Renewable energy colours the Greenlandic geographical map green

Greenland’s proportion of green energy varies from town to town to settlement. With an agreement on new hydroelectric plants in Qasigiannguit and Aasiaat and the expansion of the existing one in Nuuk, green energy should spread across the Greenlandic geographical map.

Published March 12, 2022

The political course is set in Greenland, with less importing of oil from abroad and a much larger share of green energy in Greenland. The journey is long and complex, but there is more momentum for change than ever, and that development makes sense. Looking at international investments in the energy sector, there is a greater focus on renewable energy, and Greenland is gearing up to be part of future opportunities. It hopes to double the national average and reach an average of 36% green energy.  

“Modern Greenland is all about solutions and opportunities, and we in the tourism sector are proud to share this story with the world,” emphasises Hjörtur Smárason, CEO of Visit Greenland. 

A Greener Greenland

Greenland’s magnificent nature provides Nukissiorfiit (Greenland’s energy company) with some unique opportunities to produce renewable energy for their customers. By 2020, 71% of the energy Nukissiorfiit produced for the 17 towns and 53 settlements it serves was green energy from solar, wind, and hydroelectric power sources. Nukissiorfiit’s ambition is for 100% of its energy to be green by 2030. 

However, that still means there are 5 towns and 67 settlements that Nukissiorfiit does not supply with power, and they generate their power from oil sources. Therefore, development must also bring affordable green solutions to the small “off-grid” communities scattered along the Greenlandic coast.  

Nukissiorfiit’s focus on green energy is seen and felt all around Greenland. In Ilulissat, 95% of the town’s energy is green, with the town’s hydroelectric plant, in particular, helping to produce green energy. Nukissiorfiit has a total of 5 hydroelectric plants around Greenland. 

Green energy is also produced in Uummannaq. As the town has an average of 2000 hours of sunshine per year, Nukissiorfiit installed solar cells on the roof of the town’s sports hall in 2020. The solar cells in Uummannaq are the northernmost point where Nukissiorfiit has placed solar cells. The solar cells on the sports hall are used to gather experience and knowledge on how solar cells work north of the Arctic Circle.