Can wind & solar power survive extreme conditions in Greenland?

Partnering with a northern settlement in Greenland, researchers are designing wind and solar devices that can survive and thrive in extreme conditions. Qaanaaq, with its roughly 600 residents, is the northernmost town in Greenland. Credit: Mary Albert

Does Greenland have a place-based approach to energy production?

The lack of electricity transmission between urban settlements in Greenland necessitates a place-based approach to energy production. In keeping with this, this case from Greenland is intentionally laid out differently to the others in the Handbook.

What is Greenland's primary source of energy?

Historically, Greenland’s primary source of energy has been imported fossil fuels. However, times change and 55–60% of Greenland’s energy in recent decades came from renewable resources.

Does Greenland have a future for renewables?

Although Greenland has made great strides in installing renewables, these changes have so far mostly benefited larger communities in the south of the country. Making cheap, accessible renewables work in Qaanaaq has the potential to “be good not only for this community, but for all Arctic areas”, however remote, Oshima says.

Where are Greenland's hydroelectric dams located?

Credit: Hunter T. Snyder This, in part, explains why Greenland’s 5 hydroelectric dams and 13 solar panel farms are concentrated in the more populous southwestern part of the country, where they can benefit the largest number of people (see ‘Going green’).

What kind of waste is in Greenland?

The first of these is waste, which includes household waste and cardboard boxes used in connection with the transport of food from outside Greenland. Waste material from the building industry is also included, as most houses in Greenland have concrete basement foundations, on top of which are wooden house structures.