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. Rather than highlight only one case, we explore three quite different examples of innovative approaches to energy production that together contribute to increasing the reliability and sustainability of Greenland’s energy system as a whole. These include turning fish residues and other waste into district heating (Sisimiut), individual use of renewable energy to revitalise a forgotten place (Saarloq) and generating hydropower using glacial meltwater (Ilulissat). It is important to acknowledge here that renewable energy initiatives in-and-of-themselves are not necessarily examples of green growth. However, it is not difficult to argue that access to locally sustainable, reliable energy sources in an environment such as Greenland are an important foundation for regional economic development.
A short history of energy production in Greenland
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. Greenland has five hydroelectric power plants and also uses heat from waste incineration plants operated by municipalities to provide heating in several of the towns in Greenland. A major challenge in Greenland is the lack of a coherent energy transmission system, which means that the Greenland energy supply system is based on individual island operation systems, with a need for backup capacity in every community. This set-up presents challenges when relying upon unpredictable sources of energy such as solar and wind. It is also difficult to utilise surplus energy in other locations. However, things are changing on this front; since January 1, 2014, renewable energy generators may receive a subsidy based on the cost of having to supply the equivalent amount of energy by non-renewable means.
Case study #1: Turning fish residues and other waste into district heating
The town of Sisimiut focused on the development of a district heating system from an early stage. Sisimiut’s district heating is powered from two main sources. 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. The second source of Sisimiut’s power is fish residues and fish oil. Sisimiut has an extensive processing capacity related to fisheries. During the 1990s, it became obvious that waste from the industry could become an important energy source. In particular, the processing of Greenland halibut residues meant that they could deliver a substantial amount of fish oil that could be included in the district heating system. This enabled higher temperatures to be maintained in the incineration process, which ensured better heating energy and reduced pollution in the local environment.
Case study #2: Renewable energy supply in remote places
The village of Saarloq was abandoned as a fishing village over 20 years ago, but many of the houses have been revitalised and converted into residences so that school classes can access the wilderness for education. The church has also been restored completely and several houses are now individually or family owned summer houses. Because the houses are mainly used in the summer season, some of the owners have started experimenting with solar panels, heat pumps and windmills for energy. Most of the energy and heating can be provided using these installations, which ensures that otherwise derelict places are used and maintained on a regular basis. This is an ideal solution for remote locations without any link to a larger energy system.
Case study #3: Generating hydropower using glacial meltwater
Ilulissat is the third largest community in Greenland and home to an unmanned hydropower plant that uses glacial meltwater to produce electricity (see figure: Generating hydropower with glacial meltwater). The plant’s turbines are located 200 meters below the surface and are fed through a tunnel that connects to a meltwater lake (Knap 2012). The plant is incredibly difficult to reach and, as such, is completely automated and designed for off-site operation. The 22.5 megawatt plant replaces an existing diesel-driven power plant and provides enough electricity to power the whole town.