(38)

-

-

1,031

(6,819)

(1,394)

(1,577)

1,492

2

860

638

(8,913)

5,948

(13,268)

10,637

(32,800)

(8,851)

(4,694)

3,259

(4,019)

1,950

110,398

(898)

4,467

(23,416)

(15,525)

21,595

(2,719)

-

(11,058)

7,593

(274)

(178)

7,141

11,162

(39,215)

21,417

(6,636)

-

190

-

-

-

183

(195)

-

(2,343)

585

(740)

(982)

986

(92)

102

996

860

828

(8,913)

5,948

(13,268)

10,820

(32,995)

(8,851)

(7,037)

3,844

(4,759)

109,416

14.8

12,148

(39,307)

21,519

(5,640)

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.2  Revenue

2.2  Revenue

Revenue
DKKm

Generation of power

Sale of power

Revenue from construction of offshore 
wind farms and transmission assets

Generation and sale of heat and steam

Sale of gas

Distribution and transmission

O&M and other services

Total revenue from customers

Government grants

Miscellaneous revenue

Total revenue

Offshore Onshore

Bioenergy
& Other

Other 
activities/
eliminations 

Offshore Onshore

Bioenergy
& Other

Other 
activities/
eliminations 

2,121

12,701

-

-

-

-

-

-

31

5,936

(4,099)

-

3,002

20,954

277

733

-

-

-

(5)

(45)

15,149

52,252

11,640

-

-

-

2,403

81,444

4,831

846

2022  
total

29,971

54,089

11,640

3,002

20,954

272

3,122

8,544

26,524

6,044

-

-

-

2,639

43,751

7,655

(615)

933

-

-

-

-

-

-

6,376

5,474

-

2,745

16,270

326

241

-

(6,541)

-

-

-

-

(37)

2021  
total

15,853

25,457

6,044

2,745

16,270

326

2,843

2,152

43,603

(4,149)

123,050

862

-

493

2,147

-

48

6,186

3,041

87,121

3,014

46,243

(4,101)

132,277

50,791

933

179

(117)

995

31,432

(6,578)

69,538

700

258

-

75

8,534

(399)

32,390

(6,503)

77,673

Timing of revenue recognition from 
customers

At a point in time

Over time

Total revenue from customers

Revenue from sale of goods and services

Revenue from sale of goods

Revenue from sale of services

Total revenue

66,693

14,751

81,444

84,844

2,277

87,121

2,152

-

2,152

26,564

17,039

43,603

(4,149)

-

91,260

31,790

(4,149)

123,050

3,001

45,837

(4,044)

129,638

13

406

(57)

2,639

3,014

46,243

(4,101)

132,277

35,441

8,310

43,751

48,650

2,141

50,791

933

-

933

14,090

17,342

31,432

(6,578)

-

(6,578)

992

31,701

(6,475)

3

689

(28)

995

32,390

(6,503)

43,886

25,652

69,538

74,868

2,805

77,673

The timing of transfer of goods or services to  customers is categorised as follows:

‘At a point in time’ mainly comprises:
–   sale of gas or power in the market, e.g. North Pool, TTF, NBP
–   sale of transmission assets from offshore wind farms. 

‘Over time’ mainly comprises:
–   construction agreements for offshore wind farms and transmission assets
–   long-term contracts with customers to deliver gas, heat, or power.

85

Revenue for the year increased by 71 % to 
DKK 132,277 million in 2022. The increase 
was primarily due to the significantly 
 higher power and gas prices across all 
markets and more assets in operation. 

Revenue from construction agreements 
was DKK 11,640 million. The increase of 
DKK 5,596 million was mainly related 
to the divestment of 50 % of the off-
shore transmission assets at Hornsea 2 
in  September and the construction of 
 Greater Changhua 1 for partners.

Income from government grants  decreased 
significantly in 2022 due to power prices 
being above subsidy prices, leading to a 
lower subsidy per MWh produced. 

Backlog
Order backlog for the construction of wind 
farms and offshore transmission assets.

Order backlog
DKKm

31 December

Within one year

In more than one year

2022

5,989

43 %

57 %

2021

5,989

100 %

0 %

The transaction price allocated to the remaining 
performance obligation.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.2  Revenue

  Accounting policies

Revenue is measured based on the consideration 
specified in a contract with a customer (transaction 
price) and excludes amounts collected on behalf of 
third parties, i.e. VAT. We recognise revenue when we 
transfer control over a product or service to a customer 
or a partner. 

the customer at a variable price, are considered one 
performance obligation with multiple deliveries to be 
satisfied over time. For such contracts and for long-
term agreements on selling power at a fixed price, we 
recognise revenue in the amount up to which we have 
a right to invoice.

After signing the construction agreement, we carry 
out an assessment determining when the wind farm 
is expected to be completed. We calculate the size of 
the variable payment on this basis. We only recognise 
the variable fee when it is highly probable that a subse-
quent reversal will not take place. 

If a part of the transaction price is variable, i.e. bonus 
payments, incentive payments for unmissed deadlines, 
etc., the variable consideration is recognised in revenue 
when it is highly probable that the revenue will not be 
reversed in subsequent periods.

We adjust the transaction price for the time value of 
money if the payments exceed twelve months.

Generation of power
Generation of power is the sale of power produced at 
our own wind farms, solar farms, and power stations 
as well as the sale of ancillary services. We recognise 
revenue as the power is produced, since this is when 
delivery to the customers occurs. 

Fees for having CPH plants on standby and/or ready 
to increase or decrease the generation of power to 
balance the demand and supply in the system is con-
sidered one performance obligation fulfilled over time.

The consideration for the power is due when the actual 
power is delivered to the customer.

Revenue from construction of offshore wind farms
Revenue from construction of offshore wind farms 
includes development and construction. The construc-
tion agreements cover the construction phase from de-
sign to delivery of an operational asset. The agreement 
consists of two performance obligations:
–  Offshore wind farms. 
–  Offshore transmission assets, if applicable. 

The construction agreements cover our partners’ 
shares of the construction of the wind farm and off-
shore transmission assets, if applicable. If our contracts 
include multiple performance obligations, the transac-
tion price will be allocated to each performance obli-
gation based on the stand-alone selling prices. Where 
these are not directly observable, they are estimated 
based on the expected cost-plus margin. 

Our partner pays the fixed consideration based on a 
payment schedule. The payment schedule is deter-
mined and based on the expected progress of the 
construction and transfer of control to the customer.

Generation and sale of heat and steam
Heat is sold under long-term heat contracts and recog-
nised when the heat is delivered to our customer. 

The heat customer makes a prepayment to finance 
the majority of our CAPEX associated with the 
biomass conversion of the CHP plant. The prepay-
ment is recognised as a contract liability, and it is also 
recognised as revenue in step with the transfer of heat 
to the customer. 

Payment for the sale of heat consists of fixed costs 
associated with operations and maintenance of a CHP 
plant, fuel costs for the generation of heat, and a finan-
cial return. The consideration is due when delivered.

The consideration for the power is due when the actual 
power is delivered to the customer.

Sale of power
Revenue from sale of power sourced from other 
producers. This includes the sale of power sourced 
from investor power purchase agreements, third-party 
balancing contracts, and other sales contracts. 

The sale is recognised when the power is delivered to 
our customer.

Sales contracts for a fixed amount of power at a 
variable price, or where we are exclusive suppliers to 

We recognise revenue over time, using an input method 
to measure progress towards complete satisfaction 
of the performance obligation because the customer 
gains control of the offshore wind farm during the 
construction process. The input method reflects the 
ongoing transfer of control. 

Sale of gas
Sale of gas is our gas sourced from other producers, 
and it is recognised when the gas is transferred to our 
buyer. The transfer of control occurs either when the 
gas is injected into the distribution system or delivered 
to the customer. 

The consideration for the construction of an offshore 
wind farm consists of a fixed fee and a relatively minor 
variable fee, depending on when the wind farm can be 
put into operation. The consideration for an offshore 
transmission asset is a fixed fee.

Sales contracts for a fixed amount of gas at a 
variable price, or where we are exclusive suppliers to 
the customer at a variable price, are considered one 
performance obligation with multiple deliveries to be 
satisfied over time. For such contracts, we recognise 
revenue in the amount up to which we have a right to 
invoice. Some long-term gas sales contracts include 

clauses which give the right to renegotiate the fixed 
sales prices. Expectations for the outcomes of renegoti-
ations are not included in revenue before we know the 
outcome of the individual renegotiations.

The consideration for the gas is due when the gas is 
injected into the distribution system or delivered to the 
customer.

Distribution and transmission
Fees for distribution and transmission of oil is recog-
nised when the oil is delivered to the buyer, or when 
the capacity is made available. 

Revenue is calculated as the amount to which we are 
entitled when the service is delivered to the customer, 
and consideration is payable when invoiced.

O&M and other services 
Revenue from providing services is recognised over 
time as our customer simultaneously receives and 
consumes the benefits provided. 

For fixed-priced contracts, revenue is recognised based 
on the actual service rendered at the end of the 
reporting period as a proportion of the total services 
to be rendered. This is determined based on the actual 
labour hours spent relative to the total labour hours 
expected.

Fixed-price contracts are invoiced on a monthly basis, 
and consideration is payable when invoiced. Variable 
fee services are due after the services are rendered.

86

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.3  Cost of sales

Offshore Onshore

Bioenergy
& Other

Other 
activities/
eliminations 

Offshore Onshore

Bioenergy
& Other

Other 
activities/
eliminations 

-

54,762

-

-

-

-

-

-

27

-

30

57

19,676

6,172

3,323

2,955

1,507

-

1,115

34,748

-

(4,014)

-

-

(50)

-

24

2022  
total

19,676

56,920

3,323

2,955

3,550

9,570

 1,169

-

26,042

-

-

1,627

6,175

78

13,944

4,720

3,272

1,060

2,062

-

554

-

(6,450)

-

-

(44)

-

44

-

-

-

-

13

-

13

26

(4,040)

97,163

33,922

25,612

(6,450)

53,110

  Accounting policies

Ørsted constructs offshore transmission 
assets in the UK which are required to 
be divested to third parties due to EU 
unbundling regulations. The construction 
costs are presented as  inventories and 
transferred to cost of sales when the 
asset is divested to either a farm-down 
partner or to the buyer appointed by 
OFGEM. 

2021  
total

13,944

24,312

3,272

1,060

3,658

6,175

689

2.3  Cost of sales

Cost of sales
DKKm

Gas

Power including certificates

Biomass

Coal

Distribution and transmission costs

2,066

Costs for construction of offshore wind 
farms and transmission assets

Other cost of sales

Total

9,570

-

66,398

Cost of sales increased by 83 % to 
DKK 97,163 million in 2022. The increase 
was primarily due to the significantly higher 
gas and power prices across all markets, 
the divestment of 50 % of the offshore 
 trans mission asset at Hornsea 2, and the 
construction of Greater Changhua 1 for 
partners in 2022. The increase in 2022 was 
partly offset by a reduction in gas volumes 
sold and the divestment of the offshore 
transmission asset at Hornsea 1 in 2021.

87

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.4  Government grants  /  2.5   Research and development expenditures

2.4  Government grants

2.5   Research and development expenditures

Government grants 
DKKm

Government grants recognised in profit (loss) for the year under revenue

Government grants recognised in profit (loss) for the year under other operating 
income

Government grants recognised in the balance sheet

Government grants recognised for the year

2022

6,186

28

(28)

6,186

2021

8,534

23

(23)

8,534

Feed-in tariffs from our Irish, Dutch, and 
German wind farms are also recognised 
as government grants. 

Income from government grants decreased 
significantly in 2022 due to power prices 
 being above subsidy prices, leading to a 
lower subsidy per MWh produced.

Expensed research and  
development expenditures 2022
DKKm

Research

Development

Total

Expensed research and  
development expenditures 2021
DKKm

Research

Development

Total

Offshore

Onshore

Bioenergy 
& Other

122

1,736

1,858

82

1,924

2,006

-

266

266

-

141

141

-

10

10

-

15

15

Total

122

2,012

2,134

82

2,080

2,162

  Accounting policies

  Accounting policies

Government grants comprise grants for 
environmentally sustainable power genera-
tion, grants for the funding of development 
projects, investment grants, etc. 

Government grants are recognised when 
there is  reasonable assurance that the 
grants will be received. 

As grants for power generation are 
intended as a compensation for the price 
of power, we system atically recognise the 
grants under revenue in step with the power 
generation and thus the related revenue.

Research costs are costs incurred to find new 
or improve existing technologies (e.g. improving 
offshore foundations, optimising blade stability 
and performance for wind farms, developing 
new ways of converting renewable electrons to 
renewable molecules and synthetic fuels).

Research costs are recognised in the income 
statement as incurred.

Development costs primarly comprise salaries as 
well as internal and external costs which can be 
directly or indirectly attributed to design and de-
velopment of offshore and onshore wind farms, 

the Renescience Northwich plant, P2X produc-
tion facilities, and energy storage facilities.

Development costs are expensed until the 
capitalisation criteria are met. Development 
costs incurred after that are capitalised as ‘Assets 
under construction’.

The transmission system operator in 
Denmark administers subsidies for environ-
mentally sustainable power generation, 
including biomass and offshore wind farms. 
We treat the subsidies as a government 
grant, as it is paid by the Danish state.

In the UK, we receive subsidies under two 
schemes:  contracts for difference (CfD) 
and the Renewable Obligation scheme 
(renew able obligation certificate (ROC) 
regime). The  Burbo Bank Extension,  Walney 
 Extension, Hornsea 1, and Hornsea 2 off-
shore wind farms are under the CfD regime, 
while our other UK offshore wind farms as 
well as our Renescience plant are under the 
ROC regime. We treat the payments from 
the schemes as government grants.

88

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.6   Other operating income and expenses

2.6   Other operating income and expenses

Operating income
DKKm

Gain on divestment of assets

US tax credits and tax attributes

Other compensation

Miscellaneous operating income

Total other operating income

Other operating expenses
DKKm

Ineffective hedges, etc. 1

Loss on divestment of assets

Miscellaneous operating expenses

Total other operating expenses

2022

11,018

2,556

175

370

2021

8,146

1,382

429

228

14,119

10,185

4,591

133

239

4,963

-

226

160

386

1  In 2021, ineffective hedges, etc., was DKK 1,074 million, presented as revenue. 

Other operating income
In 2022, other operating income was 
DKK 14,119 million, which was DKK 3,934 
million higher than in 2021. The increase 
was mainly driven by gain on divestments 
of assets, primarily the 50 % farm-downs of 
Hornsea 2 and Borkum Riffgrund 3. 

In 2021, gain on divestment of assets was 
related to the 50 % farm-downs of 
Borssele 1 & 2 and Greater Changhua 1. 

The increase in ‘US tax credits and tax 
attributes’ was mainly due to commis-
sioning of new onshore wind farms in 2021, 
which have had full impact in 2022, and 

commissioning of new onshore wind and 
solar farms in 2022. 

Other operating expenses
‘Ineffective hedges’ included volume-
ineffec tive hedges as a consequence of 
lower- than-expected offshore generation, 
resulting in us having hedged too large 
volumes. Furthermore, it included other 
hedges, which we cannot document as 
being ‘effective’ from a hedge accounting 
perspective and therefore have recognised 
in the income statement.

‘Loss on divestment of assets’ was primarily 
related to M&A transaction costs.

89

  Accounting policies

  Key accounting estimate

Gains from farm-downs of ownership interests 
in wind farms are recognised on the divestment 
date as other operating income.. 

Gains for future construction of the partner’s 
share of the wind farm are recognised over 
time in the income statement in step with the 
construction. See notes 2.2 ‘Revenue’ and 
3.5 ‘Contract assets and liabilities’. 

The accounting policies for ‘US tax credits and 
tax attributes’ income are described in 
note 3.8 ‘Tax equity liabilities’.

Losses from our market trading activities are 
presented as other operating expenses under 
'Ineffecive hedges, etc.'

Divestment of ownership interests in our 
offshore wind farms
When we divest an ownership interest in an off-
shore wind farm to a partner, we typically also 
enter into agreements on the future  operation 
and construction of the offshore wind farm. 

Contracts in connection with a divestment are 
typically agreements on:
–  the sale of shares (divestment of assets) (SPA)
–   the future construction of the offshore wind 
farm (construction agreements or construc-
tion management agreements, if not in 
operation)

–   the future operation of the offshore wind 

farm (O&M agreements).

Variable selling price related to  
divestments of offshore wind farms and 
offshore transmission assets
When we divest an ownership interest in an off-
shore wind farm and an offshore transmission 
asset to a partner, we consider all terms and 
activities in the contracts in order to determine 
the transaction price. 

If the consideration includes a variable amount, 
we estimate the consideration to which we are 
entitled in exchange for transferring the asset, 
the wind farm, and the transmission asset to 
our partner.

The variable considerations are estimated at 
contract inception based on future outcome of 
events, e.g.: 
–   the divestment price of offshore transmission 
asset through a competitive tender process
–   the impact on production from future wind 

farms

–   the winning bid of the tender revenue stream 

through a competitive tender process.

We consider ‘the most likely amount’ to provide 
the most appropriate estimate of the expected 
variable consideration. 

  Key accounting judgement

Classification of divestment
When we divest ownership interests in an 
offshore wind farm, we carry out an individual 
assessment, determining whether the divest-
ment qualifies as a divestment of an enterprise 
or a divestment of assets. We have typically 
assessed that the offshore wind farms do not 
constitute an enterprise, as no employees are 
transferred, and processes are transferred to a 
limited extent only.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.7  Employee costs

2.7  Employee costs

Employee costs
DKKm

Wages, salaries, and remuneration

Share-based payment

Pensions

Other social security costs

Other employee costs

Employee costs before transfer to assets

Transfer to assets

Total employee costs

Salaries and remuneration for the Group 
Executive Team and the Board of Directors

Executive Board 1

Other members of the
Group Executive Team 2

DKK 000

Fixed salary

Short-term cash-based incentive scheme

Share-based payment

Pension, incl. social security and benefits

Short-term retention-dependent purchase 
price related to the acquisition of Lincoln 
Clean Energy 

Salary in notice period

Severance payment

Total 

2022

2021

2022

2021

30,632

31,250

20,337

15,362

6,454

3,989

860

-

14,553 3

9,270

65,758

6,996

2,497

709

-

-

-

4,402

2,338

4,521

-

693

4,793

4,927

262

4,129

2,352

4,907

-

2022

5,510

32

430

233

92

6,297

(1,019)

5,278

2022

57,776

10,856

6,327

5,381

-

15,246

14,063

2021

4,603

26

357

191

108

5,285

(996)

4,289

Total

2021

52,918

11,923

2,759

4,838

2,352

4,907

-

Board of Directors

2022

6,807

2021

6,306

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Pension plans and number of employees 
Pension plans are defined-contribution 
plans that do not commit Ørsted beyond 
the amounts contributed. 

In 2022, our average number of employees 
was 7,428 (2021: 6,508). 

Remuneration of the Group Executive Team
The remuneration of the Group Executive 
Team is based on a fixed salary, including 
personal benefits, such as a company car, 
free telephone, etc., a variable salary, and 
share-based payment. The non-executive 
members of the Group Executive Team 
also receive a pension.

The members of the Board of Directors are 
paid fixed remuneration only for their work 
in Ørsted. In addition, Ørsted reimburses 
any travel expenses. 

For more details on the remuneration  
of the Executive Board, please refer  
to the remuneration report  
(orsted.com/remuneration2022).

41,452

37,084

31,939

6,807

6,306

109,649

79,697

1  The Executive Board consists of: Mads Nipper, Marianne Wiinholt (left on 8 April 
2022), Daniel Lerup (joined on 8 April 2022), Henriette Fenger Ellekrog (joined on 
1  November 2022), and Martin Neubert (left on 31 October 2022).

Neil O’Donovan and Ingrid Reumert (joined on 1 November 2022), and  Henriette 
Fenger  Ellekrog (until 31 October 2022 when she joined the Executive Board).

2  Other members of the Group Executive Team in 2022 are: Oliva Breese (joined  
on 1 November 2022), Rasmus Errboe (joined on 1 November 2022), Anders Zoëga 
Hansen (joined on 1 November 2022), David Hardy (joined on 1 November 2022), 
Richard Hunter and Per Mejnert Kristensen (joined on 1 November 2022),  

3 Including DKK 3,147 thousand related to share-based payments as, in accord-
ance with the programme terms, Martin Neubert keeps his rights to the 2020, 2021, 
and 2022 grants.

90

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.8  Share-based payment

2.8  Share-based payment

Market value of PSUs and key assumptions  
for valuation in executive share programme

Time of granting 
2022

Time of granting 
2021

Time of granting 
2020

Market value of 1 PSU

Key assumptions

Share price

Average volatility rate

Volatility, Ørsted

Risk-free interest rate

Expected term at time of granting

909

1,246

794

835

30.2 %

34.8 %

0.9 %

3 years

1,025

28.8 %

29.6 %

0.1 %

3 years

666

24.1 %

24.6 %

(0.5) %

3 years

Required number of locked-up shares relative to fixed salary

CEO

CFO, Chief HR Officer

Other members of the Group Executive Team

Other participants

75 % of fixed salary

50 % of fixed salary

25 % – 50 % of fixed salary

15 % – 25 % of fixed salary

The figure shows the shareholding requirement in percentage of the participants’ fixed salary. A build-up 
period of up to five years is allowed.

Executive share programme
The Group Executive Team and a number 
of other senior executives participate in 
the share programme (approx. 120). As a 
condition for the granting of performance 
share units (PSUs), the participant must own 
a number of shares in Ørsted corresponding 
to a portion of the individual participant’s 
annual fixed salary. The portion depends on 
the employee category, and it makes up 75 % 
of our CEO’s fixed salary. See the table above 
for more information. The participants in 
the programme must invest in Ørsted shares 
prior to the first granting. A build-up period 

for the shareholding requirements of up to 
five years is allowed. If the participants fulfil 
the shareholding requirement at the time 
of granting, they will be granted a number 
of PSUs each year, representing a value of  
 15-20 % (15-40 % in the US) of the annual  
fixed salary on the date of granting. 

The granted PSUs have a vesting period of 
approximately three years. Then, each PSU 
entitles the holder, without payment, to 
receive a number of shares corresponding 
to 0-200 % of the number of PSUs granted. 
The vesting is conditional upon continued 

91

employment. Assuming no share price 
development since the grant, the value 
would correspond to 0-30 % or 0-40 % 
(0-80 % in the US) of the fixed salary on the 
date of grant. The final number of shares 
for each participant will be determined 
on the basis of the total shareholder 
return delivered by Ørsted, benchmarked 
against ten comparable European energy 
companies. 

The highest rate (200 %) will be triggered 
if Ørsted’s results, measured as the total 
return to  shareholders, outperform those of 
the com parable companies. For each lower 
 ranking, the number of shares granted will 
fall by 20 percentage points. If, for example, 
Ørsted ranks third, the participants will be 
entitled to 160 % of the target. 

If Ørsted ranks 11 in the comparison, no 
shares will be granted to the participants. 
The right to shares is conditional upon 
 continued employment. 

Retention share programme
The target group for the share-based reten-
tion agreements will typically be employees 
 responsible for vital, long-term projects. 
The use of these share-based retention 
agreements will be limited to 25 concurrent 
 agreements with an individual time frame of 
up to five years. Members of the Executive 
Board (CEO, CFO, and Chief HR Officer) cannot 
be granted such retention agreements. 

The number of retention share units (RSUs) 
to be granted will be determined on the 
basis of the price of Ørsted’s shares at the 
time of the grant and will be limited to an 
amount corresponding to a maximum of 
six months’ base pay for the employee in 
question. At vesting, each RSU will entitle 
the employee to one Ørsted share free of 
charge. However, the total value of the 
shares to be received at vesting will be 
capped at a maximum of twelve months’ 
base pay for the employee in question.

  Accounting policies

The share programme is classified as an 
equity-based programme as the programme 
is settled in shares. The market value of the 
PSUs/RSUs and the estimated number of 
PSUs granted are measured at the time of 
granting and recognised:
–   in the income statement under employee 

costs over the vesting period

–   as an offset in the balance sheet under 

equity over the vesting period.

The valuation of the PSUs/RSUs and the 
estimate of the number of PSUs/RSUs 
expected to be granted are carried out as 
a probability simulation based on Ørsted’s 
expected total shareholder return relative to 
ten comparable European energy compa-
nies. The expect ations are factored into the 
market value and are not adjusted subse-
quently. The participants are compensated 
for any dividend payments by receiving 
additional PSUs/RSUs.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  2.8  Share-based payment

Maximum number of outstanding shares at 31 December
'000

Time of granting

1 April 2019

1 April 2020

1 April 2021

1 April 2022

Share retention programme

Maximum number of outstanding shares at 31 December

Development in maximum number of outstanding shares 
'000

Maximum number of outstanding shares at 1 January 

Compensation for dividends paid (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 programmes)

Transfer between categories

Exercised (2019 programme)

Exercised (2018 programme)

Granted (2022 programme)

Granted (2021 programme)

Cancelled (2022 programme)

Cancelled (2021 programme)

Cancelled (2020 programme) 

Cancelled (2019 programme)

Share retention programme

Maximum number of outstanding shares at 31 December

(DKKm)

Market value of share programme at the time of granting

Maximum market value of share programme at 31 December

The maximum market value of the share programme at 31  December is based on the assump-
tion that the participants receive the maximum number of shares (i.e. 200 % of the granted PSUs/
RSUs). This requires that Ørsted delivers the highest shareholder return, benchmarked against ten 
comparable companies.

The share price at the time of exercising in 2022 was DKK 793.

92

2022 in  
% of share 
capital

Market value 
of shares at
granting, 
DKK million

Years  
until expiry 
as of 2022

-

0.02%

0.02%

0.02%

0.00%

0.06%

-

25

33

47

9

114

-

0.3

1.3

2.3

Other  
members
of the Group 
Executive
Team

Executive 
Board

Senior
executives

Other
employees 

2022

2021

-

7

11

18

-

36

21

1

10

(10)

-

14

-

-

-

-

-

-

36

18

23

-

5

6

11

2

24

13

-

11

(6)

-

6

-

-

-

-

-

-

24

12

15

-

51

36

73

-

160

181

3

(19)

(68)

-

81

-

(1)

(6)

(11)

-

-

160

76

101

-

-

-

-

13

13

19

-

(2)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(4)

13

8

8

-

63

53

102

15

233

234

4

-

(84)

-

101

-

(1)

(6)

(11)

-

(4)

233

114

147

83

73

59

-

19

234

300

2

-

-

(107)

-

66

-

(7)

(10)

(9)

(1)

234

99

198

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3. Capital employed

3.  Capital employed

Our capital employed primarily relates to 
 production assets, including assets under 
construction. We monitor investment 
projects closely, as a large part of our 
value is created in the development and 
construction phases.

126.1 bn

Capital employed totalled DKK 126,103 million on
31 December 2022 against DKK 109,416 million
in 2021, mainly due to new investments.

37.4 bn

Gross investments amounted to DKK 37,447 million
in 2022 against DKK 39,307 million in 2021.

25.6 bn

Cash flows from divestments totalled DKK 25,636
million in 2022 against DKK 21,519 million in 2021.

93

Capital employed by segment 1
% 2022

70 %

Offshore

Gross investments by segment
% 2022

71 %

Offshore

23 %

Onshore

28 %

Onshore

7 %

Bioenergy  
& Other

1 %

Bioenergy  
& Other

Capital employed
DKKm

2022

2021

Gross and net investments
DKKm

2022

2021

Intangible assets, and property, plant, and 
equipment

Assets classified as held for sale, net

Equity investments and non-current 
receivables 

181,694

162,939

Cash flows from investing activities

(17,912)

(12,591)

-

996

860

828

Dividends received and capital reductions 
reversed

(23)

(29)

Purchase and sale of securities, reversed

5,634

(3,558)

Net working capital, capital expenditures

(5,665)

(8,913)

Sale of non-current assets, reversed

(24,175)

(20,860)

Net working capital, work in progress 2

1,471

5,948

Net working capital, tax equity

Net working capital, other items

Derivatives, net

Decommissioning obligations

Other provisions

Tax, net

Other receivables and other payables, net

(15,157)

(13,268)

11,928

10,820

(32,322)

(32,995)

(14,076)

(5,630)

1,609

1,255

(8,851)

(7,037)

3,844

(4,759)

Interest-bearing debt in acquired enter-
prises

Restricted cash in acquired enterprises

Gross investments

Transactions with non-controlling  
interests in connection with divestments

Sale of non-current assets

Divestments

Total capital employed

126,103

109,416

Net investments

(972)

(2,273)

1

4

(37,447)

(39,307)

1,461

659

24,175

20,860

25,636

21,519

(11,811)

(17,788)

1  Capital employed by segment is based on capital employed for reportable segments of DKK 123,615 million.

2  ‘Net working capital, work in progress’ consists of inventories related to transmission assets, construction 
agreements, and construction management agreements in connection with the construction of transmission 
assets and offshore wind farms for partners as well as related trade payables.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.1 Acquisition of enterprises

3.1  Acquisition of enterprises

Cash flows used for acquisitions
DKKm

Fair value at time of acquisition:

Other intangible assets than goodwill

Property, plant, and equipment

Joint ventures

Contract assets and liabilities, net

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Receivables from associates and joint ventures

Cash

Interest-bearing debt, excl. lease liabilities

Provisions

Derivatives

Deferred tax

Other liabilities

Net assets acquired

Goodwill

Purchase price

Cash, available and acquired

Contingent consideration

Accrued purchase price

Cash flow used for acquisition of enterprises

Purchase price

Adjustments for cash

Adjustments for interest-bearing debt

Adjustments for other debt and net working capital items

Adjustments for cash, debt, and net working capital items in JVs

Enterprise value

94

Ostwind

Other

2022

2021

167

2,342

313

(76)

135

73

174

432

(437)

(10)

-

(525)

(241)

2,347

1,718

4,065

(432)

-

(260)

3,373

4,065

(432)

437

(65)

1,118

5,123

-

-

26

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

7

33

-

33

-

-

-

33

26

-

-

-

-

26

167

2,342

339

(76)

135

73

174

432

(437)

(10)

-

(525)

(234)

2,380

1,718

4,098

(432)

-

(260)

3,406

4,091

(432)

437

(65)

1,118

5,149

452

5,182

33

-

236

163

-

146

(2,273)

(47)

(456)

(634)

(312)

2,490

-

2,490

(142)

83

-

2,431

2,490

(146)

2,273

-

-

4,617

  Accounting policies

Acquisition of enterprises is recognised 
using the acquisition method. Under this 
method, assets and liabilities as well 
as contingent liabilities of the acquired 
enterprise are measured at fair value on 
the date of acquisition.

The fair values of production assets 
and assets under construction are 
normally determined using an income 
approach where they are valued at 
present value based on the expected 
cash flows they can generate, including 
any  non- separable power purchase 
agreements, and on income, such as 
production tax credits.

The fair value of derivatives is deter-
mined using our normal approach for 
such items, which is based on market 
prices or expectations for prices over the 
term of the derivatives.

The fair values of other assets and liabil-
ities are valued using the approach we 
find most relevant for the individual item, 
which can be either a market approach, 
an income approach, or a cost approach.

An acquired enterprise is included in the 
consolidated financial statements from 
the date of acquisition, which is the date 
when we obtain control.

When an acquired enterprise has entered 
into a power purchase agreement 
classified as a derivative, the fair value 
of the agreement will be included in the 
opening balance. Post-acquisition, this 
fair value is recognised as an adjustment 
to revenue over the duration of the con-
tract, based on the fair value calculation 
at the time of the acquisition.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.1 Acquisition of enterprises

On 19 September 2022, we acquired  Ostwind, 
a German and French onshore wind plat-
form, and obtained all of the voting equity 
interests in OSTWIND Erneuerbare Energien 
GmbH, OSTWINDpark Rotmainquelle GmbH 
& Co. KG, OSTWIND International S.A.S., and 
OSTWIND Engineering S.A.S.

The acquisition of Ostwind constitutes 
Ørsted’s entry into the sizeable and growing 
German and French onshore markets and 
substantially expands Ørsted’s onshore foot-
print in Europe. Together with the acquisition 
of Brookfield Renewable’s Ireland and UK 
onshore wind platform in 2021 and the  recent 
entry into the Spanish onshore market, 
Ørsted’s onshore renewables platform now 
covers the US market and four of the largest 
growth markets in Europe at scale.

The total purchase price was DKK 4,065 
million, including an accrued purchase price 
of DKK 260 million. Of the purchase price 
allocation, DKK 2,342 million is allocated to 
‘Property, plant, and equipment’, consisting 
of operating wind and solar farms and 
projects under construction or in advanced 
development. DKK 1,718 million is allocated 
to ‘Goodwill’ related to greenfield wind and 
solar development.

Since the acquisition date, the contributed 
revenue and result after tax from Ostwind 
has been immaterial.

If the acquisition had been made on 
1  January 2022, the revenue would have 
been DKK 318 million, and profit after tax 
would have been DKK 246 million. As part 
of the acquisition process, we have incurred 
costs of DKK 30 million, which have been 
expensed in our income statement in the 
Onshore segment.

The fair values of the assets and liabilities 
are not considered final until 12 months after 
the acquisition date.

Following Ørsted’s acquisition of Ostwind, 
Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, a 
co-investor in part of Ostwind’s operating 
portfolio in France, in December decided 
to exercise an option to acquire Ostwind’s 
shares (corresponding to a total of 87 MW) 
in the projects that Ostwind and Caisse des 
Dépôts et Consignations co-owned.

95

  Key accounting estimate

Purchase price allocations in business
combinations
When we apply the acquisition method 
for business combinations, by nature this 
involves judgement in assessing the fair 
value of identifiable assets and liabilities. 

For property, plant, and equipment, our 
assessment of fair value is based on a 
number of estimates regarding WACC 
and expected cash flows, which both 
have a large impact on the fair value. 

Our assessment of fair value for deriva-
tives is dependent on expected future 
prices. See note 6.6 ‘Fair value measure-
ment’ for our valuation principles.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.2 Divestment of enterprises

3.2  Divestment of enterprises

2022

437

437

(338)

99

99

437

(195)

89

331

2021

(52)

(52)

(95)

(147)

(147)

(52)

-

(690)

(742)

The gain on divestment of enterprises was 
affected by a DKK 818 million increase in our 
indemnification provision towards INEOS in 
relation to the divestment of our upstream 
oil and gas business in 2017. The provision 
regarded a transfer pricing case with the 
 Norwegian Tax Administration.

Selling price
DKKm

Payment

Selling price on divestment of enterprises

Of which, selling price payable

Cash selling price on divestment of enterprises

Total cash flows from divestment of enterprises 

Gain (loss) on divestment of enterprises
DKKm

Selling price on divestment of enterprises

Net assets sold

Provisions as a result of the transactions

Gain (loss) on divestment of enterprises

We have not divested any enterprises in 
2022.

In March 2021, we divested a part of our 
UK B2B business with a negative cash 
flow of DKK 18 million. Further, we repaid 
DKK 183  million to Andel for the settlement 
of the divestment of the Danish power 
distribution, residental customer, and city 
light businesses in 2020.

96

  Accounting policies

We recognise income from divested 
enterprises in the income statement up 
until the date of divestment.

The date of divestment is the date 
on which we relinquish control of the 
divested enterprise.

Gains or losses on the divestment or 
discontinuation of subsidiaries and asso-
ciates are determined as the difference 
between the selling price and the carry-
ing amount of the net assets divested.

Moreover, we deduct any provisions 
made for obligations related to sales 
and purchase agreements and the fees 
of advisers, etc., in connection with the 
divestment or discontinuation of the 
enterprise.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.3  Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

3.3   Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

Production
assets

Fixtures and fit-
tings, tools, and 
 equipment

Property, plant,  
and equipment 
under construction

Property,  
plant, and 
equipment

Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment
DKKm

Intangible assets

Cost at 1 January 2022

Exchange rate adjustments

Additions

Additions on acquisition of enterprises

Disposals

Adjustment of decommissioning obligations

Reclassified assets

Reclassified from assets classified as held for sale

Cost at 31 December 2022

Depreciation and amortisation at 1 January 2022

Exchange rate adjustments

Depreciation and amortisation

Disposals

Depreciation and amortisation at 31 December 2022

Impairment losses at 1 January 2022

Exchange rate adjustments

Impairment losses and reversals

Disposals

Impairment losses at 31 December 2022

Carrying amount at 31 December 2022

3,243

(10)

1,314

1,886

(726)

-

-

-

5,707

(999)

1

(36)

61

(973)

(701)

(2)

-

(2)

(705)

4,029

Land and  
buildings

10,311

(18)

720

53

(484)

-

165

-

10,747

(2,245)

32

(607)

53

148,309

(2,019)

1,728

1,179

(9,634)

4,398

34,993

140

179,094

(51,906)

1,278

(8,814)

340

1,858

(62)

1,240

7

(12)

-

45

-

3,076

(1,254)

13

(297)

5

(2,767)

(59,102)

(1,533)

-

-

-

-

-

(785)

4

-

-

(781)

-

-

-

-

-

7,980

119,211

1,543

57,852

(555)

29,394

1,103

(1,136)

503

(35,203)

130

52,088

-

-

-

-

-

(744)

53

(2,529)

63

(3,157)

48,931

218,330

(2,654)

33,082

2,342

(11,266)

4,901

-

270

245,005

(55,405)

1,323

(9,718)

398

(63,402)

(1,529)

57

(2,529)

63

(3,938)

177,665

Intangible assets
Intangible assets consist of goodwill of  
DKK 1,843 million (2021: DKK 125 million),  
carbon emission allowances of DKK 1,464 
million (2021 DKK 820 million), other rights  

of DKK 614 million (2021: DKK 475 million),  
completed development projects of  
DKK 28 million (2021: DKK 46 million),  
and development  projects in progress of  
DKK 80 million (2021: DKK 77 million).

97

Production assets by segment, % 2022
DKK 119,211 million

Offshore

Onshore

60 %

35 %

Bioenergy & Other

5 %

Property, plant, and equipment  
under construction by segment, % 2022
DKK 48,931 million

79 %

Offshore

Onshore

20 %

Bioenergy & Other

1 %

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.3  Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment
DKKm

Intangible assets

Land and  
buildings

Production
assets

Fixtures and fit-
tings, tools, and 
 equipment

Property, plant, 
and equipment 
under construction

Property,  
plant, and 
equipment

Cost at 1 January 2021

Exchange rate adjustments

Additions

Additions on acquisition of enterprises

Disposals

Adjustment of decommissioning obligations

Reclassified assets

Reclassified to assets classified as held for sale

Cost at 31 December 2021

Depreciation and amortisation at 1 January 2021

Exchange rate adjustments

Depreciation and amortisation

Disposals

Depreciation and amortisation at 31 December 2021

Impairment losses at 1 January 2021

Exchange rate adjustments

Impairment losses and reversals

Disposals

Impairment losses at 31 December 2021

Carrying amount at 31 December 2021

2,224

33

840

452

(306)

-

-

-

3,243

(941)

(1)

(63)

6

(999)

(644)

-

(57)

-

(701)

1,543

7,254

330

2,554

121

(25)

-

77

-

10,311

(1,680)

(50)

(525)

10

130,983

1,574

5,293

4,344

3,326

(5,535)

147

9,751

-

148,309

(43,872)

(1,305)

(7,144)

415

44

260

-

(98)

-

78

-

1,858

(1,067)

(15)

(240)

68

(2,245)

(51,906)

(1,254)

-

-

-

-

-

(927)

24

-

118

(785)

-

-

-

-

-

29,987

3,169

36,783

1,735

(5,179)

1,307

(9,906)

(44)

57,852

-

-

-

-

-

(642)

(30)

(72)

-

(744)

169,798

8,836

43,941

5,182

(10,837)

1,454

-

(44)

218,330

(46,619)

(1,370)

(7,909)

493

(55,405)

(1,569)

(6)

(72)

118

(1,529)

8,066

95,618

604

57,108

161,396

Production assets by segment, % 2021
DKK 95,618 million

Offshore

Onshore

59 %

34 %

Bioenergy & Other

7 %

Property, plant, and equipment
under construction by segment, % 2021
DKK 57,108 million

Offshore

Onshore

16 %

84 %

98

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.3  Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

Land and 
buildings

Production 
assets

Fixtures and 
fittings, tools, 
and equipment

Property, plant, 
and equipment

Lease assets
DKKm

Carrying amount at 1 January 2022

Exchange rate adjustments

Additions

Additions on acquisition of enterprises

Disposals

Divestment of enterprises

Depreciations

Carrying amount at 31 December 2022

Lease assets
DKKm

Carrying amount at 1 January 2021

Exchange rate adjustments

Additions

Additions on acquisition of enterprises

Disposals

Divestment of enterprises

Depreciations

Carrying amount at 31 December 2021

6,628

40

635

53

(431)

-

(516)

6,409

4,274

248

2,500

63

(15)

-

(442)

6,628

104

-

8

-

-

-

(69)

43

172

1

-

-

-

-

(69)

104

Contractual obligations 
by segment
DKKm

Offshore

Onshore

Bioenergy & Other

Total

0-1 year

1-5 years

5-10 years

58,262

10,365

178

68,805

16,541

2,713

-

17,266

-

-

19,254

17,266

105,325

Overview of contracts entered into where delivery had not taken place at 31 December 2022.
The obligations are measured at nominal value.

99

255

(42)

1,171

-

(7)

-

(220)

1,157

170

2

277

-

(30)

-

(164)

255

2022

92,069

13,078

178

6,987

(2)

1,814

53

(438)

-

(805)

7,609

4,616

251

2,777

63

(45)

-

(675)

6,987

2021

47,775

4,156

156

52,087

Leases
We mainly lease office buildings, service 
and installation vessels, seabeds related 
to offshore wind farms, and plots of land 
related to onshore wind farms, solar farms, 
and battery storage facilities. 

Seabed leases include variable lease 
payments, which depend on the number 
of megawatt hours generated. However, 
we have typically agreed on minimum 
lease payments for the seabeds, and these 
 minimum payments are included in the 
lease liabilities. 

Expenses for the year relating to  variable 
lease payments not included in lease lia-
bilities were DKK 609 million in 2022 (2021: 
DKK 352 million). Interests on lease debt ex-
pensed in profit (loss) were DKK 256 million 
in 2022 (2021: DKK 261 million). 

Total cash outflow for leases were 
DKK 1,447 million in 2022 (2021: DKK 1,133 
million). 

We have not entered into lease liabilities 
which are not commenced per 31 December 
2022 and consequently not included in the 
balance sheet. 

For maturity analysis of leases liabilities, 
we refer to note 5.5 ‘Maturity analysis of 
financial liabilities’.

Contractual obligations
Our contractual obligations for property, 
plant, and equipment at 31 December 2022 
related mainly to wind turbines, foundations, 
and cables, etc., for the construction of 
offshore wind farms (primarily Greater 
Changhua 1 & 2a, Hornsea 3, Ocean Wind 1 
and 2, Revolution Wind, Sunrise Wind, and 
South Fork). 

The obligations in Onshore mainly related 
to purchases of wind turbines and solar PV 
modules.

Useful lives

Battery storage

Buildings

Fixtures and fittings, tools,  
and equipment

Gas transportation system 
(marine pipelines)

Offshore wind farms

Onshore wind farms

Production assets, power  
(thermal), and district heating

Solar farms

Goodwill

15 years

20-50 years

3-10 years

20-40 years

20-30 years

24-30 years

20-25 years

35 years

Indefinite

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.3  Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

CGUs in Offshore

Bioenergy & Other

The Danish CHP plants constitute a single CGU, 
as overall production planning is for the entire 
Danish portfolio. In addition, the Renescience plant 
in Northwich in the UK and the Danish offshore 
gas pipeline system are deemed to constitute 
independent CGUs.

Significant CGUs
Central CHP plants (including goodwill), 
Renescience Northwich, and the offshore gas 
pipeline system.

The cash generating units (CGUs) are made up 
of individual offshore wind farms, each of which 
 generates cash flows for the segment inde-
pendently of each other.

Significant CGUs
Anholt, Borkum Riffgrund 1, Borkum Riffgrund 2, 
Borkum Riffgrund 3, Borssele 1 & 2, Burbo Bank 
Extension, Gode Wind 1, Gode Wind 2, Gode 
Wind 3,  Greater Changhua 1 & 2a, Horns Rev 2, 
Hornsea 1, Hornsea 2, London Array, Ocean 
Wind 1, Race Bank, Revolution Wind, South Fork, 
Sunrise Wind, Westermost Rough, Walney, Walney 
Extension, and West of Duddon Sands.

CGUs in Onshore

The CGUs are made up of individual onshore wind 
and solar farms, each of which generates cash 
flows for the segment independently of each other.

Significant CGUs
Amazon, Bellefield 1, Garracummer, Haystack, 
Helena Energy Center, Kennoxhead 1, Lincoln Land 
Wind, Lisheen 3, Lockett, Muscle Shoals, Old 300, 
Permian Energy Center, Plum Creek Wind, Sage 
Draw Wind, Tahoka Wind, Western Trail, Willow 
Creek Wind, and Willow Springs Wind.

100

in calculating the recoverable amount of 
the future cash flows of the project. These 
challenges have been partially offset by 
anticipated increased tax benefits from 
recently enacted tax legislation in the US.

As a result of these factors, Ørsted recog-
nised an impairment of DKK 2.5 billion 
on Sunrise Wind in 2022. Ørsted remains 
committed to Sunrise Wind and the rest of 
its US offshore wind portfolio. We will con-
tinue our work to mature and develop these 
projects, with an aim to ensure that we can 
deliver renewable energy to the states.

The recoverable amount of DKK 1.8 billion 
was calculated based on the value-in-use 
method.

Impairment losses
Impairment losses relating to   
intangible assets 
We have not recognised any material 
impairments to goodwill or other intangible 
assets in 2022.

Impairment losses relating to  
property, plant, and equipment
Sunrise Wind 
The offshore wind energy industry is facing 
significant macroeconomic challenges, such 
as unprecedented cost inflation and rapidly 
rising interest rates in 2022. Sunrise Wind, 
Ørsted’s 50 % owned US offshore wind 
development project, has been particularly 
impacted by general market trends, as well 
as project specific challenges.

As previously disclosed, the project cost 
has increased substantially since bid. In the 
past year, further acute cost increases, spe-
cifically driven by the prices for installation 
vessels and the associated services, have 
occurred. Rising interest rates have had a 
corresponding impact on the discount rate 

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.3  Intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment

  Key accounting estimate

  Accounting policies

Key assumptions in impairment tests
Value-in-use calculations are based on the leadership 
team’s expectations to future cash flows from financial 
budgets and forecasts and include a number of 
assumptions and estimates.

Intangible assets
Rights are measured at cost less accumulated amorti-
sation and impairment losses. Rights are amortised on 
a straight-line basis over their estimated future useful 
lives, which are 5-20 years.

These assumptions include construction schedules, 
estimates of future market conditions, CAPEX, market 
prices of energy and commodities, inflation, discount 
rates, useful lives of the projects, tax incentives, 
including the ability to qualify for tax credits from the 
US Inflation Reduction Act, etc.  

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an 
acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net 
assets of the acquired company. The carrying amount 
of goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating 
units, which are the operating segments at the acquisi-
tion date. Goodwill is not tax deductable. 

The market prices applied are based on available 
forward prices for a period of up to five years and our 
best estimate of long-term prices for the remainder 
of the period.

As goodwill relates to greenfield onshore wind and 
solar development, an assumption included in the 
value-in-use calculations for goodwill is the ability to 
develop new sites. This assumption is based on current 
and future build-out plans for renewable energy in 
Central Europe. 

While there are inherent uncertainties in the 
assumptions, the assumptions reflect the leadership 
team’s best estimate over the life of the Group’s CGUs.

The base discount rate for value-in-use calculations is 
in the range of 5-8 % after tax.

Sensitivities to impairment tests
The assessment of indications of impairment of proper-
ty, plant, and equipment is based on the expectations 
applicable as of 31 December 2022.

Significant adverse developments in interest rates, 
energy prices, tax incentives, and CAPEX assumptions 
could result in impairment losses on certain opera-
tional and development assets in our portfolio, while 
an opposite development could lead to impairment 
reversals.

As a result, we may face adjustments to the recognised 
impairment of property, plant, and equipment in future 
reporting periods. 

Annual impairment tests are carried out for goodwill 
and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. 

Property, plant, and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment which is not a lease is 
measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and 
impairment losses. Cost of property, plant, and equip-
ment is depreciated by using the straight-line method, 
the diminishing-balance method, or the reducing-frac-
tion method. The diminishing-balance method and the 
reducing-fraction method result in decreasing deprecia-
tion over the useful life. These methods are used for 
some of our offshore wind farms.

The residual values, useful lives, and methods of depre-
ciation of property, plant, and equipment are reviewed 
at each financial year end and adjusted prospectively, 
if appropriate.

Costs comprise purchase price and any costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition until the date the asset 
is available for use. The costs of self-constructed 
assets comprise direct and indirect costs of materials, 
components, sub-suppliers, and labour. Borrowing 
costs relating to both specific and general borrowing 
directly attributable to assets under construction with 
a lengthy construction period are recognised in costs 
during the construction period. Costs are increased 
by the present value of the estimated obligations for 
demolition and decommissioning of assets to the ex-
tent that the obligations are recognised as provisions.
Subsequent costs, for example in connection with 
replacement of parts of an item of property, plant, and 
equipment, are recognised in the carrying amount of 
the asset in question when it is probable that future 

economic benefits will flow to the Group from the 
expenses incurred. Any residual value of the replaced 
parts is recognised in the income statement as loss 
on disposal of non-current assets. Other repair and 
maintenance expenses are recognised in profit (loss) for 
the year as incurred.

Impairment
For the purposes of assessing impairment losses, 
intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment 
are grouped at the lowest level for which there are 
separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating 
units (CGUs)).

CGUs are assessed for indication of impairment on a 
quarterly basis. The value of a CGU is impaired if the 
net book value exceeds the recoverable amount, which 
is the higher of the estimated value in use and the fair 
value less costs of disposal.

Impairment losses are recognised in the income 
statement and, except in the case of goodwill, reversed 
if there has been a change in the estimates used to 
determine the CGU’s recoverable amount. Reversal 
of an impairment loss is recognised as income in the 
income statement net of depreciation if no impairment 
loss has been recognised for the CGU.

The discount rate applied when calculating value in 
use takes general risks into account and is based on 
the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) after tax, 
whereas the estimated future cash flows are adjusted 
for risks specific to the asset. Estimated future cash 
flows are discounted using a nominal post-tax discount 
rate.

Leases
Our lease assets are classified alongside our owned 
assets of similar type under property, plant, and equip-
ment. Initially, we measure a lease asset at cost, being 
the initial amount of the lease liability. We depreciate 
our lease assets over the lease term. The deprecia-
tion method used is the straight-line method for all 
our lease assets, except for seabed leases where the 
depreciation method is aligned with the depreciation 
method for the related offshore wind farm. Therefore, 
seabed lease assets are depreciated using either the 
straight-line method or the reducing-fraction method.

101

Our lease liabilities are initially measured at the net 
present value of the in-substance fixed lease payments 
for the use of a lease asset. If, at inception of the lease, 
we are reasonably certain about exercising an option 
to extend a lease, we will include the lease payments 
in the option period when calculating the lease liability. 
We measure the lease asset to the value of the lease 
liability at initial recognition.

Contracts may contain both lease and non-lease com-
ponents. We allocate the consideration in a contract 
to the lease and non-lease components based on their 
relative stand-alone prices. We account for non-lease 
components in accordance with the accounting policy 
applicable for such items. Non-lease components com-
prise building services and operating costs of leased 
vessels, etc.

Variable lease expenses are recognised in other exter-
nal expenses in the period when the condition trigger-
ing those payments occurs. Interests of lease liabilities 
are recognised in financial expenses.

Each lease payment is separated into repayment of 
the lease liability and payment of interests of the lease 
liability. Debt repayments are classified as cash flows 
from financing activities, and payment of interests are 
classified as cash flows from operating activities.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.4 Inventories

3.4  Inventories

Inventories 
DKKm

Offshore transmission assets

Biomass

Gas

Coal

Oil

Green certificates

Carbon emission allowances (purchased)

Other

Total inventories

Inventories recognised as an expense in ‘Cost of sales’ during the year

Inventories measured at fair value are disclosed in note 6.6 ‘Fair value measurement’.

‘Offshore transmission assets’ primarily
relate to the Hornsea 2 transmission asset. 

‘Green  certificates’ are primarily renewable 
obligation certificates (ROCs), which 
are issued to renewable energy power 
 generators in the UK. 

Gas at storage primarily relates to our gas 
trade activities.

2022

5,119

778

4,557

1,169

354

2,053

49

24

2021

9,235

225

3,813

221

76

2,040

388

-

14,103

15,427

15,998

9,806

102

Other inventories are measured at cost, 
determined on a first in, first out basis or net 
realisable value, if net realisable value is lower. 

Inventories are written down to the lower of 
net realisable value and cost price. For offshore 
transmission assets, it is the expected final 
transfer value announced by Ofgem. 

The net realisable value is the sum (discounted) 
which the inventories are expected to generate 
through a normal sale.

  Accounting policies

Offshore transmission assets are recognised 
as inventory until divestment and measured 
at cost. The costs comprise costs of materials 
used in construction, site labour costs, costs of 
renting equipment as well as indirect produc-
tion costs, such as employee costs. 

Gas storage in non-Danish facilities are man-
aged on a fair value basis, and therefore the 
gas in these storage facilities is recognised at 
fair value less costs to sell. Changes in the fair 
value less cost to sell are recognised in cost of 
sales in the period of the change. 

Gas in Danish storage facilities are recognised 
at cost, determined as a weighted average of 
the previous months purchase price, including 
transport costs. 

Purchased carbon emission allowances are 
measured at market value. 

Green certificates, which we earn by generating 
power using renewable energy sources, are 
recognised in inventories in step with our gen-
eration. We measure green certificates (earned 
and bought) at cost using the first in, first out 
(FIFO) principle. 

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.5  Contract assets and liabilities

3.5   Contract assets and liabilities

Revenue from contracts with customers 
DKKm

Revenue recognised included in contract liabilities at the  
beginning of the year

Revenue recognised from perfomance obligations satisfied  
in previous years

Contract balances
DKKm

Contract assets

Current contract assets

Total contract assets

Contract liabilities

Non-current contract liabilities

Current contract liabilities

Total contract liabilities

2022

2021

21

324

(471)

408

408

3,085

2,269

5,354

-

2

2

3,230

2,440

5,670

The table shows the amount of our revenue relating to contract liabilities carried forward (as prepayments 
and deferred revenue) and the amount relating to performance obligations satisfied in a prior year (e.g. re- 
negotiations or constraints on variable considerations that are not recognised until they are highly probable).

  Accounting policies

We recognise a contract asset when we 
perform a service or transfer goods in 
advance of receiving consideration, and 
the consideration is conditional. When 
the consideration is unconditional, and 
the goods or services are delivered, 
we recognise a receivable. A right to 
consideration is unconditional if only the 
passage of time is required before the 
payment is due. 

Contract assets are measured at the 
transaction price of the goods delivered 
or services performed less invoicing on 
account. 

We recognise a contract liability when 
the invoicing on account and expected 
losses exceed the transaction price of 
the goods or services transferred to our 
customer.

Contract assets and contract liabilities are 
primarily related to: 
– 

 the construction of offshore wind farms 
with partners, with each party typically 
owning 50 % of the offshore wind farm 
  prepayments from heat customers.

– 

At the end of 2022, current contract liabil-
ities related to the construction of Borkum 
Riffgrund 3. At the end of 2021, current con-
tract liabilities related to the construction of 
Greater Changhua 1.

Non-current contract liabilities primarily 
relate to prepayments from heat customers.

Contract assets primarily related to the 
construction of Greater Changhua 1 at the 
end of 2022.

103

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.6   Trade receivables  /  3.7   Other receivables and other payables

3.6   Trade receivables

3.7   Other receivables and other payables

Trade receivables 
DKKm

Trade receivables, not due

Trade receivables, 1-30 days overdue

Trade receivables, more than 30 days overdue

Trade receivables, write-downs

Total trade receivables 

We continuously perform credit ratings 
of our customers. For customers with a 
general credit risk, a write-down of 0-1 % 
is carried out on initial recognition. 

In 2022, write-downs of receivables and 
losses for the year were DKK 0 million 
(2021: DKK 0 million). Reversal of write-
downs was DKK 52 million.

2022

11,025

892

835

(51)

12,701

2021

9,265

332

71

(103)

9,565

  Accounting policies

We keep our receivables until maturity, 
and therefore, they are measured at 
amortised cost. 

Write-downs are carried out from initial 
recognition of our receivables. The write-
down is calculated as the difference 
between the carrying amount of the 
receivable and the net present value 
of expected future cash flows from the 
receivable. The discount rate used is the 
effective interest rate for the individual 
receivable or the individual portfolio. 

We apply the simplified approach to the 
write-down of trade receivables, which 
permits calculating the write-down as 
the full loss during the entire term of the 
receivable.

Other receivables
DKKm

Receivables from the divestment of assets and enterprises

Receivables from the divestment of equity investments to non-controlling interests

Collateral provided1

Cash, not available for use

VAT and other indirect tax receivables 

Prepayments

Deposits

Other

Total other receivables 

Of which, working capital

Of which, other capital employed

Of which, interest-bearing net debt

Other payables
DKKm

M&A related liabilities

Payables related to the divestment of assets2

Accrued interest

Collateral received3

Salary-related items payable

VAT and other indirect taxes payable

Carbon rights

Other deferred income

Other

Total other payables

Of which, working capital

Of which, other capital employed

Of which, interest-bearing net debt

2022

7,644

713

5,888

2,471

1,392

870

624

3,930

23,532

9,896

7,876

5,760

4,203

2,904

2,358

1,184

671

593

5

345

2,618

14,881

3,384

6,574

4,923

2021

89

757

11,909

1,319

913

742

572

2,325

18,626

11,962

438

6,226

3,436

-

1,685

8

550

533

154

397

2,687

9,450

3,771

5,161

518

104

1  The collateral provided by the Group is receivables from banks in connection with hedging activities.
2  Mainly related to the divestment of a portfolio of four onshore projects.
3  The collateral received by the Group is cash received from banks in connection with hedging of derivatives.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.8   Tax equity liabilities

3.8   Tax equity liabilities

Tax equity liabilities
DKKm

Balance at 1 January

Contribution received from tax equity partners

Additions from acquisitions 

Tax attributes and PTCs/ITCs recognised in other operating income

Cash paid to tax equity partners

Tax equity partners’ contractual return

Exchange rate adjustments

Balance at 31 December

Of which, working capital

Of which, interest-bearing debt

2022

14,564

1,945

643

(2,521)

(301)

1,134

929

16,393

15,157

1,236

2021

7,967

5,415

1,297

(1,322)

(127)

616

718

14,564

13,268

1,296

As at 31 December 2022, we have fourteen onshore wind and solar farms for 
which we have received tax equity contributions.

In the US, we have several wind and solar 
farms with tax equity partners. During 
2022, we commissioned the onshore wind 
farm, Haystack, and the wind portion of 
our combined onshore wind and solar PV 
project,  Helena Energy Center. We received 
tax  equity contributions from our partners 
 related to both projects. We also partly 
commissioned and received tax equity 
contributions from our partner for the solar 
PV farm, Old 300. In addition, we acquired 
Ford Ridge, an operational onshore wind 
farm, including a tax equity liability. 

Description of tax equity partnerships 
Tax equity partnerships are characterised 
by a tax equity partner, who contributes an 
upfront payment as part of the initial project 

investment and does not have an operation-
al role in the project. The partner receives a 
contractually agreed return on the contribu-
tion. In order to ‘repay’ the initial contribu-
tion and the return, a disproportionate share 
of the production tax credits (PTCs) or the 
investment tax credits (ITCs) and other tax 
attributes (accelerated tax depreciation and 
other taxable results) are allocated to the 
partner during the first part of the project’s 
lifetime. The partner also receives some 
cash payment-based percentages  specified 
in the partnership agreements. Once the 
partner receives the agreed return, the 
agreement flips, and the partner is typically 
entitled to a minor part of the cash distribu-
tions from the project, unless we repurchase 
this right from them, which is highly likely.

105

  Accounting policies

When a tax equity partnership is formed, we 
evaluate if the company should still be fully 
consolidated based on our right to variable 
returns as well as our ability to exercise influ-
ence on financial and operational decisions 
impacting those returns. Due to the operational 
and financial nature of the projects and the 
influence normally given to tax equity partners 
in such agreements, we normally have the 
influence to fully consolidate companies that 
have tax equity partners.

The terms of the tax equity partner’s contribu-
tion are evaluated to determine the accounting 
treatment. The contribution generally has the 
characteristics of a liability as the initial con-
tribution is repaid, including an agreed return, 
and the partner does not share in the risks of 
the project in the same way as a shareholder. 
As such, the contribution is accounted for as a 
liability and measured at amortised cost. The 
liability is based on the expected method of 
repayment and is divided into: 
–   a net working capital element to be repaid 
through PTCs/ITCs and other tax attributes 
–   an interest-bearing debt element expected 
to be repaid through cash distributions.

The partner’s agreed return is expensed as 
a financial expense and is recognised as an 
increase of the tax equity liability. PTCs and 
other tax attributes transferred to the tax eq-
uity partner are recognised as other operating 
income. Tax attributes allocated to the tax 
equity partner are deferred and recognised 
on a straight-line basis over the estimated 
contractual length of the partnership structure, 
while PTCs are recognised in the periods 
earned, similar to recognition of our own PTCs. 
ITCs, typically associated with solar farms, are 
recognised on a straight-line basis over the flip 
period (partner’s ITCs) or over the lifetime of 
the asset (our own ITCs).

In addition to the above, we recognise a 
liability for the expected purchase price for the 
partner’s post-flip rights to cash distributions. 
This liability is recognised at fair value, and 
adjustments are expensed as a financial item.
This recognition reflects the intention and high 
likelihood that we will purchase the partner’s 
post-flip rights, and they are part of the finan-
cial costs of the arrangement.

If we choose not to buy the partner’s post-flip 
rights, the tax equity partner will be entitled to 
part of the company’s returns in the post-flip 
period. At that point, the partner will share 
in the risks and rewards in the company as a 
shareholder. We will continue to classify the tax 
equity investment as a liability after flip. 

  Key accounting judgement

Recognition of tax equity partnerships 
On formation of a tax equity partnership, we 
assess the appropriate recognition of the 
partner’s contribution as well as the method of 
recognition for the elements used to repay the 
partner, such as PTCs and tax attributes. 

In assessing the recognition of the partner’s 
contribution, we look at: 
–   the expected flows of PTCs, tax attributes, 

and cash payments to the partner 

–   the rights and obligations of both us and the 

tax equity partner. 

The deferral of the income related to tax 
attributes and the recognition of the contribu-
tion as working capital or interest-bearing debt 
are affected by our expectation to the size, 
method, and timing of repayments.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.9   Provisions and contingent liabilities

3.9   Provisions and contingent liabilities

Provisions
DKKm

Provisions at 1 January

Exchange rate adjustments

Used during the year

Provisions reversed during the year

Provisions made during the year

Disposals

Additions of acquisition of enterprises

Divestment of enterprises

Change in estimates

Transferred to other payables

Transferred to/from assets and liabilities classified as held for sale

Interest element of provisions

Total provisions at 31 December

Falling due as follows:

0-1 year

1-5 years

After 5 years

Decommissioning obligations by segment
DKKm

Offshore

Onshore

Bioenergy & Other

Total

106

2022

2021

Decom- 
missioning
obligations

Other
provisions

Decom- 
missioning
obligations

Other
provisions

6,860

147

(1,495)

(1,187)

4,142

-

-

(107)

-

Total

13,863

441

(1,497)

(1,187)

5,529

(296)

113

(107)

62

(1,372)

(1,372)

-

49

(11)

350

7,037

15,888

623

5,952

462

764

6,706

8,418

8,851

(203)

-

-

832

(376)

33

-

4,087

-

414

438

14,076

217

1,798

12,061

7,037

(46)

(1,382)

(1,659)

1,663

-

-

(5)

-

-

-

22

5,630

368

4,786

476

After 20 
years

2,914

1,742

1,022

5,678

Total

15,888

(249)

(1,382)

(1,659)

2,495

(376)

33

(5)

4,087

-

414

460

19,706

585

6,584

12,537

2022

10,233

1,769

2,074

14,076

7,003

294

(2)

-

1,387

(296)

113

-

62

-

(11)

301

8,851

141

754

7,956

2021

6,155

1,302

1,394

8,851

Decommissioning obligations
Decommissioning obligations comprise 
estimated expenses relating to decommis-
sioning and disposal of our offshore wind, 
onshore wind, and solar farms, the restora-
tion of seabeds, and the decommissioning 
of our CHP plants.

As developers of offshore wind, onshore 
wind, and solar farms, we are obliged to 
decommission our wind and solar farms and 
restore the surroundings. When we con-
struct offshore wind farms in cooperation 
with partners, they are liable for their share 
of the decommissioning costs. Therefore, 
we have only included the decommissioning 
obligations associated with our ownership 
interest in the offshore wind farms.

Decommissioning obligations increased 
by DKK 5,225 million from 2021 to 2022, 
primarily due to the update of decommis-
sioning scope and methodology and the 
construction of new wind and solar farms.

Decommissioning methodology was 
reviewed to incorporate changes in per-
mitting, biodiversity, and sustainability 
requirements as well as changes in new 
technologies and vessels.

0-5 years

5-10 years

10-20 years

1,387

13

615

2,015

2,251

-

246

2,497

3,681

14

191

3,886

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.9   Provisions and contingent liabilities

Other provisions
Other provisions comprise primarily: 
– 

 offshore partnership provisions, including 
warranty obligations 
 obligations in relation to the divestment 
of our oil and gas business in 2017 
 obligations in respect of our own carbon 
emissions
 provisions for onerous contracts
 other contractual obligations.

– 

– 

– 
– 

Contingent liabilities
Liability to pay compensation 
In case of any environmental accidents or 
other types of damage caused by our gas 
and oil transport, the companies Ørsted 
Salg & Service A/S and Danish Oil Pipe A/S 
are liable to pay compensation according 
to legislation. This also applies if there is 
no proof of negligence (strict liability). We 
have taken out insurance to cover any such 
claims.

Secondary liability
As part of the divestment of our oil and gas 
business in 2017, we assumed a secondary 
liability regarding the decommissioning of 
offshore installations.

Litigation
We are party to a number of court cases 
and legal disputes. In our assessment, none 
of these will significantly impact Ørsted’s 
financial position, neither individually nor 
collectively.

107

   Key accounting estimate

  Accounting policies

Assumptions for provisions
We continually assess our provisions recognised 
to cover contractual obligations and claims 
raised against Ørsted. Timing, probabilities, 
amounts, etc., which have a bearing on our pro-
visions’ estimates are updated quarterly based 
on our expectations. 

Provisions are recognised when the following 
criteria are fulfilled: 
–  We have a legal or constructive obligation as 

a result of an earlier event. 

–  The settlement of the obligation is expected 

to result in an outflow of resources. 

–  The obligation can be measured reliably. 

Estimates of provisions are based on our expec-
tations of, for example:
– timing and scope of obligation 
– future cost level 
– legal assessment. 

If deemed material, non-current provisions are 
discounted using either the structural risk-free 
interest rate or the incremental borrowing rate. 
The structural risk-free interest rate is used for 
decommissioning liabilities and onerous con-
tracts. It is calculated as the sum of real return 
(gross domestic product growth rate), inflation, 
and inflation premium for other risks. Separate 
structural risk-free interest rates are calculated 
for Europe, the US, and Taiwan. 

The outcome of our contractual obligations 
and claims may depend on future events, which 
are uncertain by nature.

Decommissioning obligations are measured 
at the present value of the future liability in 
respect of decommissioning as expected at 
the balance sheet date. The present value of 
the provision and changes in estimate are rec-
ognised as part of the cost of property, plant, 
and equipment and depreciated together with 
the associated asset. The addition of interest 
on provisions is recognised in the income state-
ment under financial expenses. 

For onerous contracts, a provision is made 
when the expected income to be derived from 
a contract is lower than the unavoidable cost 
of meeting our obligations under the contract. 

Provisions concerning carbon emissions are 
recognised when our actual emissions exceed 
our holding of carbon emission allowances.

We have been party to actions relating to 
the Danish competition authorities’ claim 
that the former Elsam A/S and Elsam Kraft 
A/S (‘Elsam’), now part of Ørsted, charged 
excessive prices in the Danish wholesale 
power market in the period 1 July 2003 to 
31 December 2006.

There are no longer any outstanding cases 
with the competition authorities claiming 
Elsam infringed competition law, but in 
 connection with the former cases, some 
energy trading companies, some of their 
customers, and others have filed claims 
for damages, which are still pending. The 
biggest claim was filed in 2007 before the 
Copenhagen Maritime & Commercial Court, 
amounting to approx. DKK 4.4 billion with 
addition of litigation interest. The case is 
at the moment under preparation for the 
Maritime & Commercial Court.

Ørsted is involved in ongoing transfer pricing 
disputes. For further information, we refer to 
section 4.1 ‘Approach to taxes’.

Change of control
Some of our activities are subject to con-
sents, permits, and licences granted by pub-
lic authorities. We may be faced with a claim 
for acceptance of any transfer, possibly with 
additional terms and conditions, if the Danish 
State holds less than 50 % of the share capi-
tal or voting rights in Ørsted A/S. Read more 
in note 5.1 ‘Interest-bearing debt and FFO’.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  3.10   Non-controlling interests

3.10   Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests 
DKKm

Statement of comprehensive income

Revenue

EBITDA

Profit (loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income

Profit (loss) for the year attributable to non-controlling interests

Balance sheet

Non-current assets

Current assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests

Statement of cash flows

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

– of which, dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Transactions with non-controlling interests
DKKm

Transactions with non-controlling interests

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Divestment of equity investments to non-controlling interests

Other capital transactions with non-controlling interests

Total transactions, cf. statement of cash flows

Divestment of equity investments to non-controlling interests

Changes in receivables relating to the acquisition and divestment  
of non-controlling interests

Cash selling price, total

108

Gunfleet Sands   
Holding Ltd. Group

Walney (UK) Offshore  
Windfarms Ltd.

Ocean Wind  
JV HoldCo LLC

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

In the table, we provide financial information 
for subsidiaries with significant non-controlling 
interests. The amounts stated are the consolidated 
accounting figures of the individual enterprises or 
groups, determined according to our accounting 
policies. Amounts are stated before intra-group 
eliminations.

  Accounting policies

Transactions with non-controlling inter-
ests are accounted for as transactions 
with the shareholder base. 

Gains and losses on the divestment of 
equity investments to non-controlling 
interests are recognised in equity when 
the divestment does not result in a loss 
of control. 

Net assets acquired are not revalued on 
the acquisition of non-controlling inter-
ests. Any difference between the carrying 
amount and the acquisition or selling 
price is recognised in equity.

518

317

70

4

35

455

231

(21)

72

(10)

1,582

1,702

171

607

58

543

246

-

(261)

(128)

179

463

79

669

230

-

(230)

(113)

2022

2021

(294)

3

1,461

1,170

3

3

(349)

446

235

332

446

446

1,348

608

76

(113)

38

4,424

364

1,352

290

1,570

544

(29)

(413)

(166)

1,223

626

57

303

29

4,767

259

1,030

334

1,848

587

(47)

(540)

(236)

-

2

(21)

2

(5)

-

3

(240)

(126)

(60)

8,234

2,483

444

310

908

1,843

93

(5,710)

5,838

-

165

292

147

552

47

(1,070)

1,164

-

Subsidiaries with 
significant non- 
controlling interests 1

Gunfleet Sands  
 Holding Ltd

Walney (UK) Offshore 
Windfarms Ltd

Ocean Wind JV  
 HoldCo LLC

Non- 
controlling 
interest

Registered 
office

49.9 %

49.9 %

London,  
UK

London,  
UK

 Delaware,  
US

25 %

1  Entities are fully consolidated.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.  Tax

4.  Tax

The Group’s taxes reflect our business operations 
and applicable tax legislation in the countries 
where we operate.

1.3 bn

Corporate income tax paid by the Group in 2022 totalled 
DKK 1,263 million against DKK 1,380 million in 2021.

2.9 bn

Current corporate income tax in 2022 totalled  
DKK 2,906 million against DKK 1,532 million in 2021.

6.5 bn

Development in current and deferred tax asset and liabilities (tax, net), 2022
DKKm

Corporate income tax paid by segment, 2022
DKKm 

  Tax, net asset
   Tax on profit (loss) for the year
   Tax on other comprehensive income
   Corporate taxes paid
  Other effects

3,844

1,263

(649)

(2,613)

(236)

1,609

2022

Profit (loss) 
before tax

Tax

Tax in %

2021

2022
DKKm

Tax equity, deferred tax liability

-

(354)

Gain (loss) on divestment of enter-
prises and assets

Other adjustments

Remaining business

Effective tax for the year

11,173

6,436

17,609

-

(1,036)

(1,223)

(2,613)

n.a.

0 %

n.a.

19 %

15 %

  Offshore 
  Onshore 
  Bioenergy & Other
   Ørsted A/S and other activities
  Total

1,272

572

1,263

(9)

(572)

Group ETR
%

15 %

Effective tax rate (ETR) for the 
Group for 2022 was 15 % against 
18 % in 2021. 

Our total tax contribution in 2022 totalled  
DKK 6,500 million against DKK 5,590 million in 2021.

‘Other adjustments’ include changes in tax rates, movements in uncertain tax 
positions, tax concerning previous years, and unrecognised tax losses.

109

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.1  Approach to taxes

4.1  Approach to taxes

At Ørsted, we want to provide user-friendly 
and transparent information about our global 
tax positions. 

We are committed to paying the right 
amount of tax, at the right time, in the right 
place – in accordance with the tax laws of 
the countries where we operate. We seek 
to comply not only with the letter of the 
law, but also with the underlying tax policy 
intent.

We believe that taxes are a core part of our 
corporate social responsibility.

We are committed to conducting our 
business in a way that contributes to the 
United Nations’ Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDGs). Taxes are a key contribution 
to the SDGs, in particular target 16.6 on the 
development of effective, accountable, and 
transparent institutions. 

For more details on our approach to taxes, 
we refer to our tax policy, which can be found 
here: orsted.com/taxpolicy.

Transparency and sustainability
For the third year in a row, we have drawn 
inspiration from the GRI (Global Reporting 
Initiative) 207: Tax standard when presenting 
our approach to and reporting of tax. 

In line with our tax policy, we engage 
constructively in national and international 
dialogue with governments, business groups, 
and civil society to support the develop-
ment of effective tax systems, legislation, 
and administration. We want to help create 
a tax framework supporting the green 
transformation.

During 2022, we have engaged with the 
OECD and European Union on the implemen-
tation of Pillar 2 and submitted our response 
to a public consultation by the UK treasury 
on the UK capital allowances regime. Fur-
ther, we have met with representatives from 
the Belgian Cabinet to discuss how tax regu-
lations can support the green transformation 
and facilitate investments in renewables. 
We have met with representatives from the 
Greenlandic government to discuss the com-
patibility of the Greenlandic tax regime with 
international tax regulations. Upon request, 
we have provided input to the Alternative 
Minimum Tax introduced under the Inflation 
Reduction Act in the US.

We continuously engage with policymakers 
and authorities to ensure that windfall taxes 
and similar measures only target actual 
excess revenues on a net basis, including 
related hedges.

The impact of the energy cap regulations 
and windfall taxes for 2023 will depend on 
not yet finalised legislation.

The purpose of our engagement is to pro-
mote the development of tax regimes that 
support the green transformation by contrib-
uting to an informed discussion. By engaging 
with civil society and gathering input on, 
for example, how we share information, 
we believe we can contribute to increasing 
the public’s confidence in the corporate tax 
system. Further, we are committed to cre-
ating certainty for our stakeholders, such as 
investors and the local communities where 
we pay our taxes.

Tax governance
Taxes are overseen by the Board of Directors, 
and within the Board, the Chair of the Audit 
& Risk Committee is accountable for our tax 
policy. The responsibility for tax risk manage-
ment lies with the CFO and is overseen by 
the Audit & Risk Committee. The day-to-day 
tax management is handled by a centralised 
global tax team. 

Our tax function is involved in the planning, 
implementation, and documentation of all 
significant business decisions and processes 
to ensure coordinated assessment of all tax 
compliance and risks. The tax function also 
regularly monitors and updates tax risks and 
related controls.

Complying with tax rules can be complex, 
as the interpretation of legislation and case 
law may not always be clear cut and may 
change over time, giving rise to tax risks. We 
have implemented a governance framework, 
which ensures appropriate processes and 
organisational structures to identify, assess, 
monitor, and manage tax risks at different 
levels of the Group. We manage our tax 
risks by preventing unnecessary disputes, 
which we strive to achieve through strong 
technical positions, thorough documentation 
and explanations of our positions, robust 
compliance procedures, and by engaging in 
up-front dialogues with tax authorities. 

We define a tax risk as any consequence 
relating to the application of our tax policy, 
day-to-day operations, compliance, or ex-
ternal reporting that impacts the business in 
the form of cash liabilities, financial report-
ing misstatements, or reputational damage.

We have a standardised review process in 
place, and our controls are continuously 
reviewed, assessed, and, where applicable, 
substituted by automated processes. Tax 
decisions in relation to matters which are 
subject to approval by the Group Executive 
Team or the Board of Directors are approved 
by the Head of Tax.

110

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.1  Approach to taxes

Our tax risk management work includes 
considering uncertain tax positions, e.g. 
when we have taken a position where there 
is an uncertainty created by a comparison of 
the wording of the law, the expressed policy 
intent or lack thereof, or fluctuating or diver-
gent application by tax authorities or judicial 
systems in the countries where we operate.

Occasionally, a multinational enterprise 
like Ørsted faces potential double taxation. 
This occurs when two or more tax jurisdic-
tions seek to tax the same business income. 
We believe that profit should only be taxed 
once, and where the value is created in line 
with the position of the OECD. 

In response to the tax risks connected to 
cross-border activities, including the con-
troversies described in this section, we have 
made tax-related provisions in accordance 
with IAS 12, IAS 37, and relevant interpreta-
tion, such as IFRIC 23. The provisions have 
been calculated based on differences in tax 
rates and statistical risks of suffering eco-
nomic or legal double taxation.

Tax controversies
During 2022, the Danish Tax Agency has 
opened further enquiries on development 
of non-Danish wind farms. The Danish Tax 
Agency also closed an enquiry relating to 

development services performed by Ørsted 
Wind Power A/S to our German offshore 
wind farm Borkum Riffgrund 2 without any 
adjustments. No information was provided 
from the Danish Tax Agency on why the 
enquiry on Borkum Riffgrund 2 was closed. 
If the principles applied by the Danish Tax 
Agency in the tax audits on the Hornsea 1, 
Walney Extension, and Race Bank offshore 
wind farms had been consistently applied 
in the Borkum Riffgrund 2 case, this would 
have resulted in a downward adjustments 
of the taxable profits in Denmark.

To date, Ørsted Wind Power A/S has re-
ceived final administrative decisions from 
the Danish Tax Agency in relation to the 
development of the offshore wind farms 
Hornsea 1, Walney Extension, and Race 
Bank. In all its decisions, the Danish Tax 
Agency claims that Ørsted Wind Power A/S 
has not acted at arm’s length terms when 
charging fees for technical development 
services provided to the project companies. 
In its decisions, the Danish Tax Agency has 
increased Ørsted Wind Power A/S’s tax pay-
ment to Denmark by DKK 7.6 billion for the 
income years 2015, 2016, and 2017.

We have appealed the administrative 
decisions to the Danish Tax Tribunal. 
In December 2020, we lodged a successful 

application for a mutual agreement 
procedure (MAP) between Denmark and the 
UK under the EU Arbitration Convention for 
Hornsea 1 and Walney Extension. On Race 
Bank, we continue to consider our further 
options, including an elaborated appeal to 
the Danish Tax Tribunal, a direct appeal to 
the court system, or a request for a MAP 
under the double tax agreement between 
Denmark and the UK. The Danish Tax Agency 
has accepted a deferral of the tax payment 
until the case has been finally decided.

Tax planning and use of tax incentives
We only use business structures that are 
driven by commercial considerations and 
aligned with our business activities. We do 
not use so-called secrecy jurisdictions or 
tax havens to avoid taxes. If we establish an 
entity in a low or nil-rate jurisdiction, it will 
be for substantive and commercial reasons. 
In order to remain competitive, we make use 
of incentives and tax relief implemented by 
governments where we have commercial 
substance, and our business activities are 
the intended beneficiaries of such incentives 
and relief.

UN sustainability goal
We are transparent about our approach 
to tax. We actively participate in the 
 development of effective, accountable, 
and transparent legislation by our 
 engagement with the OECD on Pillar 2.

We endorse the B Team Responsible 
Tax Principles. The B Team is a group 
of business leaders working to redefine 
the culture of accountability in business, 
for companies, communities, and future 
generations by creating and cascading 
new norms of corporate leadership that 
can build a better world.

ISRS 4400 – AUP on application of
GRI 207:Tax
We have drawn inspiration from the 
GRI 207: Tax standard when presenting 
our approach to and reporting of tax. 
The leadership team has been provided 
with a statement (ISRS 4400 – Agreed 
Upon Procedures) from our auditors on 
our application of GRI 207: Tax.

The Fair Tax Mark accreditation scheme 
seeks to encourage and recognise 
businesses that pay the right amount 
of corporation tax at the right time and 
in the right place. We seek to pay tax 
responsibly and transparently and are 
proud to have qualified for the Fair Tax 
Mark in 2022.

111

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.2  Tax on profit (loss) for the year

4.2  Tax on profit (loss) for the year

2022

2021

Effective tax rate 
DKKm, %

DKK million

%

DKK million

Tax on profit (loss) for the year can be  explained 
as follows:

Calculated 22 % tax on profit (loss) before tax

(3,874)

Adjustments of calculated tax in foreign 
 subsidiaries in relation to 22 %

Tax effect of:

Non-taxable income and non-deductible costs, net

Unrecognised tax assets

Tax equity contributions

Movements in uncertain tax positions

Changes in tax rates

Adjustment of tax concerning previous years

Effective tax for the year

348

2,243

(651)

(354)

10

29

(364)

(2,613)

22

(2)

(13)

 4

2

-

-

2

15

(2,921)

 160

 1,842

(239)

(2,278)

534

988

(476)

(2,390)

%

22

(1)

(14)

2

17

(4)

(7)

3

18

Income tax 
Tax on profit (loss) was DKK 2,613 million 
in 2022 against DKK 2,390 million in 2021. 
The effective tax rate was 15 % in 2022 
against 18 % in 2021.

The effective tax rate was primarily affect-
ed by the largely tax-exempt divestments 
of the offshore wind farms Hornsea 2 and 
Borkum Riffgrund 3. Another primary factor 
derived from the recognition of deferred tax 
liabilities in connection with capitalisation 
of project costs in the US where we have 

entered into tax equity agreements on the 
following projects:

   Helena Energy Center

   Old 300

And the continued recognition of deferred 
tax  liabilities on: 

   North-East cluster

   Ocean Wind 1

112

See more regarding tax equity partner-
ships in notes 3.8 ‘Tax equity liabilities’ and 
4.3  ‘Deferred tax’.

The adjustment of tax concerning previ-
ous years primarily relates to a tax equity 
adjustment on the 2021 Texas winter 
storm that was not accounted for in 2021. 
This was partly offset by adjustments to 
provisions in Danish companies, a partial 
derecognition of tax loss carryforwards 
in the US, and adjustments related to the 
UK consortium relief in accordance with 
our agreements with our joint venture 
partners.

The effective tax rate in 2021 was primar-
ily affected by the largely tax-exempt 
divestments of the offshore wind farms 
Borssele 1 & 2 and Greater Changhua 1 and 
changes to the corporate tax rate in the 
UK, which impacted our net deferred tax 
assets. Another primary factor in 2021 was 
the recognition of a tax liability in connec-
tion with tax equity partnerships in the US 
related to Haystack, Western Trail, Muscle 
Shoals, Permian Energy Center, the North-
East cluster, and Ocean Wind 1.

  Accounting policies

Tax for the year consists of current tax, 
changes in deferred tax, and adjustments 
in respect of previous years. Tax on profit 
(loss) for the year is recognised in the 
income statement. Tax relating to other 
items is recognised in other comprehen-
sive income.

Our uncertain tax positions are measured 
by using either of the following two 
methods, depending on which method 
we expect to better predict the resolu-
tion of the uncertainty:

–   The most-likely-outcome method is 

applied in cases where there are only 
two possible outcomes.

–   The weighted-average method is used 
in cases where there are more than 
two possible outcomes. 

Our uncertain tax positions are recog-
nised under ‘Income tax’ or ‘ Deferred 
tax’, depending on how the realisation of 
the tax position will affect the financial 
statement.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.2  Tax on profit (loss) for the year

Tax on profit (loss) for the year and other 

  Key accounting estimate

Income tax
DKKm

Tax on profit (loss) for the year

Tax on other comprehensive income

Tax on hybrid capital related to equity

Total tax for the year

Tax on profit (loss) for the year can be broken down as follows:

Current tax

Deferred tax

Changes in tax rates

Uncertain tax positions

Tax on hybrid capital

Tax equity

Adjustment of tax concerning previous years

Tax on profit (loss) for the year

Tax on other comprehensive income can be broken down as follows:

Current tax

Deferred tax

Tax on other comprehensive income

2022

(2,613)

(236)

13

(2,836)

2021

(2,390)

6,448

87

4,145

(2,906)

(1,532)

868

29

10

104

(354)

(364)

(2,613)

60

(296)

(236)

269

988

534

105

(2,278)

(476)

(2,390)

(31)

6,479

6,448

comprehensive income 
In 2022, total tax for the year was 
DKK 2,836 million, consisting of tax on 
profit (loss) for the year, tax on other 
comprehensive income, and tax on hybrid 
capital related to equity.

Current tax 
Current tax is the payable tax expense  
incurred by Ørsted on profit for the year. 
This differs from taxes paid as a result 
of payments or refunds regarding prior 
years and residual payments for the 
current year. 

Because of the high level of investments 
and the subsequent deferrals of payable 
tax as a consequence of accelerated tax 
depreciation, our current tax is generally 
lower than the statutory corporate tax 
rates during construction and the initial 
years after first power from a wind farm.

113

Estimates regarding recognition 
of income taxes
We are subject to income taxes in all the 
countries where we operate. Significant 
judgement and estimates are required in 
determining the worldwide income taxes 
and income tax assets and liabilities, 
 including provisions for uncertain tax 
positions.

In the course of conducting business 
around the world, tax and transfer pric-
ing disputes with tax authorities may oc-
cur due to the complex nature of the tax 
rules related to the business. Judgement 
is applied to assess the possible outcome 
of such disputes. We apply the methods 
prescribed in IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over 
Income Tax Treatments’ when making 
provisions for uncertain tax positions, 
and the provisions made are based on 
different scenarios of possible outcomes. 
We consider the provisions made to be 
adequate. The actual obligation may 
deviate and might lead to tax in excess 
of the uncertain tax provisions included. 
This  depends on the result of litigations 
and settlements with the relevant tax 
authorities. 

Ongoing tax disputes, primarily related 
to transfer pricing cases, are included as 
part of ‘Income tax’ and ‘Deferred tax’. 
 Estimates in respect of transfer pricing 
cases depend, among others, on whether 
corresponding adjustments can be ob-
tained in the relevant jurisdictions, and, 
in terms of disputes regarding project 
companies with partners, whether com-
pensation can be obtained from these 
partners. Any expected compensation 
from partners are included as part of 
‘Other receivables’.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.3  Deferred tax

4.3  Deferred tax

Net deferred tax for 2022 primarily consist of

Offshore

Onshore

Bioenergy
& Other

Other  activities/  
eliminations 

Assets

Recognition of tax loss carryforwards

Internal gain on construction agreements

Liabilities

Tax equity structures

Accelerated tax depreciation compared to  accounting depreciation

Acquisitions

Financial instruments

Deferred tax 2022
DKKm

Deferred tax, assets

Deferred tax, liabilities

Unrecognised tax assets

Deferred tax 2021
DKKm

Deferred tax, assets

Deferred tax, liabilities

Unrecognised tax assets

Offshore

Onshore

Bioenergy
& Other

Other activities/ 
eliminations 

Deferred tax at 
31  December

14,554

3,471

895

11,701

798

254

61

3,915

83

10

4,387

94

1,457

2,496

100

1,563

136

93

(2,353)

(2,468)

-

7

295

22

13,719

7,414

1,078

13,281

5,616

463

The table shows the reconciliation of deferred tax to the balance sheet by segment. The unrecognised tax 
asset is primarily due to ring-fenced tax losses and other losses not meeting the criteria for recognition under 
IAS 12. There is no expiry of our unrecognised tax assets. No provision for withholding tax on dividends has 
been included as the amounts where a concrete dividend distribution is planned are considered immaterial 
in 2022. Other activities/eliminations primarily consist of eliminations between segments.

114

Significant movements in deferred tax 
assets and liabilities 

Deferred tax assets

 Tax loss carryforwards due to 
the accelerated depreciation for 
tax purposes. 

 Current tax transferred to deferred 
tax in Denmark because of the net 
losses on hedges.

 Difference between tax and 
accounting treatment of financial 
instruments. 

 Adjustments to previous year’s 
tax returns in Denmark. 

 Utilisation of tax loss carryforwards 
and surrender of consortium relief 
in the UK.

Deferred tax liabilities

 Recognition of tax liabilities 
in connection with tax equity 
partnerships related to the onshore 
wind part of Helena Energy Center, 
Old 300, the North-East cluster, and 
Ocean Wind 1 in our US offshore 
portfolio. 

Acquisition of the shares in Ostwind.

 Adjustment to prior-year 
classification of property, plant, and 
equipment related to our onshore 
wind farm Lincoln Land.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.3  Deferred tax

Development in deferred tax assets  
and liabilities, 2022
DKKm

Deferred tax  
 balances at  
1 January, net

Movements

Deferred tax  
balances at  
31 December, net

 (40) 

(8,198) 

(8) 

(50) 

 1,350 

 4,666 

 3,937 

 6,008 

7,665

(47) 

(1,710)

(29)

(2) 

1,138 

662 

188 

4,397 

4,597 

2

2,064

24

50

751

(4,251)

(564)

564

(1,360)

7 

(6,488)

21 

(48) 

212 

4,004 

3,749 

1,611

(38)

(6,134)

16

-

2,101

415

3,373

6,572

6,305

(40) 

(8,198) 

(8) 

(50) 

1,350 

4,666 

3,937 

6,008

3,068

7,665

Intangible assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Other non-current assets

Current assets

Decommissioning obligations

Other non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Offset

Total

Development in deferred tax assets  
and liabilities, 2021
DKKm

Intangible assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Other non-current assets

Current assets

Decommissioning obligations

Other non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Offset

Total

115

For tax purposes, depreciation of fixed assets is 
typically accelerated compared with accounting 
purposes. As the accelerated depreciation is larger 
than our taxable profits when we make large 
investments, our tax loss carryforwards increase 
when more wind farms enter into operation. 
The tax loss carryforwards are either offset against 
deferred tax liabilities on the same wind farm 
or jurisdiction or offset against expected future 
profits from the very same wind farm or jurisdiction. 
Our decommissioning liability increases as we 
 expand operations. In most tax jurisdictions, the 
cost is not tax-deductible until it incurs.

Assets

1

4,001

30

1

2,101

 499

3,373

6,572

(2,859)

13,719

-

6,379 

6 

-

1,350 

4,815 

3,941 

6,008

(9,218) 

13,281

Liabilities

39

10,135

14

1

-

84

-

-

(2,859)

7,414

40 

14,577 

14 

50 

-

149 

4 

-

(9,218) 

5,616 

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.3  Deferred tax

Net deferred tax and accumulated investments, 2022
DKKbn

  Net deferred tax balance
  Accumulated net investments

74.6

74.4

36.0

7.5

2.0

21.8

24.7

1.0

5.7

0.1

0.6

5.3

0.0

1.5

-4.2

-0.6

Denmark

The UK

The US

Germany

The  
Netherlands

Taiwan

Ireland

Poland

The figure shows the net deferred tax assets (+) or liabilities (-) at country level as well as total net accumulated 
investments in each country. The distribution of net investments is affected by the sale of assets constructed 
by Ørsted in Denmark for operations outside Denmark where Ørsted only has part ownership. Jurisdictions not 
yet material are excluded from the overview.

116

  Accounting policies

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all 
temporary differences arising between the tax 
bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying 
amounts. 

Deferred tax is not recognised in respect of 
temporary differences relating to: 
–   the acquisition of joint operations, including 

licence interests

–   other items where differences arise at the 
time of acquisition, affecting neither the 
profit (loss) for the year nor the taxable 
income. However, this does not include 
differences arising in connection with 
company acquisitions. Except for right-of-use 
assets, lease liabilities, decommissioning, 
restoration, and similar liabilities where the 
corresponding amounts are recognised as 
part of the cost of the related assets.

Differences arising in connection with company 
acquisitions are recognised.

Deferred tax is measured depending on how we 
plan to use the assets and settle the liabilities. 
We offset tax assets and liabilities when the 
tax assets can be offset against tax liabilities in 
the year in which the deferred tax assets are ex-
pected to be used. Intra-group gains and losses 
are eliminated when calculating deferred tax. 
In countries where taxes can be offset between 
companies due to joint taxation schemes, we 
have netted within a tax jurisdiction. Where no 
such possibility is feasible, the deferred tax is 
included with the gross amount on a company- 
by-company level.

Tax losses carried forward in jurisdictions where 
we have a history of losses are recognised 
based on other convincing evidence of future 
profits. The other convicing evidence is based 

on our long-term forecast model approved by 
the Board of Directors.

Adjustments to unrecognised tax assets are 
 recognised on profit (loss) or other compre-
hensive income depending on the underlying 
source of the adjustment.

Deferred tax is measured based on the tax rules 
and rates applying when the deferred tax be-
comes current tax. Changes in deferred tax as a 
result of changes in tax rates are recognised in 
profit (loss) for the year. 

Deferred tax (net liabilities) related to tax equity 
structures are recognised as tax expense in the 
income statement when the tax equity partner-
ship agreement is effective, and we start to 
or have capitalised the corresponding assets. 
The liability recognised is the amount that we 
expect to take over once the contribution from 
the equity partner is repaid, and the tax equity 
structure flips.

US tax equity partnerships
We have entered into several tax equity part-
nership agreements in the US. 

The expected value of the deferred tax liability 
 related to property, plant, and equipment 
at the flip date in the tax equity partnership 
agreement is included in our accounts when 
the tax equity partnership agreement is effec-
tive, and we start to or have capitalised the 
corresponding assets. The deferred tax liability 
from existing tax equity partnerships will be 
gradually reduced based on accounting depre-
ciation after the flip date. See more regarding 
tax equity partnerships in note 3.8 ‘Tax equity 
liabilities’.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.4  Our tax footprint

4.4  Our tax footprint

Payments, corporate taxes
DKKm

  Current year
  Previous years

247

15

1,263

233

42

720

6

Denmark

The UK

Germany

The 
Netherlands

Taiwan

Other countries

Total

As our business matures, we start to incur corporate taxes in the countries where we operate. Again in 2022, 
corporate taxes in Denmark are affected by the high volatility of power prices. This affects the Danish 
corporate taxes due to how we manage our risk. Our corporate taxes in Taiwan derive from gains in our local 
service companies as well as withholding taxes paid on behalf of the Danish lender.

Our tax footprint is an effect of how and 
where we conduct our business.

Local corporate taxes paid
We have made significant investments in 
offshore wind farms in the UK, Germany, 
the Netherlands, the US, and Taiwan, 
resulting in the accumulation of large tax 
assets in recent years. Historically, we 
have not paid significant taxes in these 
countries besides the UK. This is changing 
as the offshore wind farms are being 
commissioned and generating positive 
taxable income, resulting currently in 
paid taxes in more countries. 

We are also continuously investing in  
the US. We do, however, not expect to 
pay material corporate taxes in the US 
in the near future due to the commercial 
structures in the US. The funding in the US 
is carried out applying the US tax equity 
set-up, which effectively means that 
tax attributes are transferred to the tax 
equity partner as repayment and return 
on investment. See more regarding tax 
equity partnerships in note 3.8 ‘Tax equity 
liabilities’.

117

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.4  Our tax footprint

A wind farm life cycle
We operate in several countries (see our 
 global footprint in the management’s review). 
The design of the individual tax regime in 
each jurisdiction impacts the tax over the 
life cycle of our investments and thereby 

the timing of our tax payments. A wind 
farm life cycle begins with the  development 
phase. This includes opportunity screening, 
if applicable, bid preparation and obtaining 
land rights, grid connection, and permits. 
The latter  activities are further  matured 

if an investment decision is made, and the 
construction phase commences, which 
includes construction of the wind farm. 
During both phases,  product, people, and 
property taxes are borne or collected (see 
our total tax contribution section).

Wind farm life cycle example

0

Cash flow

Profit (loss) 
before tax

 Taxable 
income

Project phases

Development 
~2-6 years 

Construction
~2-4 years 

Operation
~25-30 years 

Consents and permits  
Site investigations

Capital  investment  
Asset  construction  
Staff and contractors

Revenue  
Operating expenses 
Profit

Indirect taxes
Employment taxes

Indirect taxes
Employment taxes
Corporate income taxes

Indirect taxes
Employment taxes
Corporate income taxes

118

Late-life development 
Decommissioning

Indirect taxes
Employment taxes

When the wind farm is commissioned and 
put into operation, income and positive cash 
flows are generated. In many cases, the 
effect of tax incentives results in a deferral 
of taxable income compared to profit before 
tax for accounting purposes. Conversely, 
once the deferral ends, the taxable income 
related to the wind farm will exceed the 
accounting profit. 

For this reason, the applicable corporate tax 
rate and cash tax paid will always differ, but 
accumulated over the lifetime of the wind 
farm, they will be very similar.

Also, in some of the jurisdictions where we 
operate, there are mandatory or voluntary 
tax groupings. This means that we will only 
pay tax on the consolidated result of all of 
our activities in that country. As a result, 
continued significant investments in such a 
country may further defer the time when we 
pay taxes in that country.

Development activities results in negative cash 
flows in the beginning of the project life cycle. During 
construction, the capital employed accelerates mate-
rially. Positive income begins when the project enters 
operation. 

Some corporate income taxes may be paid during 
development if internal development services are 
provided between tax jurisdictions.  

Also, corporate income taxes may be paid during 
 late-life development subject to deductibility of 
 decommissioning costs and joint taxation legislation.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.4  Our tax footprint

Total tax contribution
DKKm

  Profit 

  People 

  Product 

  Property

Total

1,813

2,081

2,309   297

Total global taxes paid in 2022

Collected  550

1,886

2,309

Borne  1,263

195 297

1,755

6,500

4,745

Country-by-country reporting
In order to increase transparency, we present 
key figures on tax jurisdiction levels below. 
Our country-by-country reporting content 
widely follows the GRI 207: Tax standard. 
The standard is based on guidance from 
OECD. In order to ensure internal  coherence 
throughout the annual report, corporate 
income tax is calculated based on IFRS 
reporting standards instead of GRI method-
ology. The tax incentives provided on green 
investments defer our tax payments, result-
ing in a difference between profit (loss) in 
the accounts and taxable income during the 
life cycle of a wind farm. This is applicable in 
most of the countries where we operate.

Total tax contribution
The total tax contribution represents our 
cash tax payments to government revenues, 
including amounts paid through an agent. 
Tax does not result in a return of value 
to Ørsted for a right or asset used in the 
business.

Taxes borne by us are those that represent a 
direct cost and are reflected in the financial 
result. Taxes borne are charged to the profit 
and loss account.

Taxes collected are those which are gener-
ated by our operations, but do not constitute 
a tax liability for Ørsted. Ørsted generates 
the commercial activity that gives rise to 
the  taxes and then collects and administers 
them on behalf of the tax authorities in the 
countries where we operate.

119

Profit taxes
These include taxes on company 
profits that are borne (such as corporate 
income tax) and collected (such as with-
holding tax on payments to third parties).

People taxes
Taxes on employment, both borne 
and collected (including income tax 
and social security tax payments). 

Product taxes
Indirect taxes on the production and 
consumption of goods and services, 
including net VAT and sales tax, custom 
duties, and insurance premium tax. Net 
VAT in countries in a net refund position 
is excluded in the total tax contribution, 
as it is considered a repayment of tax al-
ready paid within the year. Included are 
also planet taxes, which are insignificant 
for this summary. 

Property taxes
Taxes on the ownership, sale, transfer, 
or occupancy of property.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.4  Our tax footprint

Taxes by country
DKKm

  Taxes borne 

  Taxes collected

Europe

Denmark 
42  3,274

The UK
836  768

Germany 
233  36

America

The US
246  197

Our total tax contribution in 2022 totalled DKK 6,500 million against DKK 5,590 
million in 2021. The increase primarily relates to acquisitions in late 2021 in Ireland 
and the UK, which increased product taxes, increased activity in our onshore 
business in the US, which increased property taxes, and an increase in presence in 
Poland, the US, and Malaysia, which increased people taxes.

120

Taxes by tax type
DKKm

  Taxes borne 

  Taxes collected

Profit

1,263

550

Ireland
30  188

The Netherlands
42  22

People  195

1,886 

Sweden
2  201

Poland
52  18

Asia

Taiwan
256  17

Malaysia
15  24

Singapore 
1  0

Product

2,309

Property  297

Total tax contribution
DKKm

1,755
4,745

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  4.4  Our tax footprint

Country-by-country 
key figures, 2022

Number of 
employees

Total employee
 remuneration2
DKKm

Revenue from  
third-party sales  
DKKm

Revenue from intra-
group trans actions 
with other tax 
 jurisdictions, DKKm

Property, plant, 
and equipment, 
and inventory
DKKm

Balance of  intra-
company debt
DKKm

Corporate income  
tax paid on  
a cash basis
 DKKm

Denmark
The UK
The US
Germany
Ireland
The Netherlands
Taiwan
Malaysia
Poland
Norway
Sweden
France
Singapore
Korea
Japan
Other countries 1
Total

4,219
1,254
643
331
102
88
185
574
519
-
6
51
13
17
25
-
8,027

3,723
1,015
709
211
54
58
148
143
164
-
6
-
16
19
22
9
6,297

111,020
11,264
2,396
432
937
-
5,439
2
20
-
721
27
19
-
-
-
132,277

9,713
27,418
71
3,257
-
1,829
65
213
274
-
1
-
45
19
8
-
42,913

18,400
55,005
68,348
13,700
4,797
4,722
24,476
11
1,479
-
146
667
9
-
-
8
191,768

36,740
61,775
18,575
17,697
517
4,524
15,264
-
11
-
38
-
-
149
69
-
155,359

6
720
1
233
-
42
247
2
9
-
2
-
1
-
-
-
1,263

Current tax expla-
nation on country 
level, 2022
DKKm

Calculated local 
corporate tax 
on profit (loss) 
before tax

Non-taxable  
income and   
non- deductible
costs, net

Profit (loss) 
before tax

Unrecognised 
tax assets

Deferred tax

Other  
adjustments

Current tax

Country-by-country key figures 
The table shows reporting of financial, economic, 
and tax-related information for each jurisdiction 
where we operate. This information can be 
compared with our total tax contribution. Our tax 
contributions reflect that some of our development 
and construction activities have been based in 
Denmark, and that our operations in the coming 
years are beginning to ramp up in markets that 
have been developed. Also, our presence and the 
corresponding tax position is affected by hedging, 
which is primarily handled centrally in Denmark.

Withholding taxes are reported under the country 
where the payment is made.

Current tax explanation on country level
The table shows our profit (loss) before tax in 
tax jurisdictions and the journey to current tax. 
Current tax for Denmark is significantly impacted by 
hedge losses, resulting in an overall tax loss for the 
year, i.e. a deferred tax asset. See more in the section 
‘Accounting policies’ in note 4.3 ‘Deferred tax’.

1  Other countries include Belgium, China, the Isle 
of Man, Latvia, Spain, and Vietnam.

2  Including employee costs transferred to assets.

8,405
9,876 
(3,395) 
 1,799 
 305 
 1,005 
(124) 
 24 
 7 
(21) 
(85) 
 27 
 21 
(120) 
(85)
(30)
17,609

(1,809)
(1,877)
856
(528)
(34)
(251)
59
(6)
(3)
5
17
(7)
(4)
12
37
7
(3,526)

 2,213 
(23) 
 7 
 10 
- 
- 
 24 
(1) 
(6) 
 1 
- 
- 
 1 
(12) 
 20 
9
2,243

 - 
(2) 
(556)
(11) 
-
 - 
 - 
 - 
(2) 
(5) 
(18) 
 - 
-
(14) 
(37) 
(6)
(651)

(414) 
(12) 
(293) 
 138 
(37) 
(47) 
(203) 
-
- 
 - 
 1 
 - 
- 
- 
 - 
(1)
(868)

(40) 
-
(7)
(12)
(4)
-
(24)
1
2
(1)
1
-
(1)
12
(20)
(11)
(104)

(50) 
(1,914) 
 7 
(403) 
(75) 
(298) 
(144) 
(6) 
(9) 
 - 
1
(7) 
(4) 
(2) 
- 
(2)
(2,906)

Denmark
The UK
The US
Germany
Ireland
The Netherlands
Taiwan
Malaysia
Poland
Norway
Sweden
France
Singapore
Korea
Japan
Other countries 1
Total

121

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.  Capital structure

5.  Capital structure

An appropriate capital structure is important to 
ensure we have the ability to raise new debt with 
attractive terms. 

42.7 %

Funds from operations (FFO) relative to adjusted interest-
bearing net debt amounted to 42.7 % at 31 December 2022 
against 26.3 % at 31 December 2021.

30.6 bn

Our interest-bearing net debt totalled DKK 30,571 million  
at 31 December 2022 against DKK 24,280 million at  
31 December 2021.

97.8 bn

Our liquidity reserve totalled DKK 97,784 million  
at 31 December 2022 against DKK 43,183 million at  
31 December 2021.

122

In 2022, we have issued a total of five new green senior 
bonds in June and September with a total nominal value 
of EUR 2,250 million (DKK 16,732 million) and GBP 950 
million (DKK 7,963 million). 

Furthermore in December, we have issued a new green 
hybrid bond with a nominal value of EUR 500 million 
(DKK 3,718 million). Part of the proceeds was used to 
repay a portion of the 6.25 % 3013 hybrid bond.

Finally, we significantly increased our short-term credit 
facilities to ensure access to sufficient liquidity. Also in 
a scenario with continuous extreme price fluctuations 
where we could be required to post collateral and make 
margin payments for the negative value of hedging 
instruments. We have increased our committed credit 
facilities from DKK 28.3 billion end of 2021 to DKK 57.2 
billion end of 2022.

Capital structure 
To ensure the financial strength to operate in the 
international energy and capital markets and secure 
 financing on attractive terms, we have defined a capital 

 structure and credit rating target of Baa1/BBB+ and a 
FFO/adjusted net debt credit metric of around 25 %. 

Financing policy
The aim of our financing policy is to minimise liquidity 
and refinancing risks, while minimising financing costs 
and matching the currency composition of our debt with 
our revenue. 

The financing markets are diversified among various 
funding sources and maturities and are primarily con-
solidated in the parent company where cash resources 
are made available to the Group companies via an 
internal bank.

Cash management and liquidity reserve
A group-wide cash management set-up ensures optimal 
allocation of cash in relation to our day- to-day opera-
tions and investment programme. We target a liquidity 
reserve to ensure adequate coverage of budgeted 
liquidity uses on a rolling 12 month forward-looking basis 
to limit the company’s sensitivity to unforeseen develop-
ments, including unrest in financial markets.

Equity and interest-bearing net debt
DKKbn

  Interest-bearing asset
  Interest-bearing debt
  Hybrid capital

   Equity attributable to share-
holders in Ørsted A/S
   Non-controlling interests

2022

47.1

77.7

19.8

71.7

4.0

2021

36.1

60.4

18.0

64.0

3.1

126.1 bn

109.4 bn

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.1  Interest-bearing debt and FFO

5.1  Interest-bearing debt and FFO

Interest-bearing debt and interest-bearing assets
DKKm

2022

2021

8,913

54,368

63,281

1,236

8,266

2,904

1,196

824

77,707

25,197

16,178

2,471

2,449

713

128

47,136

30,571

16,318

34,677

50,995

1,296

7,532

-

1

534

60,358

21,228

8,624

1,319

4,150

757

-

36,078

24,280

Interest-bearing debt:

Bank debt

Bond debt

Total bond and bank debt

Tax equity liability (see note 3.8)

Lease liability

Other interest-bearing debt:

Debt in connection with divestments

Debt from receiving collateral under credit support annexes

Other interest-bearing debt

Total interest-bearing debt

Interest-bearing assets:

Securities

Cash

Cash, not available for use

Other interest-bearing receivables:

Receivables from placing collateral under credit support annexes

Receivables in connection with divestments

Other receivables

Total interest-bearing assets 

Total interest-bearing net debt at 31 December

In 2022, bank debt includes DKK 0 million (2021: DKK 14,207 million) in short-
term repo loans. 

The market value of our bond and bank debt amounted to DKK 53,358 million 
and DKK 8,483 million, respectively, at 31 December 2022 (2021: DKK 40,292 
million and DKK 16,339 million, respectively). 

The market value of our bond and bank debt is below the carrying amount due 
to the increase in interest levels since the issuance of the debt.

123

Changes in interest-bearing debt
DKKm

Interest-bearing debt at 1 January

Cash transactions:

Instalments on loans

Proceeds from raising loans

Instalments on leases

Change in other interest-bearing debt and tax equity liability 

Non-cash transactions:

Raising lease debt, etc.

Bank loans acquired in a business combination

Foreign exchange adjustments, amortisation, etc.

Interest-bearing debt at 31 December

Interest-bearing debt increased by DKK 17,349 million in 2022.

Proceeds from raising loans include DKK 0 million (2021: DKK 14,207 million)  
in rasing short-term repo loans.

2022

2021

60,358

44,447

(22,595)

37,090

(582)

1,291

1,316

437

392

(4,435)

14,582

(520)

(797)

2,998

2,273

1,810

77,707

60,358

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.1  Interest-bearing debt and FFO

Funds from operations (FFO)
DKKm

EBITDA

Change in provisions and other adjustments

Change in derivatives

Variation margin (add back)

Reversal of gain (loss) on divestment of assets

Income tax paid

Interest and similar items, received/paid

Reversal of interest expenses transferred to assets

50 % of coupon payments on hybrid capital

Dividends received and capital reductions

Funds from operations (FFO)

2022

32,057

(2,213)

(8,687)

10,332

(10,885)

(1,263)

(563)

(586)

(264)

23

2021

24,296

(422)

(2,050)

(627)

(7,920)

(1,380)

(467)

(782)

(215)

29

17,951

10,462

Interest-bearing net debt
Interest-bearing net debt totalled 
DKK 30,571 million at the end of 2022, an 
increase of DKK 6,291 million relative to 
2021. The increase in interest-bearing net 
debt consists of an increase in interest- 
bearing debt of DKK 17,349 million and 
an increase in interest -bearing assets of 
DKK 11,058 million.

In January and March, we have entered into 
a USD 197 million (DKK 1,375 million) and 
USD 548 million (DKK 3,818 million) loan 
with Nordic Investment Bank and European 
Investment Bank, respectively. 

We have adjusted our definition of FFO/adjusted net debt. We have  excluded variation margin payments from 
our FFO definition to reflect the changes implemented by the rating agencies. Furthermore, we have excluded 
’other interest- bearing debt’ and ’other interest-bearing receivables’ from adjusted net debt to align with the 
common methodology used by the rating agencies. Comparative figures for 2021 are restated in accordance 
with the new definition of FFO/adjusted net debt. This has reduced the 2021 FFO/adjusted net debt from 
31.3 % to 26.3 %

Adjusted interest-bearing net debt
DKKm

Total interest-bearing net debt

50 % of hybrid capital

Other interest-bearing debt, add back

Other interest-bearing receivables, add back

Cash and securities not available for distribution, excluding repo loans

Total adjusted interest-bearing net debt 

Funds from operations (FFO)/adjusted interest-bearing net debt
%

2022

30,571

9,897

(4,924)

3,290

3,241

42,075

2021

24,280

8,992

(535)

4,907

2,130

39,774

Funds from operations (FFO)/adjusted interest-bearing net debt

42.7 %

26.3 %

We aim to have a long-term FFO/adjusted NIBD at above 25 %, in line with the rating agencies.

124

In June, we issued two new green senior 
bonds in the amount of EUR 1,350 million 
(DKK 10,039 million):
– 

 EUR 750 million (DKK 5,577 million), 
2.875 % interest, maturing in June 2033
 EUR 600 million (DKK 4,462 million), 
2.25 % interest, maturing in June 2028.

– 

In September, we issued three new green 
bonds in the amount of EUR 900 million 
(DKK 6,693 million) and GBP 950 million 
(DKK 7,963 million):
– 

 EUR 900 million (DKK 6,693 million),  
3.25 % interest, maturing in 
September 2031
 GBP 575 million (DKK 4,819 million), 
5.375 % interest, maturing in 
September 2042
 GBP 375 million (DKK 3,143 million), 
5.125 % interest, maturing in 
September 2034.

– 

– 

Rating
We have a corporate credit rating of BBB+/
Baa1/BBB+, stable outlook, from Standard 
& Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch, which is in 
line with our target. FFO/adjusted interest- 
bearing net debt was 42.7 % in 2022, well 
above our target. 

Loan arrangements and credit facilities
At 31 December 2022, we had bank loan 
 obligations totalling DKK 5,880 million (2021:
DKK 1,536 million) to European Investment 
Bank and Nordic Investment Bank. The 
loans offered by these multilateral financial 
institutions cofund specific energy projects 
with maturities exceeding those normally 
available in the commercial banking market. 

Furthermore, we had non-cancellable credit 
facilities and undrawn loan agreements of 
DKK 57,179 million at 31  December 2022 
(2021: DKK 28,349 million) with a number of 
Scandinavian, international, and Taiwanese 
banks. 

In connection with these loan arrangements 
and credit facilities, we may be met with 
 demands for cancellation and repayment 
of any drawn amount in the event of share-
holders other than a group consisting of the 
Danish state and Danish power  distribution 
companies  controlling more than 50 % 
of the share capital or voting rights in 
Ørsted A/S. Our financing agreements are 
not subject to any other unusual terms 
or conditions.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.1  Interest-bearing debt and FFO

Senior bonds issued at 
31 December 2022
Million, currency

Outstanding amount 

Green financing

Issued

DKK 

Coupon (%)

Time of issue

Maturing

Quoted in

14 June 2022

14 June 2028

Luxembourg

EUR

EUR

EUR 

EUR 

GBP 

GBP

GBP 

GBP 

GBP 

GBP

GBP 

NTD

NTD

NTD

NTD

NTD

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

600

750

900

750

350

750

300

250 1

375

500

575

4,000

4,000

3,000

8,000

8,000

4,462

5,578

6,693

5,577

2,934

6,286

2,514

2,095

3,143

4,191

4,819

907

907

680

1,814

1,814

2.250

1.500

3.250

2.875

2.125

4.875

2.500

24 Nov. 2017

26 Nov. 2029

13 Sep. 2022

13 Sep. 2031

14 June 2022

14 June 2033

16 May 2019

17 May 2027

12 Jan. 2012

12 Jan. 2032

16 May 2019

16 May 2033

CPI+0.375

16 May 2019

16 May 2034

5.125

5.750

5.375

0.920

0.600

0.700

1.500

0.980

13 Sep. 2022

13 Sep. 2034

9 Apr. 2010

13 Sep. 2022

19 Nov. 2019

9 Apr. 2040

13 Sep. 2042

19 Nov 2026

13 Nov. 2020

13 Nov. 2027

13 Nov. 2020

13 Nov. 2030

19 Nov. 2019

19 Nov 2034

13 Nov. 2020

13 Nov. 2040

London

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

London

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

London

Luxembourg

Taipei

Taipei

Taipei

Taipei

Taipei

1  Issued principal is indexed to an outstanding amount of GBP 295 million corresponding to DKK 2,473 million at 31 December 2022. 
In addition to senior bonds, we have issued a number of hybrid bonds, see note 5.3 ‘Hybrid capital’.

Maturity profile of issued senior bonds and bank debt
DKK billion 

  Issued bonds
  Bank debt

9.4

6.7

6.3

8.1

7.4

10.8

3.1

1.4

0.1

0.1

4.5

3.8

2.1

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

2032

2033

2034

2035+

The majority of our bonds expire in 2031 or later.

125

  Accounting policies

Bond debt, bank debt, and other 
payables are recognised at inception 
at market value (typically proceeds re-
ceived) net of transaction costs incurred. 
In subsequent periods, the liabilities are 
measured at amortised cost, so that the 
difference between the cost (proceeds) 
and the nominal value is recognised 
in profit (loss) for the year as interest 
expenses over the term of the loan, using 
the effective interest rate method.

Financial liabilities are classified as 
current, unless the Group has an uncondi-
tional right to defer settlement of the 
liability to at least one year after the 
balance sheet date. 

The market value of issued bonds has 
been  determined as the market value at 
31 December (level 1 – quoted prices).

The market value of bank loans has 
been determined as the present value of 
expected future instalments and interest 
payments using the Group’s current in-
terest rate on loans as the discount rate 
(level 2 – observable inputs).

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.2  Equity

5.2  Equity

Earnings per share
DKKm

Profit (loss) for the year

Interest and costs, hybrid capital owners of Ørsted A/S

Non-controlling interests

Ørsted’s share of profit (loss) for the year

(’000)

Average number of outstanding shares

Dilutive effect of share programme

Average number of outstanding shares, diluted

(DKK)

Earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share

126

2022

2021

14,996

10,887

(577)

130

(740)

75

14,549

10,222

420,209

420,146

233

234

420,442

420,380

34.6
34.6

24.3
24.3

Share capital 
Ørsted’s share capital is DKK 4,203,810,800 
(2021: 4,204 million),  divided into shares 
of DKK 10. The share capital is unchanged 
from last year. No shares are subject to 
special rights or restrictions on voting rights. 
All shares are fully paid up.

Owners in Ørsted
The Danish state is the principal share-
holder with an ownership interest of 50.1 %. 
In  addition, Andel have an ownership 
interest above 5 %. See note 16 ‘Ownership 
information’ in the parent  company’s finan-
cial statements.

Treasury shares
To secure our share programme, we have 
acquired treasury shares in accordance 
with the authorisation approved by the 
general meeting. The total portfolio of 
treasury shares  consists of 154,344 shares 
at 31  December 2022 (2021: 209,575), cor-
responding to less than 0.1 % of the share 
capital.

Dividends 
The Board of Directors recommends that 
dividends of DKK 5,675 million (2021:
DKK 5,255 million) be paid for the financial 
year, corresponding to DKK 13.50 per share 
(2021: DKK 12.50 per share). The proposed 
dividends correspond to a dividend yield of 
2.1 % (2021: 1.5 %), calculated on the basis of 
the closing price for an Ørsted share on the 
last trading day of the year.

Dividend yield
%

0.9

2.1

1.5

2020

2021

2022

The graph shows the proposed dividends in relation 
to the closing price for an Ørsted share on the last 
trading day of the year.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.2  Equity

Reserves 2022
DKKm

Reserves at 1 January

Exchange rate adjustments

Value adjustments of hedging

Value adjustments transferred to:

Revenue

Other operating income – gain on divestment of assets

Other operating expenses

Financial income and expenses

Property, plant, and equipment

Tax:

Foreign 
currency  
translation 
reserve

1,475

(3,625)

-

-

574

-

-

-

(1,833)

(24,585)

-

738

-

102

-

-

-

-

(29,935)

11,730

11,970

4,475

-

-

Tax on hedging and currency adjustments

Movement in comprehensive income for the year

851

(2,200)

(185)

655

(349)

(2,109)

Total reserves including tax at 31 December

(725)

(1,178)

(26,694)

Total reserves excluding tax at 31 December

(1,544)

(1,510)

(33,000)

Reserves 2021
DKKm

Reserves at 1 January

Exchange rate adjustments

Value adjustments of hedging

Value adjustments transferred to:

Revenue

Other operating income

Financial income and expenses

Property, plant, and equipment

Tax:

Tax on hedging and currency adjustments

Movement in comprehensive income for the year

Total reserves including tax at 31 December

Total reserves excluding tax at 31 December

(3,829)

6,529

-

-

(243)

-

-

(982)

5,304

1,475

1,507

711

-

1,235

-

(3,359)

(39,782)

-

98

-

-

7,174

-

-

-

717

6,788

(2,544)

(25,820)

(1,833)

(24,585)

(2,350)

(31,236)

1  Costs of hedging related to basis spread on currency swaps and option premiums included 
in the hedging reserve amount to DKK 10 million (2021: 376 million).

127

Hedging reserve 1

Hedging 
of net 
investments

Hedging of 
revenue

Hedging of 
divestments

Hedging of 
interest

Hedging of 
production 
assets

Foreign currency translation reserve 
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises:
–   exchange rate adjustments arising on translation 
of the financial statements of foreign entities 
with a currency that is not the Group’s 
presentation currency

–   exchange rate adjustments relating to loans 
that form part of our net investment in such 
entities 

–   exchange rate adjustments relating to hedging 
transactions on our net investment in such 
entities. 

On realisation or partial realisation of the net 
investment, the exchange rate adjustments are 
recognised in profit (loss) for the year if a foreign 
exchange gain (loss) is realised by the divested 
entity. The foreign exchange gain (loss) is transferred 
to the item in which the gain (loss) is recognised.

Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve covers cash flow hedging of:
–   energy, currency, and inflation risks associated 

with revenue and production assets

–   commodity price and currency risks associated 
with the construction of offshore wind farms

–   interest rates associated with loans. 

In addition, it covers hedging of net investments in 
foreign operations.

Deferred costs of hedging
Changes in the basic spread on currency swaps 
and time value of options are included in deferred 
costs of hedging.

Share premium reserve
Retained earnings include the share premium re-
serve of DKK 21,279 million (2021: 21,279 million), 
representing the excess of the amount of sub-
scribed-for share capital over the nominal value of 
these shares in connection with capital injections.

Total  
reserves

(24,778)

(3,625)

(22,783)

11,730

9,449

4,475

(583)

(116)

(236)

(1,689)

(26,467)

(33,323)

(1,956)

6,529

(43,063)

7,174

178

33

(121)

6,448

(22,822)

(24,778)

(31,866)

(460)

-

3,786

-

(3,197)

-

-

-

(129)

460

-

-

(133)

-

(736)

-

323

-

-

86

(327)

(460)

(589)

574

-

2,578

-

-

(583)

-

(439)

1,556

2,130

2,731

45

-

646

-

-

33

-

(150)

529

574

736

51

-

50

-

-

-

-

(116)

15

(51)

-

-

15

-

168

-

-

-

(121)

(11)

36

51

66

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.3  Hybrid capital

5.3  Hybrid capital 

Hybrid bonds

Type

Due in 3013 

Subordinated

Green due in 3017 

Green due in 3019

Green due in 3021

Green due in 3022

Green due in 3021

Subordinated

Subordinated

Subordinated

Subordinated

Subordinated

Carrying amount

DKK 681 million

DKK 3,668 million

DKK 4,416 million

DKK 3,701 million

DKK 3,692 million

DKK 3,635 million

Financial classification

Equity

Equity

Equity

Equity

Equity

Equity

Notional amount

EUR 94 million (DKK 699 million)

EUR 500 million (DKK 3,718 million)

EUR 600 million (DKK 4,462 million)

EUR 500 milllion (DKK 3,718 million)  EUR 500 milllion (DKK 3,718 million)  GBP 425 million (DKK 3,562 million)

Issued

Maturing

Quoted in

June 2013

June 3013

Luxembourg

November 2017

November 3017

Luxembourg

December 2019

December 3019

Luxembourg

February 2021

February 3021

Luxembourg

December 2022

December 3022

Luxembourg

February 2021

February 3021

Luxembourg

First redemption at par

26 June 2023

24 November 2024

9 December 2027

18 Februar 2031

8 December 2028

18 February 2033

Coupon for the first

Ten years fixed at 6.25 % p.a.

Seven years fixed at 2.25 % p.a.

Eight years fixed at 1.75 % p.a.

Ten years fixed at 1.50 % p.a.

Six years fixed at 5.25 % p.a.

12 years fixed at 2.5 % p.a.

Coupon in subsequent period 
is adjusted every five years 
with the five-year euro swap

+4.75 % points from 2023-2043 and 
+5.5 % points after 2043 

+1.899 % points from 2024, +2.149 % 
points from 2029, and +2.899 % 
points from 2044

+1.952 % points from 2027, +2.202 % 
points from 2032, and +2.952 % 
points from 2047

+1.86 % points from 2031 and 
+2.61 % points from 2056

+2.62 % points from 2028, +2.87 % 
points from 2033, and +3.62 % points 
from 2048

Coupon for the first twelve years at 
2.5 % p.a., after which it is adjusted 
every five years with the five-year 
benchmark gilt +2.136 % points from 
2033 and +2.886 % points from 2053

Deferral of interest payment Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

We have issued hybrid capital which is sub-
ordinate to our other creditors. The purpose 
of issuing hybrid capital is to strengthen 
our  capital base and fund our investments. 
We have issued EUR hybrid bonds with a 
total nominal value of EUR 2,194 million and 
GBP 425 million, equivalent to DKK 19,877 
million (2021: EUR 1,950 million and GBP 425 
million, equivalent to DKK 18,269 million). 

In 2022, we have issued a new green hybrid 
bond with a nominal value of EUR 500 mil-
lion (DKK 3,718 million). Part of the proceeds 
was used to repay the 3013 hybrid bond.

128

For all our hybrid bonds, we have the right 
to defer coupon payments and ultimately 
decide not to pay them at maturity. 
 Deferred coupon payments become payable, 
however, if we decide to pay dividends to 
our shareholders or pay coupon payments 
on other hybrid bonds. 

As a consequence of the special terms 
regarding the hybrid bonds, these are 
classified as equity, and therefore coupon 
payments are recognised in equity.

  Accounting policies

Hybrid capital comprises issued bonds that 
qualify for treatment in accordance with the rules 
on compound financial instruments due to the 
special characteristics of the bonds. The notional 
amount, which constitutes a liability, is recognised 
at present value, and equity has been increased by 
the difference between the net proceeds received 
and the present value of the discounted liability. 
The carrying amount of the liability component 
amounted to nil on initial recognition as the only 
payment obligation is the repayment of the nomi-
nal value in 1000 years. 

Coupon payments are accounted for as dividends, 
which are recognised directly in equity at the time 

the payment obligation arises. This is because the 
coupon is discretionary, and therefore any deferred 
coupon lapses upon maturity of the hybrid capital. 
Coupon payments are recognised in the state-
ment of cash flows within financing activities.

On redemption of hybrid capital, the payment 
will be distributed between liability and equity, 
 applying the same ratio as when the hybrid 
capital was issued. This means that the  difference 
between the payment on redemption and the net 
proceeds received on issue is recognised directly in 
equity, as the liability portion of the existing hybrid 
issues will be nil during the first part of the life of 
the hybrid capital.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.4 Liquidity reserve

5.4  Liquidity reserve

Liquidity reserve
Liquidity reserve at 31 December 2022 
amounted to DKK 97.8 billion (31  December 
2021: DKK 43.2 billion). The financial re-
sources were in particular built up during the 
year to ensure sufficient liquidity to cope 
with collateral payments and continuing 
investments in the green transformation.

The change in liquidity reserve is due to 
an increase in cash, available securities, 
and undrawn credit facilities of DKK 7,554 
million, DKK 18,217 million, and DKK 28,830 
million, respectively.

Collateral and margin postings
When we trade in derivatives to execute our 
hedging strategy, we have two alternatives:

– 

– 

 Trading on exchanges where the market 
value is settled on an ongoing basis 
through receipt or placing of collateral.

 Trading OTC where we accept the credit 
risk that will occur if we gain on the 
transaction.

We are trading under both type of agree-
ments to increase the number of counter-
parties with whom we are engaging to 
achieve the most optimal price.

temporary fluctuations in market prices, 
we actively manage the volume of trades 
between trading with and without collater-
al arrangements.

As of 31 December 2022, 31 % (2021: 51 %) of 
our power and gas trades and 86 % (2021: 
82 %) of our currency, inflation, and interest 
rate hedges had daily margin settlements.

To limit cash impact, we also provide non-
cash collateral as parent company and 
bank guarantees, where possible. At the end 
of December 2022, we had covered EUR 1 
billion in collateral for initial margins on 
energy hedges through a parent company 
guarantee.

Our collateral and margin payments related 
to trading with derivatives and collateral 
related to insurance liabilities and escrow 
accounts have increased from DKK 12.3 
billion at 31 December 2021 to DKK 17.3 
billion at 31 December 2022. The increase 
was primarily driven by the large increase in 
power and gas prices. Collateral payments 
related to variation margins increased by 
DKK 10.3 billion and was partly offset by a 
decrease in initial margins of DKK 3.5 billion 
during the year and amounted to DKK 12.8 
billion at 31 December 2022. 

To mitigate and limit the potential neg-
ative impact on our cash position from 

Initial margin and variation margin relate 
to energy hedges, and the credit support 

129

annex (CSA) relates to currency, inflation, 
and interest rate hedges. Other collateral 
mainly relates to insurance liabilities and 
escrow accounts. Further securities can be 
placed as collateral in repo transactions as 
part of our cash management.

Liquidity reserve
DKKbn

  Cash 

  Securities, available 

  Undrawn, non-cancellable credit facilities

Dec. 2022

Dec. 2021

97.8 bn

43.2 bn

Collateral and margin postings
DKKbn

  Initial margin 

  Variation margin 

  Credit support annex 

   Other collateral

Dec. 2022

Dec. 2021

17.3 bn

12.3 bn

   Ørsted annual report 2022   
Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.4 Liquidity reserve

Cash and cash equivalents, securities
DKKm

Cash cf. balance sheet

Bank overdrafts that are part of the ongoing cash management

2022

16,178

(3)

Total cash and cash equivalents at 31 December, cf. statement of cash flows

16,175

Cash can be specified as follows:

Cash cf. balance sheet

Cash, not available for use

Securities can be specified as follows:

Securities, available

Securities, not available for use

Total securities at 31 December

16,178

2,471

24,428

769

25,197

2021

8,624

(10)

8,614

8,624

1,319

6,210

15,018

21,228

The table shows our cash and securities divided into available and not  available for use.

Overview of securities
DKKm

Maturities

0-2 years

2-5 years

After 5 years

Total carrying amount

Fixed rate Floating rate

2022

Fixed rate Floating rate

2021

37

961

1,666

2,664

12,278

6,025

4,230

22,533

12,315

6,986

5,896

25,197

1,293

(1,214)

2,385

2,464

6,642

7,008

5,114

7,935

5,794

7,499

18,764

21,228

The table shows our securities split into maturities and fixed or floating interest rates.  
The overview includes interest rate swaps used to manage the interest rate risk on the securities.

130

Cash, cash equivalents, and securities
Securities are a key element in our liqiudity 
reserve, and therefore investments are 
mainly made in liquid AAA-rated Danish 
mortgage bonds and, to a lesser extent, 
in other bonds. Most of the securities  qualify 
for repo transactions with the  Danish 
 central bank, ‘Danmarks Nationalbank’.

Securities not available for use comprise 
securities pledged as collateral for: 
– 

 short-term repo loans:  
DKK 0 million at 31 December 2022 
(2021: DKK 14,207 million)

– 

– 

 insurance- related provisions: 
DKK 381 million at 31 December 2022  
(2021: DKK 397 million)

 trading in financial instruments:  
DKK 388 million at 31 December 2022  
(2021: DKK 414 million).

At 31 December 2022, we had received cash 
collateral in the amount of DKK 1,194 million 
(2021: DKK 1 million) concerning the positive 
market value of derivatives.

Cash not available for use comprises: 
– 

 payables for the purchase of gas that 
has not yet been settled placed on a 
 restricted acount: DKK 2,029 million 
(2021: DKK 0 million)

– 

– 

 collateral for insurance-related 
provisions: DKK 38 million  
(2021: DKK 254 million)

 collateral for power purchase 
agreements and trading with financial 
instruments: DKK 366 million  
(2021: DKK 825 million)

– 

 collateral for other transactions:  
DKK 38 million (2021: DKK 240 million).

  Accounting policies

Securities comprise bonds that are monitored, 
 measured, and reported at market value on an 
on going basis in conformity with the Group’s 
investment policy. Changes in market value are 
recognised in profit (loss) for the year as financial 
income and expenses. Purchase and sale of secu-
rities are recognised at the settlement date.

For listed securities, market value equals the 
market price, and for unlisted securities, market 
value is estimated based on generally accepted 
valuation methods and market data.

Divested securities where repurchase agree-
ments (repo transactions) have been made at 
the time of sale are recognised in the balance 
sheet at the settlement date as if the securities 
were still held. The amount received is recognised 
as a liability, and the difference between the sell-
ing price and the purchase price is recognised in 
profit (loss) for the year over the term as interest. 
The return on the securities is recognised in profit 
(loss) for the year.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.5  Maturity analysis of financial liabilities

5.5  Maturity analysis of financial liabilities

Maturity analysis of financial liabilities 2022
DKKm

Bank loans and issued bonds:

–  Notional amount

–  Interest payments

Trade payables 

Derivatives

Lease liabilities

Tax equity debt

Other payables

Total payment obligations

Maturity analysis of financial liabilities 2021
DKKm

Bank loans and issued bonds:

–  Notional amount

–  Interest payments

Trade payables 

Derivatives

Lease liabilities

Tax equity debt

Other payables

Liabilities relating to assets classified as held for sale

Total payment obligations

131

The Group’s cash needs in respect of its financial 
loans and borrowings are shown in the table.  
The maturity analysis was determined on 
31 December. 

The maturity analysis is based on undiscounted 
cash flows, including estimated interest pay-
ments.  Interest payments are based on market 
conditions and interest  rate hedging entered 
into on 31  December. The  maturity analysis does 
not include hybrid capital classified as equity. 
At 31  December 2022, we had  issued hybrid capital 
with a notional amount totalling DKK 19,877 
million due after 2026.

For further disclosures of lease liabilities, see note 
3.3 ‘Intangible assets, and property, plant, and 
equipment’.

2023

2024

2025-2026

After 2026

2022

3,087

1,883

20,641

32,636

817

150

8,019

67,233

53

1,880

-

13,442

664

158

1,543

17,740

1,487

3,741

-

6,059

1,288

343

489

13,407

59,077

14,721

-

11,288

9,182

1,690

12,810

108,768

63,704

22,225

20,641

63,425

11,951

2,341

22,861

207,148

2022

2023

2024-2025

After 2025

2021

19,375

975

20,231

27,668

738

175

3,826

72

73,060

53

873

-

15,315

579

137

1,011

-

106

1,748

-

1,509

1,083

235

3,459

-

31,669

8,011

-

6,932

8,483

1,988

733

-

51,203

11,607

20,231

51,424

10,883

2,535

9,029

72

17,968

8,140

57,816

156,984

   Ørsted annual report 20221  The table shows net financial income and 
expenses, corresponding to our internal reporting. 

Exchange rate adjustments and hedging contracts 
entered into to hedge currency risks are presented 
net under the item ‘Exchange rate adjustments, net’.

2  Exchange rate adjust ments of currency hedging 
are recognised in revenue and cost of sales with a 
loss of DKK 349 million (2021: a loss of DKK 238 
million).

Borrowing costs transferred to property, plant, and 
equipment under construction are calculated at 
the weighted average effective interest rate for 
general borrowing. This amounted to 3.1 % in 2022 
(2021: 3.4 %).

  Accounting policies

Market value adjustments of interest 
rate and  currency derivatives that have 
not been entered into for hedging pur-
poses are presented as financial income 
or expenses.

The accounting policy for the tax equity 
partner’s contractual return is described 
in note 3.8 ‘Tax equity liabilities’.

Financial statements

Notes 

|  5.6  Financial income and expenses

5.6  Financial income and expenses

Net financial income and expenses 1
DKKm

Interest expenses, net

Interest expenses, leasing

Interest element of provisions, etc.

Tax equity partner’s contractual return

Value adjustments of derivatives, net

Exchange rate adjustments, net

Value adjustments of securities at market value, net

Other financial income and expenses

Net financial income and expenses

Financial income and expenses 2
DKKm

Interest income from cash, etc.

Interest income from securities at market value

Foreign exchange gains

Value adjustments of derivatives

Other financial income

Total financial income

Interest expenses relating to loans and borrowings, etc.

Interest expenses transferred to assets

Interest expenses, leasing

Interest element of provisions

Tax equity partner’s contractual returns

Capital losses on securities at market value

Foreign exchange losses

Value adjustments of derivatives

Other financial expenses

Total financial expenses

Net financial income and expenses

132

2022

(1,895)

(256)

(613)

(1,134)

1,593

1,343

(1,556)

(18)

(2,536)

2022

211

157

8,226

6,885

35

15,514

(2,848)

585

(256)

(513)

(1,134)

(1,596)

(7,323)

(4,800)

(165)

(18,050)

(2,536)

2021

(895)

(261)

(454)

(616)

202

169

(501)

190

(2,166)

2021

160

175

2,994

914

137

4,380

(2,012)

782

(261)

(350)

(616)

(501)

(2,962)

(514)

(112)

(6,546)

(2,166)

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.  Risk management

6.  Risk management

Market and credit risks are a natural part of our business 
activities and a precondition for being able to create 
value. Through our risk  management, we monitor these 
risks and reduce them to an  acceptable level.

The majority of our income from power generation for 
the next five years are based on fixed tariffs, guaran-
teed minimum prices, or long-term power purchase 
agreements. Only a small part of our total earnings are 
exposed to changes in energy prices. We describe the 
management of this residual risk in this chapter.

35 %

Our net inflation risk for assets in operation, under construction, 
and awarded is 35 % for the period 2023-2032, i.e. if inflation 
increases by 1.0 percentage point, our long term earnings will 
increase by 0.65 percentage point.

-33.0 bn

The value of hedging instruments (mainly power) that will impact 
EBITDA in the future amounts to a loss of DKK 33,000 million at 
31 December 2022 (2021: DKK 31,804 million).

+1.5 bn

The initial fair value of corporate power purchase agreements 
(CPPAs) amounts to DKK 1,497 million, which will be  
recognised as revenue over the remaining life of the CPPAs  
(2021: DKK 834 million).

133

Unusual year with high energy prices
It has been another extraordinary year for the energy markets. 
Gas prices have remained high during 2022 until at the very end of 
the year. The main reason for the high gas prices was the low supply 
of Russian gas as a consequence of the war in Ukraine. The high 
gas price has also driven the power prices to record-high levels. 

Currency exposure 2023-2027 1
DKKbn

  Before hedging 

  After hedging

45.9

Our previous hedging policy implies that the majority of our 
 expected energy price exposure in 2022 was hedged. This has 
caused a volume-related overhedging, among other things due to 
the delay of the commissioning of the Hornsea 2 Offshore Wind 
Farm. Overhedging and ineffective hedges net of our trading result 
was recognised in other operating expenses with a net loss of 
DKK 4.6 billion.

Trading portfolio
We have a limited trading portfolio with the main purpose of opti-
mising the execution of hedging contracts and gains from short-term 
energy price fluctuations. Read more in note 6.7 ‘ Energy  trading 
portfolio’.

13.9

1.0

7.7

7.7

-12.8

GBP

USD

NTD

Energy exposure 2023-2027 2
DKKbn

  Before hedging 

  After hedging

Expected impact on EBITDA from 
hedges and CPPAs
DKKm

Deferred for subsequent 
 recognition at 31 December 2022

2023

2024

2025+

Total

106.0

Power and carbon emissions

(8,470)

(6,737)

(12,698)

(27,905)

40.3

Gas and oil

Inflation

Currency

Initial fair value of CPPAs

Total EBITDA impact from hedges 
and CPPAs

(671)

-

(108)

207

(906)

(202)

30

154

(336)

(3,164)

262

1,136

(1,913)

(3,366)

184

1,497

(9,042)

(7,661)

(14,800)

(31,503)

-1.1 -0.1

Gas and Oil

Outright 
power

6.7

5.9

Spread 
(power)

1  For USD and NTD, we manage our risk of a natural time spread between 
front-end capital expenditures and long-term revenue. In the five year horizon, 
we are therefore seeing that our hedges increase our net exposure to USD, but 
our hedges reduce the USD risk in the longer horizon.
  We have a substantial exposure towards EUR. However, we do not deem 
EUR to constitute a risk, as we expect Denmark to maintain its fixed exchange- 
rate policy.

2  Energy exposure before hedging is excluding 
revenue from fixed tariffs and guaranteed minimum 
prices as these do not contain any energy exposure. 
  Our outright power exposure has increased 
significantly in 2022 due to the large increase in 
power prices.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.1  Market risk policy

6.1  Market risk policy

Our most significant market risks relate to:
–  energy and commodity prices
–  production variability
–  foreign exchange rates 
– 

interest rates and inflation. 

power price exposures to a range of 0 % – 
70 % in the current year plus the next year. 
In addition, we will utilise opportunities 
beyond this period to maximixe value and 
support commercial initiatives.

Under our previous hedging framework, we 
hedged the next five years with a staircase 
model with minimum hedge levels of 90 % 
in the coming year, gradually being reduced 
each year. A transition period is required to 
go from the previous risk mandate set-up 
and into the new.

Managing long-term market risks
Beyond the period where we actively hedge, 
our market risk picture is determined by our 
portfolio of assets and long-term contracts. 
We actively manage the long-term market 
risk through the investment decisions we 
take and contracts we enter into. 

Our power exposure is partly mitigated 
through long-term corporate power pur-
chase agreements (CPPAs), and we use debt 
to manage our long-term currency, interest 
rate, and inflation risks.

The overall objective of our risk manage-
ment is to: 
– 

 increase the predictability of the short-
term earnings and FFO/NIBD by securing 
the price of energy and currency
 protect the long-term real value of 
‘shareholders’ investment in Ørsted by 
matching fixed nominal cash flows from 
our assets with fixed nominal debt. 

– 

New energy hedging framework
In light of recent high and volatile energy 
prices, we no longer deem our previous ap-
proach for hedging renewable power price 
exposure fit-for-purpose. Going forward, we 
will apply a new approach better suited 
to the characteristics of our portfolio. The 
new framework provides a better balance 
between ensuring short-term financial 
stability and avoiding adverse impact 
from the hedges, such as the risk of being 
overhedged and large collateral postings 
due to negative market values. With the 
new approach, we have decided to reduce 
the hedge level and horizon for renewable 

134

  Accounting policies

in the value of the hedged asset or liability to 
the extent of the hedged risk.

We apply hedge accounting to our energy, 
commodity, currency, interest, and inflation 
hedges. Where possible, we use hedging instru-
ments which hedge the desired risk one-to-one. 
The GBP exposure, for example, is hedged using 
GBP forward exchange contracts, GBP swaps, 
or GBP loans. Thus, there are no significant 
sources of ineffectiveness. For currency swaps, 
the basis spread is accounted for according to 
the cost of the hedging model. 

To the extent that a risk needs to be hedged, 
and if there is no fully effective instrument 
available in the market, analyses are performed 
of the expected effectiveness of the hedging 
instrument before the hedging transaction is 
concluded. In this case, the ratio between the 
hedged risk and the hedging instrument may 
deviate from the one-to-one principle and will 
be determined as the ratio which most effec-
tively hedges the desired risk. 

We recognise changes to the market value of 
hedging instruments that qualify for recogni-
tion as a hedge of future cash flows in other 
comprehensive income in the hedging reserve. 
The majority of our exposure is highly probable 
forecast transactions. On realisation of the 
hedged cash flow, the resulting gains or losses 
are transferred from equity and recognised in 
the same item as the hedged item. However, 
on hedging of proceeds from future loans, the 
resulting gain or loss is transferred from equity 
over the term of the loan.

When we conclude a hedging transaction, and 
each time we present financial statements 
thereafter, we assess whether the hedged 
exposure and the hedging instrument are still 
financially correlated. If the hedged cash flows 
are no longer expected to be realised, the in 
full or partially accumulated value change is 
transferred to profit (loss) for the year. Ineffec-
tive hedges related to energy and commodity 
exposures are recognised in other operating ex-
penses. Ineffectiveness related to other hedges 
are recognised in financial income or expenses. 

Changes in the market value of derivatives 
that are classified as hedges of the fair value of 
a recognised asset or liability are recognised in 
profit (loss) for the year together with changes 

  Key accounting estimate

Valuation of long-term power  
purchase agreements
When we measure our power purchase 
agreements at fair value, we use estimates of 
non-observable prices such as:
–   production forecasts – intermittency 
(expected profiled production versus 
constant (flat) production)

–   forecasted long-term power prices and 

exchange rates

–   forecasted inflation expectations
The development in market values is 
monitored on a continuing basis and reported 
to the Group Executive Team.

Hedge accounting
Hedge effectiveness is measured using 
forecasted production as well as estimates 
regarding energy prices,intermittency, interest, 
currency and inflation. For periods where we 
are close to fully hedged, volume overhedging 
is possible if the forecasted production does 
not materialize which will lead to recognition 
of ineffectiveness.

  Key accounting judgement

Valuation of long-term power  
purchase agreements
We measure our power purchase agreements 
at fair value, but they cannot always be 
 measured on quoted prices in active markets 
due to the long duration of the contracts. 
We use elements of judgements determining 
 models to measure the fair value and we aim to 
limit the use of subjective estimates and base 
the fair values on external information including 
external pricing and benchmark services.

Effectiveness of hedge relationship
Judgements are used to consider whether 
forecasted transactions are highly probable 
exposures as hedged item in a hedge relation-
ship, eg. expected production from wind farms, 
and judgment is applied in whether the hedge 
instruments applied in the hedge relationships 
identified are effective.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.2  Currency risks

6.2  Currency risks

Our forward-looking currency exposure 
from produc tion, sales, investments, and 
divestments after hedging for the years 
2023-2027 can be summarised as shown in 
the table.

Risk after hedging
DKKbn

GBP: 13.9 sales position

USD: 12.8 buy position 

NTD: 7.7 sales position

Effect of price change

+10 %

-10 %

+1.4

-1.3

+0.8

-1.4

+1.3

-0.8

Therefore, a 10 % increase in the GBP/
DKK exchange rate will result in a gain of 
DKK 1.4 billion over the period 2023-2027, 
all else remaining unchanged.

Our largest currency exposure stems from 
offshore wind farms in the UK, but our 
 growing activities in the US and Taiwan have 
increased our exposure to USD and NTD.

Principles for managing currency risks
Highly certain cash flows in a foreign cur-
rency are actively managed within the first 
five years. 

Exchange rate risks related to energy 
revenue in foreign currencies are hedged 
only after the energy price is hedged. 
Hence, the GBP exchange rate risk associated 
with power generation in the UK is hedged 
when the power price has been hedged.

135

In contrast, cash flows that relate to subsi-
dised GBP income from offshore wind farms in 
the UK, less operating expenses, are hedged 
on a declining level of hedging over the five-
year risk management horizon. The target is 
to hedge 100 % in year 1, declining by 20 per-
centage points each year to 20 % in year 5.

GBP exposure
Our GBP exposure amounted to DKK 13.9 
billion after hedging for the years 2023-
2027. This unhedged GBP exposure stems 
primarily from subsidised GBP income less 
operational expenditures.

The GBP exchange rate for hedges impact-
ing EBITDA in 2023 and 2024 is hedged 
at an average of GBP/DKK 8.4 and 8.3, 
respectively.

USD and NTD exposures
For our USD and NTD exposures from new 
markets, we have a limited existing port-
folio against which we can net construction 
payments. Therefore, we seek to hedge the 
exchange rate risk in the near term by swap-
ping out the exposure in time.

EUR exposure
We have a substantial exposure towards 
EUR, which we assess on a continuous 
basis. EUR is generally not hedged, as we 
believe that  Denmark will maintain its fixed 
exchange-rate policy.

GBP exposures
DKKbn

  Before hedging  

  After hedging

 10.8 

 10.1 

 10.4 

 9.5 

 6.7 

 3.9 

 5.1 

 4.0 

-0.3 

-0.4 

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

The graph shows our GBP exposure before and after hedges from:
–   divestments and investments
–   green certificates
–   hedged energy.

Development in currency rates
DKKbn

  GBP 

  USD 

1.000

900

800

700

600

500

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Historical rates

Forward rates

The graph shows the historic development in spot currency rates for the past three years 
and the forward rates for 2023 and 2024 as of 31 December 2022.

  NTD

25

24

23

22

21

20

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.2  Currency risks

Maturity analysis

Market value

Expected transfers to income statement

Currency cash flow hedge  
accounting 2022
DKKm

Contractual  
 principal amount

2023

2024

After 2024

Asset

Liability

Recognised in  
comprehensive 
income

EBITDA impact

Revenue (GBP)

Revenue (USD)

Impact on other line items

Interest payments (GBP)

Currency cash flow hedge  
accounting 2021
DKKm

EBITDA impact

Revenue (GBP)

Revenue (USD)

Divestments (GBP)

Impact on other line items

Production assets (USD)

Interest payments (GBP)

24,199

3

553

31,256

11

14,634

7

1,075

2,953

-

553

7,416

13,830

3

-

-

-

2022

2023

After 2023

6,706

17

14,634

7

490

8,810

(2)

-

-

585

15,740

(4)

-

-

-

151

-

32

-

4

-

-

101

-

(21)

-

(1,565)

-

(247)

-

-

182

2

4

(1,405)

-

(234)

-

103

Ineffectiveness from currency cash flow hedges in 2022 amounts to a gain of DKK 189 million (2021: DKK -20 million) recognised in financial items. 

2023

2024

After 2024

(109)

1

4

29

1

-

262

-

-

2022

2023

After 2023

(485)

-

(234)

-

47

(463)

(457)

-

-

-

56

-

-

-

-

136

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.2  Currency risks

Maturity analysis

Market value

Currency fair-value hedge  
accounting 2022
DKKm

Contractual  
 principal amount

2023

2024

After 2024

GBP (sell position)

USD (sell position)

NTD (sell position)

Currency fair-value hedge  
accounting 2021
DKKm

GBP (sell position)

EUR (sell position)

NTD (sell position)

25,983

6,122

5,194

19,046

4,463

6,379

-

-

-

2022

-

4,463

-

-

-

-

25,983

6,122

5,194

2023

After 2023

-

-

-

19,046

-

6,379

The fair-value hedges are related to hedges of loans in the balance sheet.

Asset

-

168

171

130

-

427

Liability

(1,047)

-

-

-

(4)

-

Contracts accounted for  
at fair value through profit 
or loss (financial items)
DKKm

Currency

2022

Contractual
principal amount

Market
value

Contractual
principal amount

2021

Market
value

Forward exchange contracts

30,549

27

38,080

1

The table shows cash management postions which are not hedge accounted.  
The positons primarly consist of EUR and to a lesser extent GBP and USD. 

137

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.2  Currency risks

Hedging of net investments in foreign subsidiaries
DKKm 

Currency 2022

GBP

EUR

USD

NTD

Other

Total

Currency 2021

GBP

EUR

USD

NTD

Other

Total

Net  
investment

Of which,  
non-controlling 
interests

Hedged  
amount  
in currency

Net position

Accumulated 
exchange rate 
adjustments  
in equity

54,674

35,004

29,881

14,884

1,892

(2,132)

-

(1,839)

-

-

(34,536)

-

(21,916)

(6,122)

-

136,335

(3,971)

(62,574)

74,278

32,861

26,791

8,840

1,763

(2,516)

-

(555)

-

-

(26,845)

(4,463)

(13,620)

(6,379)

-

144,533

(3,071)

(51,307)

18,006

35,004

6,126

8,762

1,892

69,790

44,917

28,398

12,616

2,461

1,763

90,155

(3,806)

(49)

617

288

(104)

(3,054)

(1,252)

(45)

(250)

761

(59)

(845)

Hedging of net investments in foreign 

subsidiaries
Our foreign activities entail currency risks. 
We hedge these currency risks by raising  
loans in foreign currencies and by entering  
into forward exchange contracts, currency 
swaps, and options. 

On 31 December 2022, the accumulated 
exchange rate adjustments totalled
DKK -3,054 million (2021: -845 million), 
 divided between the  exchange rate 
adjustment of the net investment of 
DKK -1,544 million (2021: 1,510 million) and 
the hedging thereof of DKK -1,510 million 
(2021: -2,355 million). 

Maturity analysis

Market value

  Accounting policies

Net investment hedges 2022
DKKm

Contractual  
 principal amount

GBP (sell poition)

USD (sell position)

NTD (sell position)

Net investment hedges 2021
DKKm

GBP (sell poition)

EUR (sell position)

USD (sell position)

NTD (sell position)

34,536

21,916

6,122

26,845

4,463

13,620

6,379

2023

4,895

3,114

-

2022

887

4,463

37

-

2024

After 2024

-

8,919

-

2023

3,047

-

11,406

-

29,641

9,883

6,122

After 2023

22,911

-

2,177

6,379

Asset

1,139

-

-

-

4

-

-

Liability

-

(168)

(847)

(826)

-

(359)

(427)

The net position  expresses the  accounting  exposure. If, for example, the GBP/DKK exchange rate increased by 10 % on 31  December 2022,  
 equity would have increased by DKK 1,801  million,  corresponding to 10 % of DKK 18,006 million.

Hedging of net investments in 
foreign subsidiaries
Changes in the market value of deriva-
tives and loans that are classified as net 
investment hedges in foreign  subsidiaries 
or associates are recognised in the con-
solidated financial statements directly in 
equity within a separate foreign currency 
translation reserve.

138

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.3  Energy and commodity price risks

6.3  Energy and commodity price risks

Our forward-looking energy exposure  
after hedging of produc tion for the years 
2023-2027 can be summarised as shown 
in the table.

Risk after hedging
DKKbn

Power: 40.3 sales position

Spread (power): 5.9 

Effect of price change

+10 %

-10 %

+4.0

+0.6

-4.0

-0.6

Therefore, a 10 % increase in the power price 
will result in a gain of DKK 4.0 billion over 
the period 2023-2027, all else remaining 
unchanged. Gas and oil activities only have 
a risk after hedging of DKK 0.1 billion for the 
period 2023-2027.

Introduction to hedging of power
We use fixed-volume hedges (settled based 
on a fixed hourly volume throughout the 
hedged period) to hedge price risk associ-
ated with our power production. The fixed- 
volume hedges do not fully match the 
actual hourly production profile delivered 
by our wind farms. This is referred to as 
intermittency risk. See ‘Intermittency risk’ 
graph to the right. 

139

Offshore power generation
Revenue from power generation from off-
shore wind farms mainly comprise: 
– 

 fixed tariffs in the UK (CfD wind farms), 
the US, and Taiwan
 guaranteed minimum prices in Denmark, 
Germany, and the Netherlands
 sale of power production at market price 
from some wind farms in Denmark and 
the UK
 guaranteed minimum prices for green 
certificates in the UK (ROC wind farms)
 long-term power purchase agreements.

– 

– 

– 

– 

At the end of 2022, fixed tariffs and 
 guaranteed minimum prices covered 
approx. 76 % (2021: 83 %) of the expected 
income from offshore wind farms for the 
period 2023-2027. The reduction is due to 
a large increase in forward power prices at 
the end of 2022 compared to 2021, which 
increased the expected revenue from 
production settled at market price. The re-
maining 24 % of expected income is exposed 
to energy price risks and concerns sales of 
power at market price in the UK, Denmark, 
Germany, and the Netherlands.

Onshore power generation
A large part of the earnings in Onshore 
comes from power generation in the US, 
which comprises tax incentives, such as 
PTCs or ITCs, and power. The tax incentives 
have a fixed value. However, there is a price 
risk associated with the power, which is 

Intermittency risk

  Intermittency risk 

  Fixed-volume hedges

Volume

1

2

Actual 
production 
profile

Flat profile in 
fixed-volume 
hedges

Time

The light blue area illu strates the intermittency risk where our actual production is 
either above or below the fixed volume in our hedges. When the additional value of the 
production (volume x market price) in area 1 does not match the missing value of the 
production in area 2, our actual production will not fully match our fixed-volume hedges. 

Development in power prices 
DKK

  DK 1 
  UK 
  US (ERCOT) 2 

4.000

3.000

2.000

4.000

1.000

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Historical rates

Forward rates

0

3.000

2.000

1.000

0

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Historical rates

Forward rates

The graph shows the historic development in monthly average spot power prices for 
the past three years and the forward rates for 2023 and 2024 as of 31 December 2022. 
The graph covers our main markets where we are exposed to power prices.
1   Average of DK1 and DK2.
2   Average of North and West.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.3  Energy and commodity price risks

reduced by entering into CPPAs. The current 
CPPAs cover approx. 73 % of the  expected 
generation for the period 2023-2027 cal-
culated from the time of commissioning 
of the individual wind farms, if that date is 
later than the end of 2022. The CPPAs are 
 entered into with large corporates or finan-
cial institutions.

Furthermore, additional earnings originate 
from power generation in Ireland, Germany, 
and France where the assets are either sub-
ject to a subsidy scheme, or we have PPAs in 
place for the majority of the production.

Power generation at our CHP plants
Our combined heat and power (CHP) plants 
consist of biomass- and fossil-fuelled plants 
in Denmark. Heat generation does not give 
rise to price risks, as the associated costs are 
covered by the heat customers. However, 
heat generation entails a price risk for power 
to the extent to which we generate heat 
and power simultaneously. The profitability 
of power generation is determined by the 
difference between the selling price of power 
and the purchase price of fuel and, for 
other fuels than biomass, carbon emission 
allowances. If the spreads are attractive, 
we provide condensing power generation in 
addition to CHP generation. The total net 
risk associated with power from heat-bound 
CHP generation for the 2023-2027 period is 
DKK 5.9 billion after hedging.

Commodity risk for construction projects
When building a wind farm, we are exposed 
to the price development in a number of 
commodities, most significantly steel. Steel 
element indices have enabled hedging of 

140

parts of this risk. We hedged a substantial 
amount of the steel for foundations that 
were delivered in 2022, and we will continue 
to hedge more throughout 2023 as future 
volumes are being committed.

Power sales
The price risk associated with power sales 
is given by the difference between the pur-
chase and sales prices and is thus consid-
ered to be limited. 

For our investor power purchase agree-
ments, we retain part of the power price risk, 
and thus we are to some extent exposed to 
the same risks as for the production from 
our own share of the wind farms, including 
volume and intermittency risks. 

Gas sales
The price risk associated with sale of gas 
stems from differences in the indexing of 
sales and purchase prices. Our largest gas 
purchase contracts are mainly indexed to 
pure gas prices and thus no longer constitute 
a significant risk.

Ørsted´s power price exposure before hedges 
for 2023-2027 split on markets
DKKbn

64.0

50.9

15.3

The UK

The US

Other

The table shows our total exposure towards power 
prices before hedges for the period 2023-2027.

Offshore’s power price exposure
DKKbn

  Before hedging 

  After hedging

20.5

15.3

12.4

3.0

4.4

5.8

9.9

7.8

9.5

7.5

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

  Principles for estimating exposures

The table shows the exposure of Offshore’s  generation of power before and after hedges.

Exposure is calculated as the expected 
production (or net purchase/sale) times the 
forward price for the respective years.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.3  Energy and commodity price risks

Energy price cash flow hedge  
accounting 2022
DKKm

Contractual  
 principal amount

2023

2024

After 2024

Asset

Liability

Recognised in  
comprehensive 
income

2023

2024

After 2024

Maturity analysis

Market value

Expected transfers to EBITDA/CAPEX

32,300

1,071

1,171

46

15

25,452

587

3,721

9

115

30

8,480

-

312

46

9

7,856

922

387

-

6

15,964

149

472

-

-

2022

2023

After 2023

5,511

(425)

268

10

-

-

6,934

733

3,151

(2)

115

30

2022

6,291

22

396

-

-

8,058

644

5,545

-

45

22

(39,641)

-

(1,596)

-

-

(29,877)

(887)

(4,409)

-

-

(1)

(27,779)

(91)

(1,915)

(35)

2

(8,435)

-

(672)

(35)

1

(6,649)

(88)

(907)

-

1

(12,695)

(3)

(336)

-

-

2022

2023

After 2023

(27,032)

(15,149)

(65)

(387)

13

45

21

(38)

162

12

-

21

(6,033)

(27)

(264)

1

-

-

(5,850)

-

(285)

-

45

-

In 2022, we recognised ineffective hedges in the amount of DKK -4,475 million 
(2021: DKK -1,074 million) in other operating expenses of which volume-related 
ineffectiveness related to offshore DKK 3,771 million, inflation-indexed related 
ineffective hedges DKK 658 million, and other ineffectiveness DKK 46 million.

13,007

279

302

1

-

-

2021

Market
value

(710)

(4,507)

-

(2,073)

-

(86)

Contractual
principal amount

Market
value

Contractual
principal amount

507

2,668

748

3,264

7,821

69

(803)

2,920

-

3,872

(1,894)

-

550

3,027

537

2,836

-

347

EBITDA impact

Power swaps and futures

Power options

Gas swaps, futures, options

Carbon emission allowances

Oil futures

Energy price cash flow hedge  
accounting 2021
DKKm

EBITDA impact

Power swaps and futures

Power options

Gas swaps, futures, options

Oil futures

Hedging production assets

Steel

Oil futures

Contracts accounted for 
at fair value through profit 
or loss (EBITDA)
DKKm

Energy 

Oil swaps and options

Gas swaps

Gas options

Power swaps

Power options

Other

141

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.4  Inflation and interest rate risks

6.4  Inflation and interest rate risks

Inflation and interest rate risk
Our earnings mainly stem from a  portfolio 
of Offshore and Onshore assets with a 
balanced exposure towards inflation and 
interest rate risk, which helps to provide 
stability over the business cycle and across 
inflationary and deflationary environments. 

Earnings from inflation-indexed and mer-
chant assets follow consumer and market 
prices, thereby protecting against real value 
loss from increasing inflation and interest 
rates. Earnings from fixed nominal assets 
provide cash flow stability and will benefit 
in periods characterised by deflation and 
expansionary monetary policy from central 
banks.

A total of ~65 % of our revenue from 
Offshore and Onshore assets in operation, 
under construction, and awarded for the 
period 2023-2032 is expected to increase 
and decrease with inflation changes. Of this, 
~50 % of our revenue is inflation-indexed, 
mainly from our UK and Polish offshore wind 
farms, while ~15 % of our revenue is driven 
by merchant power prices. The remaining 
~35 % of revenue is fixed and is there-
fore subject to real value loss if inflation 
increases. 

142

This is the case for: 
– 

– 

 fixed nominal subsidies from offshore 
wind assets in Denmark, Germany, the 
 Netherlands, Taiwan, and the US
 fixed nominal power purchase agree-
ments related to onshore wind assets 
in the US and offshore wind assets in 
Europe and Taiwan.

We have converted part of our UK inflation- 
linked revenue to fixed nominal revenue 
with derivatives to create a better match 
between our GBP revenue and debt at an 
average retail price index (RPI) rate of 3.6 % 
for the priod 2024-2037 and an average 
consumer price index (CPI) rate of 2.7 % for 
the period 2030-2033.

Other EBITDA mainly includes OPEX, COGS, 
DEVEX, and other operating income from 
US tax credits and divestment gains. The 
majority of these items will increase with 
inflation and is netted with the inflation- 
indexed revenue, leaving the EBITDA pro-
portionally more exposed to fixed nominal 
cash flows compared to revenue.

To mitigate the inflation risk from our fixed 
nominal exposure, we issue fixed-rate debt 
and enter into hedges to fix future debt 
 isuances. With active management, we have 
reduced the fixed nominal exposure to 35 % 
for EBITDA, net of debt and related hedges.

Inflation exposure from Offshore and Onshore assets

  Fixed nominal  

  Inflation-indexed 

  Merchant

2023-2032 nominal 
cash flow from Offshore 
& Onshore assets

Active use of debt 
& hedges to mitigate 
inflation risk

15 %

50 %

35 %

20 %

30 %

50 %

25 %

40 %

35 %

Revenue  
incl. hedges

Other  
EBITDA

EBITDA

Debt

Hedges of  
future debt

EBITDA,
net debt
& hedges

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.4  Inflation and interest rate risks

Maturity analysis

Market value

Expected transfers to income statement

Cash flow hedge accounting
2022 
DKKm

Contractual  
 principal amount

2023-26

2027-32

After 2032

Asset

Liability

Recognised in  
comprehensive 
income

22,295

6,244

9,681

6,370

-

(3,070)

(3,366)

15,678

-

-

15,678

478

(3)

2,727

2023

2024

After 2024

-

49

(202)

(3,164)

189

2,489

2022-26

2027-31

After 2031

2022

2023

After 2023

31,326

4,379

13,328

14,715

11,503

1,326

-

-

6,792

751

2,230

-

2022

Contractual
principal amount

Market
value

Contractual
principal amount

13,031

2,302

11,098

14,175

2021

Market
value

39

-

16

118

713

(1,953)

(872)

(59)

(2,395)

(414)

59

-

633

-

(414)

59

(25)

-

-

-

(2,395)

-

-

(16)

674

We hedge our UK inflation risk related to revenue from ROC and CfD wind farms. 
Furthermore, we hedge the interest and inflation risk related to divestments. In 2020, 
we have hedged the interest on expected USD bond debt issuance (USD interest risk) 
in 2022. The bond issuance occurred in EUR instead, and we have postponed the USD 
issuance to 2023 and 2024. Due to the postponement, we have recongised ineffec-
tiveness of DKK 529 million related to the US interest rate hedges in financial income. 

EBITDA impact

Revenue (UK inflation)

Financial items impact

Interest payments (fixed)

Cash flow hedge accounting
2021 
DKKm

EBITDA impact

Revenue (UK inflation)

Divestments (fixed inflation)

Divestments (fixed interest)

Financial items impact

Interest payments (fixed)

Contracts accounted for at 
fair value through profit or 
loss (financial items) 
DKKm

Interest rate swaps

8,902

1,103

8,833

Interest rate swaps are used to adjust the maturity of our bond portfolio. 

143

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.5  Credit risks

6.5  Credit risks

 Offsetting of financial assets
DKKm

Derivatives

Trade
receivables

2022 Derivatives

Trade
receivables

2021

Financial assets

43,507

121,693

165,200

79,781

43,203

122,984

Financial liabilities, offset

(22,232)

(114,438)

(136,670)

(57,533)

(38,009)

(95,542)

Financial assets in the 
 balance sheet

Amounts not offset in the 
balance sheet:

Liabilities with offsetting rights

Collateral received

Net

 Offsetting of financial 
liabilities
DKKm

21,275

7,255

28,530

22,248

5,194

27,442

(7,094)

(4,515)

9,666

-

-

7,255

(7,094)

(4,515)

16,921

(6,812)

(3,430)

12,006

-

-

5,194

(6,812)

(3,430)

17,200

Derivatives

Trade
payables

2022 Derivatives

Trade
payables

2021

Financial liabilities

60,891

121,661

182,552

101,541

43,816

145,357

Financial assets, offset

(22,232)

(114,438)

(136,670)

(57,533)

(38,009)

(95,542)

38,659

7,223

45,882

44,008

5,807

49,815

(7,094)

(2,744)

28,821

-

-

7,223

(7,094)

(2,744)

36,044

(6,812)

(4,973)

32,223

-

-

5,807

(6,812)

(4,973)

38,030

Financial liabilities in the 
balance sheet

Amounts not offset in the 
balance sheet:

Assets with offsetting rights

Collateral provided

Net

 Credit quality of the  
Group’s counterparties
DKKm

AAA/Aaa

AA/Aa

A/A

BBB/Baa

Other

Total credit exposure

144

We are exposed to credit risks from our 
 trading partners and customers. A large part 
of our counterparty risks concerns major 
 international energy companies and banks. 
Such trading is regulated under standard 
agreements, such as EFET and ISDA agree-
ments, which feature, for instance, credit 
rating and netting provisions. Our credit 
exposure is mainly concentrated on counter-
parties in the EU, the UK,  Switzerland, and 
the US. 

We limit our credit risks by:
–  rating significant counterparties
– 
– 

 granting credit limits
 demanding that collateral be furnished 
or credit security put in place for weak 
counterparties.

The counterparties and credit limits gran-
ted are monitored on an ongoing basis. 
The  monitoring is based on the framework 
 established by our Board of Directors 
and the Group Executive Risk Committee. 

For the most significant counterparties, an 
internal rating is assigned in connection with 
establishing credit limits. The rating is based 
on information from  external credit rating 
agencies, publicly  available information, 
and our own analyses.

We have not suffered losses from any single 
major counterparty in 2022 or 2021.

The credit risks from our financial assets 
prima rily concern derivatives, cash, secu-
rities, and receivables. The assessment 
is based on the individual counterparty’s 
ratings with Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, 
and Fitch. The  figures do not reflect our 
actual credit  exposure, as the positions are 
calculated  before offsetting our debt to 
such counterparties.

2022

23,351

2,568

23,551

15,665

16,649

81,784

↖  The table shows our financial assets and 
liabilities where a share is offset and therefore 
presented net.  Offsetting is typically limited to 
specific products.

← The AAA/Aaa category covers our position 
in Danish AAA-rated government and mortgage 
bonds. The other category primarily consists 
of trade receivables from customers, such as 
end users.

2021

18,215

3,385

12,323

14,551

9,056

57,530

  Accounting policies

We only offset positive and negative values 
if we are entitled to and intend to settle 
several financial instruments net.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.6  Fair value measurement

6.6  Fair value measurement

Fair value hierarchy
DKKm

2022

Quoted prices

Observable input

Non-observable input

Total

2021

Quoted prices

Observable input

Non-observable input

Total

Assets 

Liabilities

Inventories

Derivatives

Securities

Derivatives

3,442

-

-

3,442

2,773

-

-

14,474

10,200

563

25,237

5,574

9,991

1,229

-

25,197

-

25,197

-

21,228

-

2,773

16,794

21,228

12,871

29,438

15,250

57,559

8,799

32,313

8,677

49,789

145

We measure our securities and derivatives 
at fair value. A number of our derivatives, 
mainly power purchase agreements, are 
measured based on unobservable inputs 
due to the long duration of the contracts. 
The most significant non-observable inputs 
are the long-term US power prices (mainly 
ERCOT) and German power prices. 

Valuation principles and key assumptions
In order to minimise the use of subjective 
estimates or modifications of parameters 
and calculation models, it is our policy to 
determine fair values based on the external 
information that most accurately reflects 
the market values. We use pricing services 
and benchmark services to increase the data 
quality. Market values are determined by the 
Risk Management function, which reports 
to the CFO. The development in market 
values is monitored on a continuing basis 
and reported to the Group Executive  Team.

Initial fair value from power 

purchase agreements
The initiation fair value from CPPAs consist 
of the market value of CPPAs purchased 
as part of a business combination or asset 
acquisition. The CPPAs lock the  power price 
of the expected power generation over 
a period of 10-20 years. These contracts 
are accounted for at fair value. Due to the 
long duration of these CPPAs, power prices 
are not observable for a large part of the 
duration. 

The initial negative fair value from CPPAs 
is recognised as revenue in profit or loss in 
the future period to which the market value 
relates. In 2022, we have recognised an 
 income of DKK  228 million (2021: DKK 139 
million) related to the initial fair value from 
CPPAs. The total amount of initial fair 
value as of 31  December 2022 amounts 
to a loss of DKK 1,497 million (2021: loss of 
DKK 834 million), which will be recognised 
as revenue in a future period.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Significant non-observable inputs 
Market values based on non-observable 
input primarily comprise long-term con-
tracts on the purchase or sale of power 
and gas. Since there are no active markets 
for the long-term prices of power and gas, 
the market values have been determined 
through an estimate of the future prices. 

Estimating non-observable power prices
Since our CPPAs are normally settled on 
the actual production, and the power 
 prices available in the market are based 
on a constant production (flat profile), 
we take into account that our expected 
production is not constant, and thus our 
CPPAs will not be settled against a flat 
profile price (intermittency adjustment). 
For the majority of our markets, the flat 
profile power price can be observed for 
a maximum of four to six years in the 
market, after which an active market no 
longer exists.

  Accounting policies

Market values based on quoted prices 
comprise quoted securities and deriva-
tives that are traded in active markets. 
The market value of derivatives traded 
in an active market is often settled on 
a daily basis, thereby minimising the 
market value presented on the balance 
sheet.

Market values based on observable 
inputs comprise derivatives where valu-
ation models with observable inputs are 
used to measure fair value.

All assets and liabilities measured at 
market value are measured on a recur-
ring basis.

In business combinations, gains (losses) 
at initial recognition of derivatives whose 
values are based on non-observable 
inputs are deferred and recognised in the 
period to which the value relates.

Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.6  Fair value measurement

Derivatives valued on the basis of unobservable input
DKKm

Market value at 1 January

Value adjustments through profit or loss

Value adjustments through other comprehensive income

Sales/redemptions

Purchases/issues

Transferred from quoted prices and observable input

Transferred to quoted prices and observable input

2022

(7,448)

(322)

(6,476)

1,190

(497)

(1,773)

639

2021

(82)

(374)

(5,997)

29

(1,043)

(3)

22

Market value at 31 December

(14,687)

(7,448)

Unobservable input per commodity price input
DKKm

US power prices

German power prices

Other power prices

Gas prices

Total

The main unobservable inputs are US power prices and German power prices.

(7,762)

(5,030)

(1,825)

(70)

(14,687)

(3,207)

(2,914)

(1,139)

(188)

(7,448)

Overview of significant 
unobservable inputs and 
sensitivities

Intermittency adjusted power 
price

Germany (2025-2034)

Ireland (2023-2042)

US ERCOT (2023-2030)

US SPP (2023-2030)

US MISO (2023-2023)

Power price (DKK)

Sensitivity (DKKm)

Weight 
average

Monthly
minimum

Monthly
maximum

+25 %

-25 %

800

874

231

208

399

515

604

92

140

297

1,474

1,820

800

421

622

(2,053)

(256)

(3,294)

(542)

(651)

+2,053

+256

+3,334

+583

+677

The table shows the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements categorised  
as level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, together with a sensitivity analysis as at 31 December 2022.  
If intermittency- adjusted power prices in Germany as of 31 December 2022 increased/decreased by 25 %,  
the market value would decrease/increase by DKK 2,053 million.

146

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.7  Energy trading portfolio

6.7  Energy trading portfolio

 Overview of the Group’s energy  
trading portfolio 1
DKKm

Power swaps

Power options

Gas swaps and options

Oil swaps and options

Other

Market trading mandates 2

2022

2021

Contractual 

Contractual 

 principal amount Market value

 principal amount Market value 

4,683

3,060

3,601

498

74

2,988

10,013

1,430

(807)

(6)

4,980

4,724

2,929

434

498

1,618

5,297

(4,093)

(731)

(58)

VaR limit in 2022: 
DKK 100 million

Stress limit in 2022: 
DKK 400 million

Maximum open positions in 
trading portfolio

VaR indicates the largest loss in 
one trading day at a probability 
of 95 %. VaR is based on data for 
the past 45 trading days, with the 
heaviest weighting being assigned 
to the most recent trading days.

Stress indicates the largest daily 
loss we risk sustaining with the 
given portfolio. Stress is based on 
data from 1 January 2006 to the 
present day.

– Max. 6 TWh of power
– Max. 9.5 TWh of gas
– Max. 1 million boe of oil
–  Max. 1.5 million tonnes of carbon 

emissions

–  Max. 0.5 million tonnes of coal 

and biomass

1  The contractual principal amount has been determined as the net position per derivative type. The risks 
associated with our options are smaller than for our swaps. The market value mostly consists of received 
exposure from our assets with settlement at maturity, whereas part of the external trade is settled on a daily 
basis.

2  Trading activities are carried out under mandates approved by the Board of Directors. The mandates 
comprise a value-at-risk (VaR) mandate and a stress mandate as well as a limit for the maximum positions 
measured in energy units per product (power, gas, etc.). 

3  The graph shows the daily VaR position for the period 2021-2022. VaR reached DKK 280 million on 
9 March 2022, causing a passive breach of the Board of Directors’ mandate of DKK 100 million due to the 
Russian invasion of Ukraine and the large reduction in gas supplies to Europe, causing the European energy 
prices to spike. In 2022, there were further passive breaches in August due to Russian gas supply cuts and in 
September-November due to a halt of gas through the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines after the explosions 
in September.

147

Trading portfolio
The purpose of our trading portfolio is to: 
– 
– 
– 

 optimise hedging contracts
  contribute to increased market insight
 profit from short-term fluctuations in 
energy prices.

The trading portfolio primarily consists of 
positions in power and gas.

The trading portfolio constitutes a smaller 
part of our total portfolio of derivatives, 
and the associated risk is limited.

The energy trading portfolio receives the 
exposure from our assets and takes that 
exposure into the external market in the 
most efficient way possible, given the man-
dates shown to the left. The overview of the 
Group’s energy trading portfolio to the left 
is the net of the internal exposures received 
from the assets and the external trades in 
line with internal risk management.

  Accounting policies

Market value adjustments of physical and 
financial contracts relating to energy that 
are entered into with the purpose of gener-
ating gains from  short-term price changes 
are recognised as revenue.

Daily position in the trading portfolio, market trading mandates 3
DKKm

   Board of Directors’ mandate 

  Value at risk (VaR)

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2021

2022

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial instruments are used for various 
 purposes. The purpose determines the 
 category, and whether the value adjust-
ment of the instrument should be recog-
nised in the profit (loss) for the year or as 
part of the hedging reserve in equity. 

The fair value of financial instruments 
measured at amortised cost is identical 
to the  carrying amount with the excep-
tion of bank loans and issued bonds 
where the  market value is stated in note 
5.1 ‘ Interest-bearing debt’.

Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.8  Categories of  financial instruments

6.8  Categories of  financial instruments

Categories of financial instruments
DKKm

Energy and currency derivatives

Securities

Financial assets measured at fair value via the income statement

Energy derivatives 

Interest and inflation derivatives

Currency derivatives

Derivatives (assets) used as hedging instruments

Trade receivables

Other accounts receivable

Financial assets measured at amortised cost

Energy and currency derivatives

Financial liabilities measured at fair value via the income statement

Energy derivatives

Interest and inflation derivatives

Currency derivatives

Derivatives (liabilities) used as hedging instruments

Bank loans and issued bonds

Trade payables

Other accounts payable

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

The table shows our financial instruments divided into categories. 
The categories indicate how the financial instruments are recognised  
in the financial statement.

2022

16,389

25,197

41,586

6,709

1,661

478

8,848

12,701

28,108

40,809

11,165

11,165

41,237

2,083

3,073

46,393

63,281

20,641

11,310

95,232

2021

967

21,228

22,195

14,314

847

666

15,827

9,565

24,111

33,676

8,303

8,303

35,174

2,884

3,428

41,486

50,995

20,231

7,368

78,594

148

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  6.9  Sensitivity analysis of financial instruments

6.9  Sensitivity analysis of financial instruments

 Sensitivity analysis of 
financial instruments 
DKKm 

31 December 2022

31 December 2021

Price  
change

Effect on profit  
(loss) before tax

Effect on equity  
before tax

Effect on profit  
(loss) before tax

Effect on equity  
before tax

25 %

-25 %

25 % 

-25 % 

25 % 

-25 %

10 %

-10 %

10 %

-10 %

10 %

-10 %

1 %

-1 %

(533)

608

(764)

764

(1,791)

1,794

(947)

947

(2,430)

2,430

(743)

743

(899)

899

(332)

-

277

(6)

177

(177)

(14,382)

14,402

(853)

853

(4,727)

4,727

-

-

(125)

125

1,224

(2,162)

(608)

608

(731)

731

(549)

554

(451)

445

(3,041)

3,041

(134)

134

67

(66)

(234)

-

32

(32)

(375)

375

(12,152)

12,278

(440)

440

(6,421)

6,421

-

-

67

(67)

1,737

(4,419)

Risk

Oil

Gas

Power

USD

GBP

NTD

EUR

Interest

Inflation

1 % point

1 % point

149

The sensitivity analysis in the table shows 
the effect of market value changes, assum-
ing a relative price change at 31 December 
2022. 

The effect on profit (loss) before tax com-
prises  financial instruments that remained 
open at the balance sheet date, and which 
have an  effect on profit (loss) in the current 
 financial year. 

Effect on equity before tax comprises finan-
cial instruments that remained open at the 
 balance sheet date, and which are value- 
adjusted directly in equity. 

The illustrated sensitivities only comprise 
the impacts from our financial instruments. 

If the hedged exposure had been included 
in the sensitivity analysis, the effect of a 
price change would have been reduced or 
offset entirely.

Net investments and associated hedging of 
net investments in foreign subsidiaries are 
not included in the table, as the effects of 
the sum of the investments and the hedging 
are  considered to be neutral to changes 
in currencies. 

Financial instruments include derivatives as 
well as receivables and payables in foreign 
currencies.

A 10 % increase in the currencies hedged 
in connection with net investments would 
 reduce equity by DKK 6,257 million 
(2021: DKK 5,131 million).

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  7.   Other notes

7.   Other notes

7.1   Related-party transactions

Joint ventures
DKKm

Dividends received

Capital transactions, net

Receivables

Payables

Associates
DKKm

Capital transactions, net

Sale of goods and services

Purchase of goods and services

Receivables

Payables

Board of Directors
DKKm

2022

2021

70

(92)

-

-

(37)

14

(180)

-

(44)

59

(43)

20

-

(22)

6

(136)

1

(17)

Purchase of goods and services

-

(8)

Related parties that have control over the Group 
comprise the Danish state, represented by the Danish 
Ministry of Finance.

Other related parties are the Group’s associates and 
joint ventures, members of the Board of Directors and 
the Executive Board, and other senior executives. 

See note 7.4 ‘Company overview’ for an overview of 
our joint ventures and associates.

Related-party transactions are made on arm’s length 
terms. Intra-group transactions have been eliminated 
in the consolidated financial statements. 

The remuneration and share programmes for the 
Group Executive Team and the Board of Directors are 
described in notes 2.7 ‘ Employee costs’ and 2.8 ‘Share-
based payment’.

Through a directly owned company, Peter Korsholm, 
board member, has had  ordin ary transactions with 
Danish Oil Pipe A/S, a wholly-owned subsidiary in the 
Ørsted Group.

We use the exemption set out in IAS 24.25 concerning 
entities in which the Danish state is a related party, 
and therefore transactions with  government-related 
companies are not disclosed. 

There were no other related-party trans actions during 
the period.

150

   Ørsted annual report 20222022

2021

25

4

3

3

35

37 %

69 %

22

2

7

4

35

41 %

58 %

PwC is Ørsted’s auditor appointed by the 
annual general meeting. PwC audits the 
consolidated financial statements of Ørsted 
and our subsidiaries’ statutory financial 
statements in all the countries where we 
are represented. 

Tax and VAT advice primarily included 
advice in connection with tax due diligence, 
transfer pricing advice, and advice in con-
nection with the preparation and review of 
tax returns.

It is our policy that the annual fee for non- 
audit services provided by our statutory 
auditor cannot exceed the annual fee for 
statutory audit services measured at Group 
level. The cap may be exceeded subject to 
approval by the Audit & Risk Committee.

Other assurance engagements primarily 
included reviews of ESG data, assurance ser-
vices related to the issuance of bonds, and 
reviews of regulatory financial statements.

Other services included other consultancy 
services, primarily related to vendor due 
diligence and leadership support. 

Fees for services other than  statutory 
audit supplied by PwC Denmark to Ørsted 
amounted to DKK 7 million (2021: DKK 4 
million) and consisted of assurance  services 
related to the issuance of bonds, due 
diligence, review of ESG data, and other 
general accounting, tax, and transfer 
pricing advice.

Financial statements

Notes 

|  7.2   Auditor’s fees

7.2   Auditor’s fees

Auditor’s fees
DKKm

Audit and audit-related fees

Statutory audit

Other assurance engagements

Non-audit services

Tax and VAT advice

Other services

Total fees to PwC

Fee for non-audit services in percent of statutory audit fee

PwC Denmark non-audit service ratio 

Effective from 1 January 2020, the non-audit services provided by the Group  
auditor in Denmark cannot exceed 70 %.

151

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  7.3   Alternative performance measures

7.3   Alternative performance measures

Gross investments

Gross investments reflect our total investments in assets and enterprises. 
It comprises cash flows from investing activities, excluding dividends 
received from associates, joint ventures, and equity investments, purchase 
and sale of securities, loans to joint ventures and joint operations, and 
divestments of assets and enterprises. To this is added acquired debt and 
restricted cash in connection with acquisitions.

Return on capital employed 
(ROCE)

Proposed dividend per share  
(DPS)

EBIT

Average capital employed

Total proposed dividend

Number of shares at year-end

Net investments

Net investments are gross investments less divestments of assets and 
enterprises, the selling price for non-controlling interests, and subsequent 
capital injections from non-controlling interests. Furthermore, interest-
bearing debt transferred in connection with a divestment is deducted.

Dividend yield

Dividend per share (proposed)

Share price on the last trading day of the year

Average number of shares

1

×

Number of days

= 

  X1

Funds from operations (FFO)

Funds from operations is a supplementary statement for cash flows 
from operating activities. EBITDA adjusted for gain (loss) on divestment 
of assets; change in provisions and other adjustments; income tax paid; 
interest and similar items, received or paid, including capitalised interest 
expenses; 50 % of coupon payments on hybrid capital; dividends received 
and capital reductions. 

Number of 

days

∑

i=1

Net working capital

Net working capital is inventories, contract assets (net), trade receivables, 
and other current operating assets less trade payables, other current 
operating liabilities, and working capital elements of tax equity balances.

Adjusted interest-bearing 
net debt

Adjusted interest-bearing net debt is interest-bearing net debt plus: 
– cash and securities not available for distribution (excluding repo loans)
– 50 % of hybrid capital

Net working capital, excluding 
trade payables relating to 
capital expenditure

Net working capital, excluding trade payables relating to purchases of 
intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment.

FFO to adjusted interest-
bearing net debt

FFO

Adjusted interest-bearing net debt

Other definitions

Free cash flow  
(FCF)

Free cash flows are cash flows from operating activities and divestments 
less gross investments.

Capital employed

Capital employed are all assets and liabilities, except for equity and 
interest-bearing net debt.

Average capital employed

Capital employed at beginning of year + capital employed at year-end

2

Profit (loss) per share

Shareholder’s share of the profit (loss) for the period

Average number of shares

Diluted profit (loss) per share

Shareholder’s share of the profit (loss) for the period

Average number of shares, including dilutive effect of free shares

152

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  7.4   Company overview

7.4   Company overview

Segment/company

Parent Company

Ørsted A/S

Offshore

Anholt Havvindmøllepark I/S 3

Borkum Riffgrund 2 Offshore Wind Farm GmbH & Co. oHG

Country

Denmark

Denmark

Germany

Borssele Windfarm C.V.

The Netherlands

Gode Wind 1 Offshore Wind Farm GmbH & Co. oHG

Gode Wind 2 Offshore Wind Farm P/S GmbH

Greater Changhua Offshore Wind Farm SE Ltd2

Greater Changhua Offshore Wind Farm SW Ltd2

Hornsea 1 Limited 2

North East Offshore, LLC

Ocean Wind LLC 2

Orsted Borssele Holding B.V.

Orsted Hornsea 1 Holdings Limited

Orsted Hornsea Project Three (UK) Ltd

Orsted Hornsea Two Holdings Ltd

Orsted London Array II Limited

Orsted North America Inc

Orsted Power (UK) Ltd

Orsted Race Bank (Holding) Ltd

Orsted Taiwan Ltd

Orsted Walney Extension Holdings Limited

Orsted West of Duddon Sands (UK) Ltd

Revolution Wind, LLC

Soundmark Wind Limited

Walney (UK) Offshore Windfarms Limited

West Of Duddon Sands

Ørsted Horns Rev 2 A/S

Ørsted Vind A/S

Ørsted Wind Power A/S 4

Ørsted Wind Power Holding A/S

153

Germany

Germany

Taiwan

Taiwan

The UK

The US

The US

The Netherlands

The UK

The UK

The UK

The UK

The US

The UK

The UK

Taiwan

The UK

The UK

The US

The UK

The UK

The UK

Denmark

Denmark

Denmark

Denmark

Type 1

Ownership 
interest

JO

JO

JO

JO

JO

JO

S

JO

JO

NC

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

JO

S

S

S

S

50 %

50 %

50 %

50 %

50 %

50 %

100 %

50 %

50 %

75 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

50 %

50 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

Segment/company

Onshore

2W Permian Solar, LLC

Haystack Wind Project, LLC

Helena Wind, LLC

Lincoln Land, LLC

Old 300 Solar Center, LLC

Orsted Onshore Ireland Green Energy Limited

Western Trail Wind, LLC

Ørsted Onshore Holding A/S 

Bioenergy & Other

Orsted AB 

Orsted Power Sales (UK) Limited

Orsted Sales (UK) Limited

Ørsted Bioenergy & Thermal Power A/S 4

Ørsted Salg & Service A/S 4

Shared functions

Ørsted North America Holding A/S

Ørsted Wind Power TW Holding A/S

Country

The US

The US

The US

The US

The US

Ireland

The US

Denmark

Sweden

The UK

The UK

Denmark

Denmark

Denmark

Denmark

Type 1

Ownership 
interest

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

1  S = subsidiary, A = associate, JO = joint operation, JV = joint venture, NC = non-consolidated entity

2  The company is owned through a  company which is not owned 100 % by Ørsted. The disclosed ownership 
interest is Ørsted’s ultimate ownership interest in the company.

3  The company applies the provision in section 5 or section 6 of the Danish Financial Statements Act to omit 
presenting a separate annual report.

4  Subsidiaries owned directly by Ørsted A/S.

5  One or more tax equity partners own an insignificant share of the company.  
See note 3.8 ‘Tax equity liabilities’. The company is fully  consolidated.

Companies without significant activities are not included in the list. 
A full comprehensive list of companies is available at: https://orsted.com/company-overview

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Notes 

|  7.5   Events after the reporting period

7.5   Events after the reporting period

In January 2023, Ørsted signed an agreement 
to acquire Public Service Enterprise Group’s 
(PSEG) 25 % equity stake in the 1,100 MW 
offshore wind energy project Ocean Wind 1. 
The acquisition provides Ørsted with 100 % 
ownership of Ocean Wind 1. The transaction 
between Ørsted and PSEG is expected to 
close in the first half of 2023, pending the 
required closing conditions.

154

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated ESG statements  
(additional information)

156  Basis of reporting
157  ESG performance indicators
160  Accounting policies

155

This year, we made a first-of-its-kind agreement 
with North America’s Building Trades Unions 
to construct our US offshore wind farms with a 
union workforce based in the US.

The agreement sets a high bar for working 
conditions, injects millions of dollars into the 
economy, creates training and job opportunities 
for those most impacted by environmental 
injustice, and ensures our projects will be built by 
the safest and best-trained workers in the US.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated ESG statements (additional information) 

|  Basis of reporting

Basis of reporting

In the consolidated ESG statements, we present our results, 
objectives, and accounting policies for the ESG data, including 
business drivers and taxonomy-aligned data, which is 
presented in the management’s review in this report.

Consolidated environmental, social, and  

 governance (ESG) statements
Our full ESG data set can be seen in the 
independent publication ‘ESG performance 
report 2022’. The ESG performance report 
also includes additional information, such 
as selected ESG indicators by country and 
all ESG accounting policies, including a list 
of  references for conversion factors used 
in calculations.

Scope and consolidation
Unless otherwise stated, ESG data is reported 
on the basis of the same principles as the 
financial statements. Thus, the  consolidated 
ESG statements include consolidated data 
from the parent company Ørsted A/S and 
subsidiaries controlled by Ørsted A/S. Joint 
operations are also included with Ørsted’s 
proportionate share. Data from associates 
and joint ventures is not included.

The consolidation of safety data deviates 
from the above-described principles. Safety 
data is collected using an operational scope. 
This means that irrespective of our owner-
ship share, we include 100 % of injuries and 
hours worked, etc., arising from all opera-
tions where Ørsted is responsible for safety,

156

Taxonomy Regulation (EU) 2020/852 
In line with Regulation (EU) 2020/852, we 
disclose our taxonomy-aligned share of 
revenue (turnover), CAPEX, and OPEX for 
2022. The results and full details, including 
accounting policies, can be found in the  
ESG performance report 2022 (orsted.com/ 
ESGperformance2022), and highlights are 
presented as part of the sustainability pro-
grammes in the sustainability report 2022. 

Business changes in 2022 affecting ESG data
There were no material business changes 
impacting the ESG data in 2022. 

New ESG indicators in 2022 consolidated 

ESG statements
– 

  Taxonomy-aligned revenue, CAPEX, 
OPEX, and EBITDA.
 Gender with lowest representation 
(female): senior directors and above 
and people leaders.

including safety related to external suppli-
ers. Data from acquisitions and divestments 
is  included or excluded from the date of 
acquisition or divestment.

Danish Financial Statements Act, 

sections 99 a, 99 b, and 107 d
Pursuant to section 99 a of the Danish Finan-
cial Statements Act (Årsregnskabsloven), 
Ørsted is under an obligation to account for 
the company’s sustainability activities and 
report on business strategies and activities 
with regard to human rights, labour rights, 
anti-corruption, the environment, and the 
climate. By publishing our sustainability re-
port (orsted.com/sustainability2022), Ørsted 
complies with section 99 a of the Danish 
Financial Statements Act. 

Ørsted’s work for increased gender  
diver sity at leadership level is reported  
in accordance with section 99 b of the 
 Danish Financial Statements Act in our 
ESG performance  report 2022  
(orsted.com/ESGperformance2022).

– 

Reporting on diversity in accordance with 
section 107 d of the Danish Financial State-
ments Act can be seen in our sustainability 
report (orsted.com/sustainability2022).

15.1 GW
Our installed renewable capacity 
increased by 17 % from 2021 to 
2022. We have a target of ~50 GW 
installed renewable capacity in 2030.

91 %
The green share of our heat and power 
generation increased to 91 % in 2022. 
We have a target of 99 % in 2025.

60 g CO2e/kWh

Our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas 
intensity was 60 g CO2e/kWh in 2022. 
Our targets are to reach 10 g CO2e/kWh 
in 2025 and 1 g CO2e/kWh in 2040.

73 %
In 2022, 73 % of Ørsted’s 
revenue was associated with 
taxonomy-aligned activities.

Our full ESG data set can be seen  
in the ESG performance report 2022 
(orsted.com/ESGperformance2022)

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated ESG statements (additional information) 

|  ESG performance indicators

ESG performance indicators

Taxonomy-aligned KPIs

Taxonomy-aligned revenue (turnover)

Taxonomy-aligned CAPEX

Taxonomy-aligned OPEX

Taxonomy-aligned EBITDA (voluntary)

Business drivers

Installed renewable capacity

Offshore 

Onshore 

Other (incl. PtX)

Decided (FID’ed) renewable capacity

Offshore

Onshore

Other (incl. PtX)

Awarded and contracted renewable capacity

Offshore

Onshore

Sum of installed and FID’ed renewable capacity

Offshore

Onshore

Other (incl. PtX)

Firm renewable capacity (installed, FID’ed,  
and awarded/contracted capacity)

Total heat and power generation

Power generation

–  Offshore

–  Onshore 

–  Bioenergy & Other

Heat generation, Bioenergy & Other

157

Unit

%

%

%

%

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

GWh

GWh

GWh

GWh

GWh

GWh

2022

2021

73

99

80

85

66 1

99 1

80 1

90 1

Target

2022

2021

~50 GW (2030)

15,121

12,977

~30 GW (2030)

~17.5 GW (2030) 2

~2.5 GW (2030)

8,871

4,175

2,075

4,340

2,196

2,072

72

11,222

11,157

65

19,461

11,067

6,247

2,147

30,683

42,009

35,641

16,483

13,146

6,012

6,368

7,551

3,351

2,075

4,725

3,386

1,337

2

8,435

8,435

-

17,702

10,937

4,688

2,077

26,137

36,957

29,050

13,808

8,352

6,890

7,907

Taxonomy-aligned KPIs 
Our share of revenue (turnover) associated with 
taxonomy-aligned activities in 2022 was 73 %. 
This proportion included revenue from our wind 
and solar farms (65 %) and from our sustainable 
biomass-based generation activities at our 
combined heat and power (CHP) plants (8 %).

Business drivers 
The installed renewable capacity increased 
by 17 % in 2022 due to the commissioning of 
Hornsea 2 (offshore wind, 1,320 MW), Haystack 
(onshore wind, 298 MW), Helena Wind (onshore 
wind, 268 MW), Kennoxhead (onshore wind, 
62 MW), Ford Ridge (onshore wind, 121 MW) and 
the acquistion of Ostwind (75 MW). 
  The total energy generation increased by 14 % 
in 2022, driven by increased offshore and onshore 
generation capacities and higher offshore wind 
speeds. 
  Offshore wind power generation increased by 
19 % to 16.5 TWh in 2022. The increase was mainly 
due to generation from Hornsea 2 commissioned in 
2022 and higher wind speeds. 
  Onshore power generation increased by 
57 % to 13.1 TWh in 2022. The increase was due to 
additional generation from our new onshore wind 
farms installed in 2022 and full-year effects from 
wind farms installed in 2021. It was also due to the 
full-year effect from the two US solar farms com-
missioned in 2021 and a new solar farm coming 
online in 2022.
  Heat and power generation in Bioenergy & 
Other decreased by 16 % in 2022. This was due to 
lower heat demand in 2022 as a result of warmer 
weather and a decrease in power generation from 
the CHP plants due to the lower heat demand, 
partly offset by increased condensing power 
generation due to higher power spot prices. 

1  2021 numbers are taxonomy-eligible 
proportions.

2  The 17.5 GW (2030) target is for onshore wind 
power, solar PV, and battery storage combined.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated ESG statements (additional information) 

|  ESG performance indicators

Business drivers (continued)

Green share of energy generation

–  Bioenergy & Other

Offshore

Generation capacity

Wind speed

Wind speed, normal wind year

Availability

Load factor

Power sales

Onshore 1

Wind speed

Wind speed, normal wind year

Availability, wind

Load factor, wind

Availability, solar PV

Load factor, solar PV

Bioenergy & Other

Degree days, Denmark

Gas sales

Power sales

Ørsted

Power sales 2

Environment

Unit

%

%

MW

m/s

m/s

%

%

GWh

m/s

m/s

%

%

%

%

Number

GWh

GWh

GWh

Direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (scope 1)

Thousand tonnes CO2e

Indirect GHG emissions (scope 2), location-based

Indirect GHG emissions (scope 2), market-based

Indirect GHG emissions (scope 3)

–  Category 2: Capital goods 4

–  Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related activities 5

–  Category 11: Use of sold products 6

–  Other

GHG intensity (scope 1 and 2)

GHG intensity (scope 1, 2, and 3)

Thousand tonnes CO2e

Thousand tonnes CO2e

Thousand tonnes CO2e

Thousand tonnes CO2e

Thousand tonnes CO2e

Thousand tonnes CO2e

Thousand tonnes CO2e

g CO2e/kWh

g CO2e/kWh

158

Target

2022

2021

99 (2025)

91

68

90

76

4,672

3,970

9.5

9.7

94

42

9.1

9.7

94

39

33,745

25,020

7.4

7.3

93

40

98

25

7.4

7.6

96

42

96

24

2,548

31,637

5,399

2,820

61,349

8,797

33,745

25,020

Target

2022

2,510

45

1

50 % reduction (2032) 3

10,983

90 % reduction (2040) 3

10 (2025) , 1 (2040)

2.9 (2040) 7

1,456

1,836

7,309

382

60

147

2021

2,142

53

1

18,179

1,621

2,011

14,206

341

58

165

Business drivers (continued)
The green share of energy generation increased to 
91 % in 2022. This was primarily due to increased 
renewable generation from offshore wind, onshore 
wind, and solar PV, partly offset by reduced 
generation from sustainable biomass. Our target is 
99 % green energy generation by 2025. 
  Offshore wind speeds were slightly higher in 
2022, while availability continued to be at 94 %, 
resulting in the load factor increasing by 3 percent-
age points to 42 % in 2022. Onshore wind speeds 
were the same in 2022 as in 2021. Availability and 
load factor decreased by 3 percentage points and 
2 percentage points in 2022, respectively. 
  Gas sales decreased by 48 % to 31.6 TWh in 
2022. This was primarily due to lower UK sourcing 
volumes and lower offtake on our Gazprom Export 
supply contract.
  Power sales (Offshore) increased by 8.7 TWh 
to 33.7 TWh in 2022, primarily due to increased 
volumes sold from third-party wind farms where 
we are responsible for balancing and increased 
volumes sold on behalf of our partners. Power 
sales (Bioenergy & Other) decreased by 3.4 TWh 
to 5.4 TWh in 2022, primarily due to the phasing 
out of our UK B2B business. 

Environment
Our greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity (scope 1 and 
2) increased by 3 % to 60 g CO2e/kWh in 2022 due 
to increased GHG emissions from coal consumption, 
partly offset by increased energy generation. Coal 
consumption increased due to the energy crisis in 
Europe and a fire in a wood pellet silo at Studstrup 
Power Station. We are well on track to meeting our 
target of a GHG emission intensity of no more than 
10 g CO2e/kWh in 2025, assuming we are allowed 
by the Danish authorities to close down our coal-
based generation in 2024.
  Our scope 3 GHG emissions were reduced by 
40 % from 2021 to 2022. The main driver for this 
was the 48 % decrease in gas sales.

1  For 2021, data is shown for US only.
2  Offshore is responsible for Ørsted’s total power 
sales, including internal power sales to Bioenergy & 
Other, which are eliminated at Group level.
3  A reduction from the adjusted base year 2018. 
4  Primary source of emissions: upstream GHG 
emissions from new assets commissioned.
5  Primary source of emissions: regular power sales.
6  Primary source of emissions: natural gas sales.
7  Excludes scope 3 emissions from use of sold 
products (natural gas sales).

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Consolidated ESG statements (additional information) 

|  ESG performance indicators

Social

Employees

Total number of employees (as of 31 December)

–   Gender with lowest representation (female), senior directors  

and above

–  Gender with lowest representation (female), people leaders

–  Gender with lowest representation (female), all employees

Average number of employees during the year

Employee satisfaction

Safety

Unit

FTEs

%

%

%

FTEs

Index 0-100

Total recordable injury rate (TRIR)

Injuries per million hours worked

2.5 (2025)

Fatalities

Governance

Board of Directors, Ørsted A/S

Independent board members

Members, female

Members, male

Gender with lowest representation (female)

Group Executive Team

Members, female

Members, male

Gender with lowest representation (female)

Substantiated whistle-blower cases

–  Cases transferred to the police

Number

%

Number

Number

%

Number

Number

%

Number

Number

159

Target

2022

2021

8,027

6,836

40 (2030)

40 (2030)

40 (2030)

Top 10 % 1

22

31

33

7,428

76

3.1

0

19

30

31

6,508

77

3.0

0

2022

2021

88

3

5

38

3

8

27

8

1

88

3

5

38

2

4

33

5

0

Social
The number of employees increased by 17 % from 
2021 to 2022 due to growth in both existing and 
new markets.
  Employee satisfaction continued to be high. 
With a satisfaction and motivation score of 76 in 
2022, we were above our external survey provider’s 
benchmark but below our target of being in the 
top 10 % compared to our benchmark peer group.
  Our total recordable injury rate (TRIR) increased 
from 3.0 in 2021 to 3.1 in 2022. The increase was 
driven by an increased amount of TRIs among con-
tractor employees, partly offset by a reduction in 
TRIs from our own employees. Total hours worked 
was at the same level in 2022 as in 2021. As part 
of our efforts to improve safety, dedicated TRIR 
reduction plans have been implemented in 2022, 
including increased leadership involvement and 
leadership interventions, safety stand-downs, and 
targeted safety campaigns on specific issues.

Governance 
Our employees and other associates may report 
serious offences, such as cases of bribery, fraud, 
and other inappropriate or illegal conduct, to our 
whistle-blower scheme or through our manage-
ment system. 

In 2022, eight substantiated cases of inappropri-

ate or unlawful behaviour were reported through 
our whistle-blower scheme. Six cases related to 
violations of our ‘Good business conduct policy’, 
while one case concerned IT security, and one 
case concerned workplace environment. None of 
the reported cases were critical to our business, 
nor caused adjustments to our financial results. 
One case required a police report.

1  Our target is to have an employee satisfaction 
survey result in the top ten percentile compared to 
an external benchmark group.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Financial statements

Consolidated ESG statements (additional information) 

|  Accounting policies

  Accounting policies

Taxonomy-aligned KPIs
Taxonomy-aligned revenue (turnover)
The share of our taxonomy-aligned  revenue (turnover) 
is calculated as the revenue derived from products or 
services associated with taxonomy-aligned economic 
activities as a proportion of our total revenue (see p. 85). 

Taxonomy-aligned CAPEX
The share of our taxonomy-aligned CAPEX is calcu-
lated as the CAPEX related to assets or processes 
associated with taxonomy- aligned economic activities 
as a proportion of our CAPEX that is accounted for 
based on IAS 16 (73: (e)(i) and (iii)), IAS 38 (118: (e)(i)), and 
IFRS 16 (53: (h)) and thereby included in ‘Additions’ and 
‘Addition on acquisition of enterprises’ (see p. 97). 

Carbon emission allowances have been excluded from 
the total CAPEX (DKKm) as these are of an operational 
nature. Goodwill has also been excluded. 

Taxonomy-aligned OPEX
The share of our taxonomy-aligned OPEX is calculated 
as the OPEX related to assets or processes associated 
with taxonomy-aligned economic activities as a pro-
portion of our OPEX that is included in ‘Other external 
expenses’ (see p. 71). 

We have chosen to use ‘Other external expenses’ as 
this is currently the best-available OPEX number in our 
Group financial accounts that is related to the OPEX 
KPI definition in the regulation.

Taxonomy-aligned EBITDA (voluntary)
This is a voluntary disclosure. The share of our 
taxonomy -aligned EBITDA is calculated as the EBITDA 
derived from products or services associated with 
taxonomy-aligned economic activities as a proportion 
of our total EBITDA (see p. 71).

We have included taxonomy-aligned EBITDA as a 
voluntary disclosure as EBITDA better reflects our busi-
ness than revenue. This is because we have an uneven 
margin on our revenue, where our gas business and sale 
of power to end customers have a large revenue but a 
small earnings margin, whilst other areas have a higher 
margin.

160

Business drivers
Installed renewable capacity
The installed renewable capacity is calculated as re-
newable gross capacity installed by Ørsted accumulat-
ed over time. We include all capacities after commer-
cial operation date (COD) has been reached, and where 
we had an ownership share and an EPC (engineering, 
procurement, and construction) role in the project. 
Capacities from acquisitions are added to the installed 
capacity. For installed renewable thermal capacity, we 
use the heat capacity as heat is the primary outcome 
of thermal energy generation, and as bioconversions 
of the combined heat and power plants are driven by 
heat contracts.

Decided (FID’ed) renewable capacity
Decided (FID’ed) capacity is renewable capacity where 
a final investment decision (FID) has been made. 

Awarded and contracted renewable capacity
The awarded renewable capacity is based on the 
capacities which have been awarded to Ørsted in 
auctions and tenders. The contracted capacity is the 
capacity for which Ørsted has signed a contract or 
power purchase agreement (PPA) concerning a new 
renewable energy plant. We include the full capacity if 
more than 50 % of PPAs or offtake are secured. Acquired 
projects with pre-FID capacity are also included in the 
awarded and contracted renewable capacity.

Power generation capacity
Power generation capacity for an offshore wind farm 
is calculated and included from the time when the 
individual wind turbine has passed a 240-hour test. 

The offshore wind farms Gunfleet Sands 1 & 2 and 
Walney 1 & 2 have been consolidated according to 
ownership interest. Other wind farms have been finan-
cially consolidated.

Wind speeds
Wind speeds for the areas where Ørsted’s offshore and 
onshore wind farms are located are provided to Ørsted 
by an external supplier. Wind speeds are weighted on 
the basis of the capacity of the individual wind farms 
and consolidated to an Ørsted total for offshore and 
onshore, respectively. ‘Normal wind speed’ is a his-
torical wind speed average (over a minimum 20-year 
period).

Availability 
Availability is calculated as the ratio of actual produc-
tion to the possible production, which is the sum of lost 
production and actual production in a given period. 
The production-based availability (PBA) is impacted 
by grid and wind turbine outages, which are technical 
production losses. PBA is not impacted by market-
requested shutdowns and wind farm curtailments as 
these are due to external factors.

Heat and power generation
Power generation from wind and solar farms is de-
termined as generation sold. The offshore wind farms 
Gunfleet Sands 1 & 2 and Walney 1 & 2 have been 
consolidated according to ownership interest. Other 
wind farms, solar farms, and CHP plants have been 
financially consolidated.

Thermal power generation is determined as net 
generation sold, based on settlements from the official 
Danish production database. Data for generation from 
foreign facilities is provided by the operators.

Heat (including steam) generation is  measured as 
net output sold to heat customers.

Load factor
The load factor is calculated as the ratio between 
actual generation over a period relative to potential 
generation, which is possible by continuously exploit- 
ing the maximum capacity over the same period. The 
load factor is commercially adjusted. This means that 
the offshore wind farm has been financially compen-
sated by the transmission system operators when 
it is available for generation, but the output cannot 
be supplied to the grid due to maintenance or grid 
interruptions. New offshore wind turbines are included 
in the calculations of availability and load factor once 
they have passed a 240-hour test. Onshore wind tur-
bines are included once they have passed commercial 
operation date (COD).

Degree days
The number of degree days expresses the difference 
between an average indoor temperature of 17 °C and 
the outside mean temperature for a given period. It 
helps compare the heat demand for a given year with 
a normal year. 

Sales
Sales of gas and power are calculated as physical 
sales to retail customers, wholesale customers, and 
exchanges. Sales are based on readings from Ørsted’s 
trading systems. Internal sales to our CHP plants are 
not included in the statement.

Environment
Green share of energy generation
The green (renewable energy) share of our heat and 
power generation is calculated on the basis of the 
energy sources used and the energy generated at the 
different assets.

For combined heat and power (CHP) plants, the share 
of the specific fuel (e.g. sustainable biomass) is calcu-
lated relative to the total fuel consumption for a given 
plant or unit within a given time period. The specific 
fuel share is then multiplied by the total heat and 
power generation for the specific plant or unit in the 
specific period. The result is the fuel-based generation 
for the individual unit, for example the sustainable 
biomass-based generation of heat and power from the 
CHP plant unit within a given time period.

The percentage shares of the individual energy sources 
are calculated by dividing the generation from the 
individual energy source by the total generation.

The following energy sources and fuels are considered 
to be renewable energy: wind, solar PV, sustainable 
biomass, biogas, and power sourced with renewable 
energy certificates. The following energy sources are 
considered to be fossil energy sources: coal, natural 
gas, and oil.

Green share of energy generation, Bioenergy & Other
This is calculated as the green share of heat and power 
generation, but is only shown for the business unit 
Bioenergy & Other.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Substantiated whistle-blower cases
Ørsted’s whistle-blower hotline is available for internal 
and external reporting of suspected cases of inappro-
priate or illegal behaviour. Whistle-blower cases are 
received and handled by the Internal Audit function, 
which also receives similar reports through the man-
agement system and from compliance officers. All 
reports are managed in accordance with the guidelines 
for the handling of whistle-blower reports approved 
by the Audit & Risk Committee, which is ultimately 
responsible for the whistle-blower scheme. Only cases 
which are closed during the financial year, and which 
have been reported to the Audit & Risk Committee as 
fully or partially substantiated, are reported.

Cases transferred to the police
Cases transferred to the police are defined as the num-
ber of substantiated whistle-blower cases which have 
been transferred to the police.

Financial statements

Consolidated ESG statements (additional information) 

|  Accounting policies

Greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity
GHG intensity (scope 1 and 2) is calculated as total 
scope 1 and scope 2 (market-based) emissions divided 
by total heat and power generation, revenue, and 
EBITDA, respectively. 

GHG emissions from capital goods include  upstream 
GHG emissions from acquired and installed wind and 
solar farms in the month when the wind or solar farm 
has reached commercial operation date (COD). Carbon 
emissions are included from cradle to operations. 

GHG intensity (scope 1, 2, and 3) is calculated as total 
scope 1, scope 2 (market-based), and scope 3 (exclud-
ing natural gas sales) emissions divided by total heat 
and power generation.

Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions are calculated based on 
the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Scope 1 GHG emissions include all direct emissions 
of greenhouse gases from Ørsted: carbon dioxide, 
methane, nitrous oxide, and sulphur hexafluoride. 
The direct carbon emissions from the combined heat 
and power plants are determined on the basis of 
the fuel quantities used in accordance with the EU 
Emissions Trading System (ETS). Carbon dioxide and 
other greenhouse gas emissions outside the EU ETS 
scheme are, for the most part, calculated as energy 
consumption multiplied by emission factors.

Scope 2 GHG emissions include the indirect GHG emis-
sions from the generation of power, heat, and steam 
purchased and consumed by Ørsted. Scope 2 emissions 
are primarily calculated as the power volumes pur-
chased multiplied by  country-specific emission factors. 
Location-based emissions are calculated based on 
average emission factors for each country, whereas 
market-based emissions take the renewable power 
purchased into account and assume that the regular 
power is delivered as residual power where the renew-
able part has been taken out. 

Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Scope 3 GHG emissions are reported based on the 
Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which divides the scope 3 
inventory into 15 sub-categories.

GHG emissions from fuel- and energy-related activities 
are calculated based on actual fuel consumption and 
power sales, multiplied by relevant emission factors. 
We include all power sales to end  customers and use 
separate emission factors for green (with renewable 
certificates) and regular (without renewable certifi-
cates) power sales. 

GHG emissions from use of sold products are calcu-
lated based on actual sales of gas to both end users 
and wholesalers as reported in our ESG consolidation 
system. The total gas sale is divided into natural gas, 
LNG, and biogas, which have specific upstream and 
downstream emission factors.

‘Other’ includes GHG emissions from:
–   category 1:  Purchased goods and services
–  category 4:   Upstream transportation and 

distribution

–   category 5:   Waste generated in operations
–   category 6:   Business travel
–   category 7:   Employee commuting
–   category 9:   Downstream transportation 

and distribution.

Social
Employees
Employee data is recognised based on records from the 
Group’s ordinary registration systems. The number of 
employees is determined as the number of employ-
ees at the end of each month converted to full-time 
equivalents (FTEs). Employees who have been made 
redundant are recognised until the expiry of their 
notice period, regardless of whether they have been 
released from all or some of their duties during their 
notice period. 

‘Gender with the lowest representation (female)’ 
 represents the gender  distribution of our senior 
 directors and above, our people leaders, and the 
total workforce in Ørsted. 

Employee satisfaction
Ørsted conducts a comprehensive employee satis-
faction survey once a year. With a few exceptions, all 
Ørsted employees are invited to participate in the sur-
vey. The following employees are omitted from the sur-
vey results: employees who joined the company shortly 
before the employee satisfaction survey, employees 
who resigned shortly after the employee satisfaction 
survey, interns, consultants, advisers, and external 
temporary workers who do not have an employment 
contract with Ørsted.

Safety
Occupational injuries are calculated according to op-
erational scope. Data from companies wholly or partly 
owned by Ørsted and where Ørsted is responsible for 
safety is included. Occupational injuries and lost-time 
injuries are calculated for both our own employees and 
our contractors. Data from all Ørsted locations are 
recognised.

The total recordable injury rate (TRIR) is calculated as 
the number of total recordable injuries per one million 
hours worked. The number of hours worked is based on 
1,667 working hours annually per full-time employee 
and monthly records of the number of employees 
converted into full-time employees. For suppliers, the 
actual number of hours worked is recognised on the 
basis of data provided by the suppliers, access control 
systems at locations, or estimates. 

Fatalities are the number of employees who lost their 
lives as a result of a work-related incident. 

Governance
Board of Directors of Ørsted A/S
The employee representatives on the Board of 
Directors are not included in the data for the Board of 
Directors. 

Group Executive Team
The Group Executive Team consists of the Executive 
Board (our CEO, CFO, and Chief HR Officer) and eight 
additional members, who undertake the day-to-day 
management of Ørsted.

161

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Parent company  
financial statements

Income statement

163 
163  Balance sheet
164  Statement of changes in equity
165  Notes

  1  Basis of reporting

  2  Employee costs

  3  Financial income and expenses 

  4  Tax on profit (loss) for the year and deferred tax

  5  Distribution of net profit

  6  Property, plant, and equipment

  7 

Investments in subsidiaries

  8  Receivables from subsidiaries

  9  Derivatives

 10  Securities

 11 

 Loans and borrowings

 12 

 Other provisions

 13 

 Related-party transactions

 14  Contingent liabilities

 15  Auditor’s fees

 16  Ownership information

162

Global container logistics giant Maersk will  
soon add 12 new ships to its global fleet to be 
fuelled by e-methanol produced by Ørsted  
using renewable power from onshore wind  
and solar PV farms. 

This will be the largest ever offtake agreement 
for green fuels in the maritime industry, with 
around 300,000 tonnes of e-methanol to be 
delivered each year from a new power-to-X 
facility we’ll build on the US Gulf Coast.

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Parent company financial statements 

| 

Income statement  / Balance sheet

Income statement
1 January – 31 December

Balance sheet
1 January – 31 December

Assets
DKKm

Note

6

7

8

4

Land and buildings

Property, plant, and equipment

2022

712

712

2021

791

791

Investments in subsidiaries

51,276

36,150

Receivables from subsidiaries

163,616

107,894

Deferred tax

Other receivables

Financial assets

33

14

160

15

214,939

144,219

Non-current assets

215,651

145,010

Receivables from subsidiaries

28,542

22,097

9

Derivatives 

Other receivables

Income tax

Receivables

10

Securities

Cash

Current assets

Assets

6,661

2,702

56

37,961

24,428

8,840

71,229

7,328

4,289

-

33,714

20,417

3,169

57,300

Equity and liabilities
DKKm

Note

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Proposed dividends

Equity attributable to share-
holders in Ørsted A/S

11

Hybrid capital

12

11

11

Equity

Other provisions

Lease liabilities

Bond and bank debt

Payables to subsidiaries

Non-current liabilities

12

Other provisions

Lease liabilities

Bond and bank debt

9

Derivatives

286,880

202,310

Trade payables

2022

4,204

2,130

46,530

5,675

58,539

19,793

78,332

1,949

659

54,033

-

56,641

22

107

1,547

5,564

64

2021

4,204

573

49,411

5,255

59,443

17,984

77,427

1,819

714

25,128

310

27,971

99

121

19,081

7,523

44

Payables to subsidiaries

142,297

68,769

Other payables

Income tax

Current liabilities

Liabilities

2,306

-

813

462

151,907

96,912

208,548

124,883

Equity and liabilities

286,880

202,310

Income statement
DKKm

Note

Revenue

2

Employee costs

External expenses

Operating profit (loss) before 
depreciation, amortisation, and 
impaiment losses (EBITDA)

Amortisation, depreciation, and 
impairment losses on property, 
plant, and equipment

Operating profit (loss) (EBIT)

Gain/losses on divestment of 
enterprises

3

3

4

5

Financial income

Financial expenses

Profit (loss) before tax

Tax on profit (loss) for the year

Profit (loss) for the year

2022

229

(82)

(243)

2021

198

(62)

(188)

(96)

(52)

(112)

(208)

(111)

(163)

(224)

23,126

(19,673)

3,021

344

3,365

(1,186)

29,420

(10,967)

17,104

142

17,246

163

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Parent company financial statements 

|  Statement of changes in equity

Statement of changes in equity
1 January – 31 December

Statement of changes in equity
DKKm

Equity at 1 January 2022

Profit (loss) for the year

Dividends paid

Proposed dividends

Value adjustments of hedging instruments

Value adjustments transferred to financial income and expenses

Tax on changes in equity 

Coupon payments, hybrid capital

Additions, hybrid capital

Disposals, hybrid capital

Share-based payments

Changes in equity in 2022 

Equity at 31 December 2022

Equity at 1 January 2021

Profit (loss) for the year

Dividends paid

Proposed dividends

Value adjustments of hedging instruments

Value adjustments transferred to financial income and expenses

Tax on changes in equity 

Coupon payments, hybrid capital

Additions, hybrid capital

Disposals, hybrid capital

Share-based payments

Changes in equity in 2021 

Equity at 31 December 2021

Share capital com position and dividends are disclosed in 
note 5.2 ‘Equity’ to the consolidated  financial statements. 
Information on trea sury shares is available in the note.

164

Share capital

Hedging 
reserve

Retained 
earnings

Proposed 
dividends

Shareholders 
in Ørsted A/S

4,204

573

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,204

4,204

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,204

-

-

-

2,578

(583)

(438)

-

-

-

-

1,557

2,130

43

-

-

-

643

33

(146)

-

-

-

-

530

573

49,411

2,788

2

(5,675)

5,255

-

(5,255)

5,675

-

-

-

-

-

-

4

(2,881)

46,530

38,152

16,506

4

(5,255)

-

-

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

420

5,675

4,834

-

(4,834)

5,255

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

59,443

2,788

(5,253)

-

2,578

(583)

(438)

-

-

-

4

(904)

58,539

47,233

16,506

(4,830)

-

643

33

(146)

-

-

-

4

11,259

49,411

421

5,255

12,210

59,443

Hybrid 
capital

17,984

577

-

-

-

-

13

(529)

3,693

(1,945)

-

1,809

19,793

13,232

740

-

-

-

-

86

(430)

7,327

(2,971)

-

4,752

17,984

Total 

77,427

3,365

(5,253)

-

2,578

(583)

(425)

(529)

3,693

(1,945)

4

905

78,332

60,465

17,246

(4,830)

-

643

33

(60)

(430)

7,327

(2,971)

4

16,962

77,427

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Parent company financial statements 

|  Notes 

|  1. Basis of reporting

1.  Basis of reporting

Accounting policies
The parent company financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with the 
provisions of the Danish Financial State-
ments Act (‘Årsregnskabsloven’) (reporting 
class D).

The Danish Financial Statements Act allows 
us to use certain IFRS standards to inter-
pret the act. Therefore, we have previously 
implemented IFRS 15 ‘Revenue’ and IFRS 16 
‘Leases’.

The accounting policies remain unchanged 
from the previous year.

Unless otherwise stated, the financial 
 statements are presented in Danish kroner 
(DKK) rounded to the nearest million.

The parent company accounting policies 
are consistent with the accounting policies 
described for the consolidated financial 
 statements, with the following exceptions.

Foreign currency translation
We recognise exchange rate adjustments 
of receivables from and payables to sub-
sidiaries as financial income and expenses 
in the income statement when the balances 
are accounted for as part of the total net 
investment in foreign enterprises. Likewise, 
we recognise foreign exchange gains and 
losses on loans and derivatives in the income 
 statement as financial income and expenses 

165

when they have been entered into to hedge 
the net investment in the foreign enterprises.

Revenue
Rental income comprises income from 
 commercial leases and is recognised over 
the term of the lease. Income from services is 
 recognised when delivery has taken place.

Dividends from investments
Dividends from subsidiaries and associates 
are recognised in the income statement for 
the financial year in which the dividends are 
 approved at the annual general meeting. 
If the dividends exceed the total income 
after takeover, the dividends are recognised 
as a reduction of the cost of the investment 
under assets. 

Investments
We measure our investments in  subsidiaries 
and associates at cost. If there is any 
 indication that the value of a company is 
lower than our future earnings in the com-
pany, impairment testing of the company is 
carried out as described in the consolidated 
financial statements. The carrying amount 
is written down to the recoverable amount 
whenever the carrying amount exceeds the 
future earnings in the company (recoverable 
amount).

If we have a legal or constructive obliga-
tion to cover a deficit in subsidiaries and 
 associates, we recognise a provision for this.

Tax
Ørsted A/S is taxed jointly with its Danish 
 subsidiaries. The jointly taxed companies are 
part of joint taxation with the parent compa-
ny as the management company.

Subsidiaries are included in the joint taxa-
tion from the date they are consolidated in 
the consolidated financial statements and 
up to the date on which they are no longer 
consolidated. 

Current tax for 2022 is recognised by the 
individual, jointly taxed companies.

Statement of cash flows
We do not prepare a separate statement of 
cash flows for the parent company. Refer-
ence is made to the consolidated statement 
of cash flows on pages 75-76.

  Key accounting estimate

In connection with the preparation of 
the financial statements, a number of 
accounting estimates have been made 
that affect the profit (loss) and balance 
sheet. Estimates are regularly reassessed 
by the leadership team on the basis of 
historical experience and other relevant 
factors.

Impairment test
If there is any indication that the carrying 
amount is lower than our future earnings 
in a company, we test for impairment as 
described in the consolidated financial 
statements. The future earnings of the 
company (recoverable amount) are 
calculated based on assumptions con-
cerning significant estimates.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Parent company financial statements 

|  Notes 

|  2.  Employee costs  /  3.  Financial income and expenses

2.  Employee costs

3.  Financial income and expenses

2022

2021

70

4

1

7

82

50

4

2

6

62

Financial income and expenses
DKKm

Interest income from cash, etc.

Interest income from subsidiaries

Interest income from securities at market value

Reversal impairment of investments in subsidiaries

Foreign exchange gains

Value adjustments of derivatives

Dividends received

Total financial income

30,632

31,250

Interest expenses relating to loans and borrowings

6,454

3,989

860

14,553

9,270

65,758

6,996

2,497

709

-

-

41,452

Interest expenses, leases

Interest expenses to subsidiaries

Impairment of investments in subsidiaries

Capital losses on securities at market value

Foreign exchange losses

Value adjustments of derivatives

Other financial expenses

Total financial expenses

Net financial income and expenses

2022

104

4,006

150

165

3,531

11,109

4,061

23,126

(1,824)

(20)

(765)

(39)

(1,574)

(5,664)

(9,592)

(195)

2021

116

2,016

174

4,536

4,604

5,872

12,102

29,420

(1,542)

(23)

(12)

(194)

(500)

(1,585)

(7,037)

(74)

(19,673)

(10,967)

3,453

18,453

The parent company had an average of eight 
employees in 2022 (2021: six employees).

Remuneration of the Board of Directors 
totals DKK 7 million (2021: DKK 6 million).

Employee costs
DKKm

Wages and salaries

Share-based payment

Pensions and social costs

Remuneration 

Total employee costs

Salaries and remuneration of the Executive Board
DKK ’000

Fixed salary

Cash-based incentive scheme

Share-based payment

Pension, incl. social security and benefits

Salary in notice period

Severance payment

Total

Notes 2.7 ‘Employee costs’ and 2.8 ‘Share-
based payment’ to the consoli dated 
financial statements describe the remuner-
ation of the Executive Board and the Board 
of Directors as well as the share-based 
payment,  termination, and bonus scheme 
for the Executive Board and details on the 
remuneration of the Board of Directors.

166

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Parent company financial statements 

|  Notes 

|  4.  Tax on profit (loss) for the year and deferred tax  /  5.  Distribution of net profit

4.  Tax on profit (loss) for the year and deferred tax

5.  Distribution of net profit

Distribution of net profit
DKKm

Profit (loss) for the year is attributable to:

Shareholders in Ørsted A/S, proposed dividends for the financial year

Shareholders in Ørsted A/S, retained earnings

Interest payments and costs, hybrid capital owners of Ørsted A/S

Profit (loss) for the year

2022

2021

5,675

(2,887)

577

3,365

5,255

11,251

740

17,246

Income tax
DKKm

Tax on profit (loss) for the year

Tax on changes in equity

Total tax for the year

Tax on profit (loss) for the year can be broken down as follows:

Current tax

Adjustments to deferred tax

Adjustments to current tax in respect of prior years

Adjustments to deferred tax in respect of prior years

Tax on profit (loss) for the year

Development in deferred tax
DKKm

Deferred tax at 1 January

Adjustments for the year recognised in profit (loss) for the year

Adjustments to deferred tax in respect of prior years

Deferred tax at 31 December

Specification of deferred tax
DKKm

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax, asset

Deferred tax, liability

2022

344

(425)

(81)

470

(170)

1

43

344

(160)

170

(43)

(33)

(33)

33

-

2021

142

(60)

82

(114)

280

(23)

(1)

142

119

(280)

1

(160)

(160)

160

-

167

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Parent company financial statements 

|  Notes 

|  6.  Property, plant, and equipment  /  7.   Investments in subsidiaries

6.  Property, plant, and equipment

7.   Investments in subsidiaries

Property, plant, and equipment: Land and buildings
DKKm

Cost at 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Cost at 31 December

Depreciation and amortisation at 1 January

Depreciation and amortisation

Disposals

Depreciation and amortisation at 31 December

Carrying amount at 31 December

Value of leased assets

2022

1,120

33

-

1,153

(329)

(112)

-

(441)

712

712

2021

 1,113

7

-

1,120

(219)

(110)

-

(329)

791

791

Investments in subsidiaries
DKKm

Cost at 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Cost at 31 December

Value adjustments at 1 January

Impairment losses/reversals

Value adjustments at 31 December

Carrying amount at 31 December

Note 7.4 Company overview of the consolidated financial 
statements contains a overview of subsidiaries, etc.

2022

36,809

15,000

-

51,809

(659)

126

(533)

51,276

2021

32,279

4,530

-

36,809

(3,501)

2,842

(659)

36,150

We have entered into leases for office 
premises, primarily in Gentofte, Denmark 
(expiring in 2028).

In 2022, an amount of DKK 95 million was 
recognised (2021: DKK 83 million) in profit 
(loss) for the year in respect of rental income.

We have entered into operating leases with 
subsidiaries for sublease of office premises.

We have tested investments in subsidiaries 
for impairment by comparing the expected 
future income from the individual subsidiar-
ies with their carrying amounts. 

The impairment test in 2022 gave rise to a 
reversal of impairment on the investment 
in Ørsted Bioenergy & Thermal Power A/S 
of DKK 124 million and on the investment 
in Ørsted Onshore Holding A/S of DKK 41 
million. 

An impairment of DKK 39 million is recog-
nised on the investment in Orsted Infrastruc-
ture GmBh, resulting in a net reversal of 
impairment of DKK 126 million based on the 
individual subsidiaries recoverable amounts.

In 2022, the addition relates to capital injec-
tions in Ørsted Salg & Service A/S.

168

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Parent company financial statements 

|  Notes 

|  8.  Receivables from subsidiaries  /  9.   Derivatives

8.  Receivables from subsidiaries

9.   Derivatives

Non-current receivables from subsidiaries
DKKm

Cost at 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Cost at 31 December

169

2022

2021

107,894

84,638

(28,916)

163,616

80,893

69,141

(42,140)

107,894

2022

2021

 Overview of  
derivative positions
DKKm

Interest derivatives

Currency derivatives

Total

Assets

Equity and liabilities

Contractual 
 principal amount

Market value

Contractual 
 principal amount

Market value 

22,185

47,318

69,503

1,578

(481)

1,097

6,661

(5,564)

21,223

58,384

79,607

752

(947)

(195)

7,328

(7,523)

See note 6.1 ‘Market risk policy’ to the consolidated financial statements and 
the management’s review on pages 38-41 for more details on risk and risk 
management.

Derivatives at the end of December 2022 
mature as follows: 2023: DKK -651 million, 
2024: DKK 89 million, after 2024: DKK 1,659 
million (2021: 2022: DKK -279 million, 2023: 
DKK -587 million, after 2023: DKK 671 
million). 

All derivatives are classified as based on 
observable inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

Ørsted A/S has assumed the  subsidiaries’ 
currency risks via forward exchange 
contracts, which have subsequently been 
hedged in the market. Furthermore, hedging 
contracts have been concluded to hedge 
the currency risk associated with invest-
ments in subsidiaries in foreign currencies.

We have also entered into a number of 
interest rate swaps to manage our interest 
rate risk.

The company has fair value hedged loans 
and receivables in GBP and USD. The value 
of the fair  value hedge offset in the income 
statement amounted to DKK -879 million 
(2021: DKK 127 million).

   Ørsted annual report 2022 
 
Financial statements

Parent company financial statements 

|  Notes 

|  10.   Securities  /  11.  Loans and borrowings  /  12.  Other provisions  /  13.  Related-party transactions

10.   Securities

12.  Other provisions

Securities
DKKm

Securities, available 
for use

Total securities

2022

2021

24,428

24,428

20,417

20,417

Securities are a key element in our financial 
resources, and therefore investments are 
primarily made in liquid AAA-rated Danish 
mortgage bonds and, to a lesser extent, in 
other bonds. Most of the securities qualify 
for repo transactions in the Danish central 
bank, ‘Danmarks Nationalbank’. 

All securities are classified as based on 
 observable inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

We have made provisions for non-current 
liabilities totalling DKK 1,971 million (2021: 
DKK 1,918 million), of which DKK 22 million 
fall due within 1 year, and DKK 1,949 million 
fall due in 1-5 years.

The provisions mainly concern the divest-
ment of our oil and gas business in 2017 and 
the sale of our Danish power distribution, 
residential customer, and city light businesses 
to SEAS-NVE (now Andel) in 2020. 

11.  Loans and borrowings

13.  Related-party transactions

The long-term portion of bank loans and 
 issued bonds amounted to DKK 54,033 mil-
lion at 31 December 2022 (2021: DKK 25,128 
 million), of which DKK 50,930 million (2021: 
DKK 24,781 million) fall due in more than 
five years.

Related parties are the Board of Directors, 
the Executive Board, Ørsted A/S’s subsidiaries, 
and the Danish state.

Our related-party transactions are made 
on arm’s length terms.

Remuneration of the Board of Directors and 
the Executive Board is disclosed in notes 
2.7 ‘Employee costs’ and 2.8 ‘Share-based 
payment’ in the consolidated financial 
statements. 

On 31 December 2022, we had issued hybrid 
capital with a total notional amount of 
DKK 19,877 million (2021: DKK 18,269  million). 
The hybrid bonds have a 1,000-year term 
and expire as follows: DKK 681 million in 
3013, DKK 3,668 million in 3017, DKK 4,416 
million in 3019, DKK 7,336 million in 3021, 
and DKK 3,692 million in 3022, respectively.

The long-term portion of lease debt 
amounted to DKK 659 million at 31 Decem-
ber 2022 (2021: DKK 714 million), of which 
DKK 208 million (2021: DKK 322 million) fall 
due in more than five years. 

170

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Parent company financial statements 

|  Notes 

|  14.   Contingent liabilities  /  15.   Auditor’s fees  /  16.   Ownership information

14.   Contingent liabilities

15.   Auditor’s fees

Guarantees
Ørsted A/S has provided guarantees in 
connection with participation by subsidiaries 
and subsidiaries’ joint operations and joint 
ventures in the construction and operation 
of offshore wind farms and natural gas in-
stallations as well as guarantees in respect 
of leases, energy trading activities, purchase, 
sale, and supply agreements, decommission-
ing obligations, farm-downs and other M&A 
transactions as well as secondary liability 
on decommissioning of offshore installations 
related to the divestment of the oil and gas 
business, etc.

Ørsted A/S acts as guarantor or  surety 
provider with primary liability for bank 
liabilities in certain subsidiaries, including 
guarantees in favour of banks and investors 
covering credit facilities established and 
bonds issued in Taiwan.

Furthermore, in support of the ratings of 
Ørsted Salg & Service A/S by Moody’s and 
Ørsted Wind Power TW Holding A/S by 
Taiwan Ratings, Ørsted A/S has provided 
general guarantees covering all obligations 
and liabilities undertaken in the ordinary 
course of business by these two entities.

171

Indemnities
Ørsted A/S is taxed jointly with the Danish 
companies in the Ørsted Group. As manage-
ment company, Ørsted A/S has unlimited as 
well as joint and several liability together 
with the other jointly taxed companies for 
Danish income taxes and withholding taxes 
on  dividends, interest, and royalties related 
to the jointly taxed companies.

Litigation
Ørsted is involved in ongoing transfer pricing 
disputes. For further information, we refer to 
section 4.1 ‘Approach to taxes’ to the con-
solidated financial statements. Ørsted A/S 
is not a party to any litigation proceedings 
or legal disputes that could have an effect 
on the company’s financial position, either 
individually or collectively.

Auditor’s fees
DKKm

Statutory audit

Other assurance engangements

Total fees to PwC

In 2022 work in respect of issuances of 
bonds was performed, this is captured  
under other assurance engagements.

2022

2021

4

3

7

3

-

3

16.   Ownership information

Ownership information  
31 December 2022

The Danish state represented by  
the Danish Ministry of Finance

Andel A.M.B.A.

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

Registered office

Ownership  
interests

Voting  
share

Copenhagen K, Denmark 

Svinninge, Denmark

Los Angeles, the US

50.12 %

5.01 %

-

50.74 %

5.07 %

5-10 % 1

The table shows the shareholders with ownership interests and voting shares of 
at least 5 %. The difference between ownership interests and voting shares arises 
when  power of attorney is issued.

1   Interval shown, as precise voting share is not publicly available.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Management’s statement, 
auditor’s reports, and glossary

173   Statement by the Executive Board and the Board of Directors
174  Independent Auditor’s Reports
179   Independent limited assurance report on the consolidated ESG statements
181  Glossary

172

In an ambitious new project, we have partnered 
with the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Wildlife 
Trusts to restore biodiversity around the 
Humber, a large tidal estuary on the east coast 
of Northern England. 

The pioneering initiative will seek to restore 
seagrass and salt marsh and introduce half a 
million native oysters to improve the health and 
resilience of the estuary’s ecosystem.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports, and glossary 

|  Statement by the Executive Board and the Board of Directors

Statement by the Executive Board 
and the Board of Directors

the parent company as well as a description 
of the most significant risks and elements 
of uncertainty facing the Group and the 
parent company. The management’s review 
has been prepared in accordance with the 
Danish Financial Statements Act.

In our opinion, the annual report for the 
financial year 1 January – 31 December 2022 
with the file name:  Orsted-2022-12-31-en.zip is 
prepared, in all material respects, in compli-
ance with the ESEF Regulation. 

In our opinion, the consolidated ESG state-
ments (‘Additional information’) represent a 
reasonable, fair, and balanced representa-
tion of the Group’s social responsibility 
and sustainability performance and are 
prepared in accordance with the stated 
accounting policies. 

We recommend that the annual report be 
adopted at the annual general meeting.

The Board of Directors and the Executive 
Board have today considered and  adopted 
the annual report of Ørsted A/S for the 
financial year 1 January – 31 December 2022. 

The consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with the 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
as adopted by the EU and further require-
ments in the Danish Financial Statements 
Act. The financial statements of the parent 
company, Ørsted A/S, have been prepared 
in accordance with the Danish Financial 
Statements Act.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial 
statements and the parent company finan-
cial statements provide a true and fair view 
of the Group’s and the parent company’s 
assets,  liabilities, and financial position at 
31  December 2022, and of the results of the 
Group’s and the parent company’s oper-
ations, and the Group’s cash flows for the 
financial year 1 January – 31 December 2022.

In our opinion, the management’s review 
provides a true and fair account of the 
development in the Group’s and the parent 
company’s operations and financial circum-
stances, of the results for the year, and of the 
overall financial position of the Group and 

Skærbæk, 1 February 2023

Executive Board:

Mads Nipper 
Group President and CEO

Daniel Lerup
CFO

Henriette Fenger Ellekrog
Chief HR Officer

Board of Directors:

Thomas Thune Andersen 
Chair

Lene Skole
Deputy Chair

Lynda Armstrong

Jørgen Kildahl

Julia Elizabeth King

Peter Korsholm

Henrik Poulsen

Dieter Wemmer

Benny Gøbel* 

Leticia Francisca Torres 

Alice Florence Marion  

Anne Cathrine Collet Yde*

Mandiola*

Vallienne*

173

* Employee elected board member

   Ørsted annual report 2022Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, 
in our professional judgement, were of most 
significance in our audit of the Financial 
Statements for 2022. These matters were 
addressed in the context of our audit of 
the Financial Statements as a whole and in 
forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Financial statements

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports, and glossary 

| 

Independent auditor’s reports

Independent Auditor’s Reports

To the shareholders of Ørsted A/S

Report on the audit of the 
Financial Statements

Our opinion
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial 
Statements give a true and fair view of the 
Group’s financial position at 31 December 
2022 and of the results of the Group’s oper-
ations and cash flows for the financial year 
1 January to 31 December 2022 in accord-
ance with International Financial  Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the EU and fur-
ther requirements in the Danish Financial 
 Statements Act.

Moreover, in our opinion, the Parent Company 
Financial Statements give a true and fair 
view of the Parent Company’s financial posi-
tion at 31 December 2022 and of the  results 
of the Parent Company’s operations for the 
financial year 1 January to 31 December 2022 
in accordance with the Danish Financial 
Statements Act.

Our opinion is consistent with our  Auditor’s 
Long-form Report to the Audit & Risk 
 Committee and the Board of Directors.

What we have audited
The Consolidated Financial Statements of 
Ørsted A/S for the financial year 1  January 
to 31 December 2022, pp. 69-154 and 172-
173, comprise the consolidated income 
statement, the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated 
balance sheet, the consolidated statement 
of changes in equity, the consolidated 
cash flow statement, and the notes to the 
consolidated financial statements, including 
summary of significant accounting policies.

The Parent Company Financial Statements 
of Ørsted A/S for the financial year 1 January 
to 31 December 2022, pp. 162-173, comprise 
the income statement, the balance sheet, 
the statement of changes in equity, and 
the notes, including summary of significant 
accounting policies.

Collectively referred to as the ‘Financial 
Statements’.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) 
and the additional requirements applicable 
in Denmark. Our responsibilities under those 
standards and requirements are further 
described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for 
the audit of the Financial Statements section 
of our report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to 
provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We are independent of the Group in accord-
ance with the International Ethics Standards 
Board for Accountants’ International Code 
of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA 
Code) and the additional ethical require-
ments applicable in Denmark. We have also 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements and the 
IESBA Code.

To the best of our knowledge and belief, 
prohibited non-audit services referred to in 
Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) No 537/2014 
were not provided.

Appointment
We were first appointed auditors of 
Ørsted A/S on 19 April 2010 for the finan-
cial year 2010 and have been reappointed 
annually by shareholder resolution for a 
total  uninterrupted period of engagement 
of 13 years, including the financial year 2022. 
At the annual general meeting on 2 March 
2020, we were reappointed following a 
 tendering procedure.

174

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports, and glossary 

| 

Independent auditor’s reports

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Partnership agreements 
Divestment of ownership interests in offshore wind 
farms (farm-downs) to a partner in a joint operation, 
including calculating the divestment gains and 
subsequent recognition of construction agreements 
and assessment of consolidation method for the re-
tained interests, are considered complex non-routine 
transactions.

As part of farm-downs, compensation mechanisms 
are often agreed with the partners, e.g. regarding 
sales price, cost of subsequent use of offshore 
transmission assets constructed for the wind farm, 
potential wake and blockage effect compensations, 
and warranties.

We focused on this area because farm-downs 
and the related matters are considered complex 
non-routine transactions, and because the recog-
nition and measurement of the divestment gains, 
assessment of consolidation method, subsequent 
construction agreements with the partners, com-
pensation mechanisms, and warranties are based 
on significant judgements and estimates.

Refer to notes 1.2 and 2.6 in the consolidated 
 financial statements.

As part of our audit, we read share purchase 
agreements for farm-downs and final settlement 
agreements.

We challenged the accounting treatment applied 
by Management, including the gain statements and 
the consolidation method for the retained interest 
in offshore wind farms.

We obtained an understanding of the compensa-
tion mechanisms and warranties agreed in divest-
ments and of the final settlements.

We challenged the significant estimates prepared 
by Management for measurement of compensa-
tion mechanisms and warranties, hereunder by 
assessing and testing the main data, significant 
assumptions and models applied, and by evaluat-
ing the outcome of previous estimates prepared by 
Management.

Valuation of derivative financial instruments 
and documentation of hedge accounting
Ørsted applies hedge accounting for derivative 
financial instruments used for hedging of:
–     energy prices, currency and inflation risks 
 associated with revenue (energy hedges)

–   commodity price and currency risks associated 

with the construction of wind farms

–   interest rate risks associated with loans and 

divestments.

We focused on this area because the valuation of 
the derivative financial instruments (hedging instru-
ments) and assessment of hedge relationship and 
hedge effectiveness, including use of proxy hedges, 
are complex.

Due to the significant increase and volatility in 
 energy prices and the financial markets during 
2022, the fair value of the hedging instruments 
have fluctuated significantly.

On this basis, valuation of the hedging instruments 
and hedge accounting were a matter of most signif-
icance in our audit. 

Refer to notes 1.2 and 6.1-6.4 in the consolidated 
financial statements.

As part of our audit, we tested the valuation of the 
hedging instruments and the documentation of 
hedge effectiveness of energy, commodity, interest 
rates, and related foreign exchange risk hedges.

In this connection, we assessed and obtained an 
understanding of the exposures subject to hedging, 
the hedging instruments applied, the hedge rela-
tionships, including the methods, data, and assump-
tions applied for documentation of the fair value of 
hedging instruments, and hedge effectiveness.

We challenged the accounting treatment applied 
by Management, including for the hedging instru-
ments used and the hedge reserve recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

We challenged the significant data, assumptions, 
and models applied by Management when as-
sessing the value of the hedging instruments and 
the hedge relationship and hedge effectiveness, 
hereunder by assessing and testing the main data, 
significant assumptions, and models applied.

In our audit of the valuation of the hedging instru-
ments and hedge accounting, we involved our 
financial instrument specialists.

175

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports, and glossary 

| 

Independent auditor’s reports

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Income taxes
Ørsted is subject to income taxes in the countries 
where they operate. Significant judgements and 
estimates are required in determining the income 
taxes and in the measurement of income tax assets 
and liabilities, including uncertain tax positions.

We focused on this area because Management 
makes significant judgments and estimates when 
calculating and assessing the income taxes due to 
the complex nature of the tax rules related to the 
business activities conducted in different tax jurisdic-
tions. Furthermore, Management makes estimates 
when measuring the tax assets, including when and 
to which extent these can be utilised in the future, 
and when measuring tax liabilities, including assess-
ing deferred taxes in tax equity partnerships.

Additionally, Ørsted is a party in tax and transfer 
pricing disputes where Management assesses the 
possible outcomes and consequently recognises 
provisions to cover for these uncertain tax positions. 
In 2020 and 2021, Ørsted received administrative 
decisions from the Danish Tax Agency entailing 
additional tax payables and related interests, which 
Management disputes and has appealed to the 
relevant authorities.

On this basis, income taxes were a matter of most 
significance in our audit.

Refer to notes 1.2, 4,2, and 4.3 in the consolidated 
financial statements.

For income taxes, income tax assets, and  liabilities, 
we evaluated the assumptions applied by Manage-
ment in determining the recognition and measure-
ment of income taxes and deferred taxes, including 
those related to tax equity partnerships, while 
taking into account relevant correspondence with 
tax authorities and external advisors.

We assessed Management’s judgements and 
estimates of tax balances and carrying amounts as 
well as the related applied tax rates when calculat-
ing these. We also assessed the reasonableness of 
the main data and assumptions used to calculate 
the taxable income forecasts underlying the recog-
nition and recoverability of the deferred tax assets 
relating to tax loss carryforwards.

We evaluated and tested Ørsted’s processes for 
recording, assessing, and continually reassessing 
provisions for uncertain tax positions.

In our audit of uncertain tax positions, we obtained 
and reviewed the correspondence with relevant tax 
authorities in order to consider the completeness 
of the tax disputes and the related provisions. We 
assessed the measurement of the provisions and 
challenged the assumptions used, including the pos-
sibility of obtaining corresponding tax adjustments, 
compensations from partners, and the likelihood 
of different outcomes. In addition, we assessed 
relevant opinions obtained by Management from 
third parties related to the tax disputes, and we 
evaluated the disclosures provided by Management 
in the consolidated financial statements.

In our audit of income taxes, we involved our tax 
specialists.

176

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports, and glossary 

| 

Independent auditor’s reports

Statement on Management’s Review
Management is responsible for Manage-
ment’s Review, pp. 4-68.

Our opinion on the Financial Statements 
does not cover Management’s Review, and 
we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the Financial 
Statements, our responsibility is to read Man-
agement’s Review and, in doing so, consider 
whether Management’s Review is materially 
inconsistent with the Financial Statements or 
our knowledge obtained in the audit, or oth-
erwise appears to be materially misstated.

Moreover, we considered whether Manage-
ment’s Review includes the disclosures required 
by the Danish Financial Statements Act.

Based on the work we have performed, in our 
view, Management’s Review is in accordance 
with the Consolidated Financial Statements 
and the Parent Company Financial State-
ments and has been prepared in accordance 
with the requirements of the Danish Finan-
cial Statements Act. We did not identify any 
material misstatement in Management’s 
Review.

Management’s responsibilities for the 

Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the prepa-
ration of consolidated financial statements 
that give a true and fair view in accordance 
with International Financial  Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the EU and  further 
requirements in the Danish Financial State-
ments Act and for the preparation of parent 

177

company financial statements that give a 
true and fair view in accordance with the 
Danish Financial Statements Act, and for 
such internal control as Management deter-
mines is necessary to enable the preparation 
of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error.

In preparing the Financial Statements, 
Management is responsible for assessing the 
Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, 
as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis 
of  accounting unless Management either 
intends to liquidate the Group or the Parent 
Company or to cease operations, or has no 
realistic alternative but to do so.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs 
and the additional requirements applicable 
in Denmark, we exercise professional judge-
ment and maintain professional scepticism 
throughout the audit. We also:

– 

 identify and assess the risks of material 
misstatement of the Financial State-
ments, whether due to fraud or error, 
design and perform audit procedures 
responsive to those risks, and obtain audit 
evidence that is sufficient and appro-
priate to provide a basis for our opinion. 
The risk of not detecting a material mis-
statement resulting from fraud is higher 
than for one resulting from error, as fraud 
may involve collusion, forgery, intention-
al omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal control

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 

– 

Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable 
 assurance about whether the Financial 
Statements as a whole are free from mate-
rial misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
 includes our opinion. Reasonable assur-
ance is a high level of assurance, but is not 
a  guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs and the additional 
requirements applicable in Denmark will 
always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from 
fraud or error and are considered material if, 
individually or in the aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the 
 economic decisions of users taken on the 
basis of these Financial Statements.

 obtain an understanding of internal 
control relevant to the audit in order to 
design audit procedures that are appro-
priate in the circumstances, but not for 
the purpose of expressing an opinion on 
the effectiveness of the Group’s and the 
Parent Company’s internal control

– 

– 

 evaluate the appropriateness of account-
ing policies used and the reasonableness 
of accounting estimates and related 
disclosures made by management

 evaluate the appropriateness of account-
ing policies used and the reasonableness 
of accounting estimates and related 
disclosures made by Management

– 

 conclude on the appropriateness of 
 Management’s use of the going concern 

basis of accounting and, based on the 
audit evidence obtained, whether a mate-
rial uncertainty exists related to events or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt 
on the Group’s and the Parent Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern. If 
we conclude that a material uncertainty 
exists, we are required to draw attention 
in our auditor’s report to the related dis-
closures in the Financial Statements or, if 
such disclosures are inadequate, to modi-
fy our opinion. Our conclusions are based 
on the audit evidence obtained up to the 
date of our auditor’s report. However, 
future events or conditions may cause the 
Group or the Parent Company to cease to 
continue as a going concern

 evaluate the overall presentation, 
structure, and content of the Financial 
Statements, including the disclosures, 
and whether the Financial Statements 
represent the underlying transactions and 
events in a manner that gives a true and 
fair view

 obtain sufficient appropriate audit 
evidence regarding the financial informa-
tion of the entities or business activities 
within the Group to express an opinion on 
the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
We are responsible for the direction, su-
pervision, and performance of the group 
audit. We remain solely responsible for 
our audit opinion.

– 

– 

We communicate with those charged with 
governance regarding, among other matters, 
the planned scope and timing of the audit 
and significant audit findings, including any 

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports, and glossary 

| 

Independent auditor’s reports

significant deficiencies in internal control 
that we identify during our audit.

We also provide those charged with govern-
ance with a statement that we have com-
plied with relevant ethical requirements 
regarding independence and to communi-
cate with them all relationships and other 
matters that may reasonably be thought to 
bear on our independence and, where appli-
cable, actions taken to eliminate threats or 
safeguards applied.

From the matters communicated with those 
charged with governance, we determine 
those matters that were of most significance 
in the audit of the Financial Statements of 
the current period and are therefore the key 
audit matters. We describe these matters 
in our auditor’s report unless law or regula-
tion precludes public disclosure about the 
matter.

Report on compliance with 
the ESEF Regulation

As part of our audit of the Financial State-
ments, we performed procedures to express 
an opinion on whether the annual report of 
Ørsted A/S for the financial year 1 January 
to 31 December 2022 with the filename 
Orsted-2022-12-31-en.zip is prepared, in all 
material respects, in compliance with the 
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 
2019/815 on the European Single Electronic 
Format (ESEF Regulation), which includes 
requirements  related to the preparation 

of the annual report in XHTML format and 
iXBRL tagging of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements, including notes.

Management is responsible for preparing an 
annual report that complies with the ESEF 
Regulation. This responsibility includes:

– 

 the preparation of the annual report in 
XHTML format

– 

– 

– 

 the selection and application of appro-
priate iXBRL tags, including extensions 
to the ESEF taxonomy and the anchoring 
thereof to elements in the taxonomy, for 
all financial information required to be 
tagged using judgement where  necessary

 ensuring consistency between iXBRL 
tagged data and the Consolidated 
 Financial Statements presented in 
human- readable format

 for such internal control as Management 
determines necessary to enable the 
preparation of an annual report that is 
compliant with the ESEF Regulation.

Our responsibility is to obtain reasonable 
assurance on whether the annual report is 
prepared, in all material respects, in compli-
ance with the ESEF Regulation based on the 
evidence we have obtained and to issue a 
report that includes our opinion. The nature, 
timing, and extent of procedures selected 
depend on the auditor’s judgement, includ-
ing the assessment of the risks of material 
departures from the requirements set out in 

178

the ESEF Regulation, whether due to fraud or 
error. The procedures include:

Hellerup, 1 February 2023

– 

 testing whether the annual report is 
prepared in XHTML format

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab
CVR No 3377 1231

Rasmus Friis Jørgensen
State Authorised Public Accountant 
mne28705

Anders Stig Lauritsen
State Authorised Public Accountant 
mne32800

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 obtaining an understanding of the 
company’s iXBRL tagging process and of 
internal control over the tagging process

 evaluating the completeness of the iXBRL 
tagging of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements, including notes

 evaluating the appropriateness of 
the company’s use of iXBRL elements 
 selected from the ESEF taxonomy and the 
creation of extension elements where no 
suitable element in the ESEF taxonomy 
has been identified

 evaluating the use of anchoring of 
extension elements to elements in the 
ESEF  taxonomy 

 reconciling the iXBRL tagged data with 
the audited Consolidated Financial 
 Statements.

In our opinion, the annual report of 
Ørsted A/S for the financial year 1 January 
to 31 December 2022 with the file name 
Orsted-2022-12-31-en.zip is prepared, in all 
material respects, in compliance with the 
ESEF Regulation.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports, and glossary 

| 

Independent limited assurance report on the consolidated ESG statements

Independent limited assurance report 
on the consolidated ESG statements

To the stakeholders of Ørsted A/S
Ørsted A/S engaged us to provide limited 
 assurance on the consolidated ESG state-
ments stated on pages 155-161 in the 2022 
annual report of Ørsted A/S for the period 
1 January – 31 December 2022.

Our conclusion
Based on the procedures we performed and 
the evidence we obtained, nothing came to 
our attention that causes us not to believe 
that the consolidated ESG statements in 
the 2022 annual report of Ørsted A/S are 
prepared, in all material respects, in accord-
ance with the applied accounting policies 
developed by Ørsted A/S as stated on pages 
156-161. 

This conclusion is to be read in the context  
of what we state in the remainder of our 
report.

What we are assuring 
The scope of our work was limited to 
 assurance over data in the consolidated 
ESG statements in the 2022 annual report. 
Regarding reporting on Art. 8 of the 
Taxonomy Regulation, we are assuring 
that data have been stated in accordance 
with the applied accounting policies, not 
compliance with the EU regulation, since 

reporting requirements are still open to 
interpretations.

We express limited assurance in our 
conclusion. 

Professional standards applied and level 

of assurance
We performed a limited assurance engage-
ment in accordance with International 
Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 
(Revised) ‘Assurance Engagements  other 
than Audits and Reviews of Historical 
Financial Information’ and, in respect of the 
greenhouse gas emissions, in accordance 
with International Standard on Assurance 
Engagements 3410 ‘Assurance engagements 
on greenhouse gas statements’. The quanti-
fication of greenhouse gas emissions is 
subject to inherent uncertainty because of 
incomplete scientific knowledge used to 
determine the emissions factors and the 
values needed to combine emissions of 
different gasses.

A limited assurance engagement is sub-
stantially less in scope than a reasonable 
assurance engagement in relation to both 
the risk assessment procedures, including 
an understanding of internal control, and 
the procedures performed in response to 

the assessed risks; consequently, the level 
of assurance obtained in a limited assurance 
engagement is substantially lower than the 
assurance that would have been obtained 
had a reasonable assurance engagement 
been performed.

Our independence and quality control
We have complied with the independence 
requirements and other ethical requirements 
in the International Ethics Standards Board 
for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics 
for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code), 
which is founded on fundamental principles 
of integrity, objectivity, professional com-
petence and due care, confidentiality and 
 professional behavior, and ethical require-
ments applicable in Denmark.

PricewaterhouseCoopers applies Interna-
tional Standard on Quality Management 
1, ISQM 1, which requires the firm to design, 
implement, and operate a system of quality 
management, including policies or proce-
dures regarding compliance with ethical 
requirements, professional standards, and 
 applicable legal and regulatory require-
ments. Our work was carried out by an 
independent multidisciplinary team with 
experience in sustainability reporting and 
assurance.

Understanding reporting and measurement 

methodologies
The consolidated ESG statements need to 
be read and understood together with the 
accounting policies. The accounting policies 
used for the preparation of the consolidated 
ESG statements are the applied accounting 
policies developed by Ørsted A/S, which 
Management is solely responsible for select-
ing and applying. 

The absence of a significant body of estab-
lished practice on which to draw to evaluate 
and measure ESG data allows for different, 
but acceptable, measurement techniques 
and can affect comparability between 
 entities and over time.

Work performed
We are required to plan and perform our 
work in order to consider the risk of mate-
rial misstatement of the consolidated ESG 
statements. In doing so and based on our 
professional judgement, we: 

– 

 made inquiries and conducted interviews 
with Group functions to assess consoli-
dation processes, use of company-wide 
 systems, and controls performed at 
Group level

179

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports, and glossary 

| 

Independent limited assurance report on the consolidated ESG statements

– 

 measuring and reporting the information 
in the consolidated ESG statements 
based on the accounting policies

– 

 the content of the consolidated ESG 
statements.

Hellerup, 1 February 2023

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab
CVR no. 3377 1231

Our responsibility
We are responsible for:

– 

 planning and performing the engage-
ment to obtain limited assurance about 
whether the consolidated ESG state-
ments for the 1 January – 31  December 
2022 are prepared, in all material 
respects, in accordance with the account-
ing policies

 forming an independent conclusion, 
based on the procedures performed and 
the evidence obtained

– 

 reporting our conclusion to the 
stakeholders of Ørsted A/S.

Rasmus Friis Jørgensen
State Authorised Public Accountant 
mne28705

Anders Stig Lauritsen
State Authorised Public Accountant 
mne32800

– 

 checked ESG data on a sample basis to 
underlying documentation and evalu-
ated the appropriateness of quantifica-
tion methods and compliance with the 
accounting policies for preparing the 
consolidated ESG statements

– 

 conducted an analytical review of the 
data and trend explanations submitted 
by all business units for consolidation at 
Group level

– 

 considered the disclosure and presenta-
tion of the consolidated ESG statements

– 

 evaluated the obtained evidence.

Management’s responsibilities
Management of Ørsted A/S is responsible for:

– 

– 

 designing, implementing, and maintaining 
internal control over information relevant 
to the preparation of the consolidated 
ESG statements that are free from mate-
rial misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error

– 

 establishing objective accounting policies 
for preparing the consolidated ESG 
statements

180

   Ørsted annual report 2022Financial statements

Management’s statement, auditor’s reports, and glossary 

|  Glossary

Availability
Glossary
Availability is calculated as the ratio of actual produc-
tion to the possible production, which is the sum of lost 
production and actual production in a given period. 
The production-based availability (PBA) is impacted 
by grid and wind turbine outages, which are technical 
production losses. PBA is not impacted by market 
requested shutdowns and wind farm curtailments, as 
this is deemed not to be reflective of site performance, 
but due to external factors.

Avoided emissions
The amount other sources of energy would have 
 emitted if we had not generated energy from renew-
able sources.

Awarded capacity
Offshore capacity that we have been awarded in 
 auctions and tenders, but where we have yet to sign 
a PPA and take final investment decision.

Blockage effect
The blockage effect arises from the wind slowing 
down as it approaches the wind turbines.

Decided (FID) and installed capacity
Installed generation capacity plus capacity for assets 
where a final investment decision has been made.

Degree days
Number of degrees in absolute figures in difference 
 between the average temperature and the official 
Danish indoor temperature of 17 °C.

EPC
Engineering, procurement, and construction. The part 
of our business which handles the construction and 
installation of assets.

FID
Final investment decision. When the Board of Directors 
approves major investments for construction assets.

Generation capacity
Ørsted’s ownership of the asset. Offshore wind turbines 
are included when each turbine has passed the 
 240-hour test. Onshore capacities are included after 
COD of the entire asset.

BSUoS tariffs
Costs related to the day-to-day operation of the trans-
mission system imposed on generators and suppliers.

Green certificates
Certificate awarded to producers of environ-
ment-friendly power as a supplement to the market 
price of power in the given price area.

Carbon emission allowances
Carbon emission allowances subject to the European 
Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

CfD
A contract for difference is a subsidy that guarantees 
the difference between the market reference price and 
the exercise price won.

CHP
A combined heat and power plant (CHP) generates 
both heat and power in the same process.

Commissioning/COD
When our assets are in oper ation, and the legal liability 
has been transferred from the supplier to us.

Green dark spread (GDS)
Represents the contribution margin per MWh of power 
generated at a coal-fired CHP plant with a given 
efficiency. It is determined as the difference between 
the market price of power and the cost of the coal 
 (including associated freight costs) and carbon emis-
sion allowances used to generate the power.

Ineffective hedges
When we hedge our exposure with an instrument that 
is not 100 % correlated with the exposure, we may see 
ineffectiveness in our hedging (i.e. results from such 
hedges should be recognised in the P&L immediately).

Installed capacity
Installed capacity where the asset has been completed 
and has passed a final test.

Contracted capacity
Onshore capacity where we have signed PPAs covering 
more than 50 % of the asset’s capacity, but where we 
have not yet taken final investment decision.

Investment tax credits (ITCs)
Federal tax credit based on qualifying renewable 
investment costs.

181

Load factor
The ratio between the actual power generation in a 
given period relative to the potential generation which 
is possible by continuously exploiting the maximum 
capacity over the same period.

TEC
Transmission entry capacity (TEC) defines a generator’s 
 maximum contractual level of transmission access 
in MW.

Offshore transmission assets
Connect offshore generation to the onshore grid and 
typically include the offshore power transmission 
infrastructure, an onshore substation, and the electrical 
equipment relating to the operation of the substation.

O&M
Operations and maintenance. The part of our  business 
that operates and maintains our assets after installation.

TNUoS tariffs
Costs related to the use of the transmission networks 
in the UK based on TEC.

TRIR
In addition to lost-time injuries, the total recordable 
injury rate (TRIR) also includes injuries where the injured 
person is able to perform restricted work the day after 
the accident as well as accidents where the injured 
person has received medical treatment.

Overhedging
When our hedged volumes are higher than our actual 
generation, we are overhedged. This is normally caused 
by lower wind speeds and lead to financial losses if 
market prices are above our hedged prices.

Wake effect
Wake within wind farms and between  neighbouring 
wind farms. There is a wake after each wind  turbine 
where the wind slows down. As the wind flow  continues, 
the wake spreads, and the wind speed recovers.

Wind speed
Shows the wind speed at Ørsted’s wind farms.  
The wind measurements are weighted on the basis 
of our generation capacity and can be compared 
to a normal wind period.

P2X
Renewable hydrogen and e-fuels, collectively referred 
to as Power-to-X (P2X).

Partnership income
Income originating from our partners’ purchase of 
ownership interests in the offshore wind farms. Includes 
both the gain in connection with the farm-down and 
the subsequent construction of the wind farm.

Power purchase agreement (PPA)
An agreement between us and a buyer/seller to 
purchase/sell the power we generate, which includes 
all commercial terms (price, delivery, volumes, etc.).

Production tax credit (PTC)
Federal tax credit based on eligible power generation 
in the US. 

ROCs
Renewable obligation certificates issued by Ofgem in 
the UK to operators of accredited generating stations 
for the eligible renewable energy they generate. 
 Operators can trade ROCs with other parties.

Tax equity
An arrangement where an investor obtains rights to 
federal tax credits and other tax attributes in exchange 
for a cash contribution.

   Ørsted annual report 2022Ørsted A/S
Kraftværksvej 53
DK-7000 Fredericia 
Tel.: +45 99 55 11 11
CVR no. 36213728

orsted.com

Group Communication
Martin Barlebo
Tel.: +45 99 55 95 52

Investor Relations
Rasmus Keglberg Hærvig
Tel.: +45 99 55 90 95

Design and layout
e-Types with Ørsted Global Design

Images
Cover, Patrick Harrison,  
Anholt Offshore Wind Farm, Denmark 

Patrick Harrison (page 4, 55, 155)
Jan Oelker (page 12)
Sally Anscombe (page 42)
Martin Juul (page 65)
Hamza Alghamdi (page 69)
Christian E. Rørbeck (page 162)
Finn Varney for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (page 172)  

All other images by Ørsted

Publication
1 February 2023