Exploring Greenland’s Geological Potential: A Focus on CO2 Storage
The Geology Department within the Ministry of Business, Raw Materials, Energy, the Judiciary, and Equality has embarked on an ambitious drilling program on the Nipisat Peninsula, located in the southwestern region of Qeqertarsuaq, not far from the village of Kangerluk. Conducted over August and September, the initiative aims to unravel the geological makeup of the area as part of a broader strategy by Naalakkersuisut to explore Greenland’s CO2 storage potential.
Investigating Rock Structures
The drilling program’s primary goal is to examine the lava formations that underpin the region’s geological landscape. According to the ministry’s Geology Department, two holes have been drilled, from which samples—referred to as cores—have been extracted for further analysis. These cores will undergo geochemical testing, which will aid in outlining the geological strata in greater detail.
Once the drilling was concluded, the next step involved logging each hole with geophysical instruments and conducting pressure tests to assess the rock’s geotechnical properties. Notably, a temperature sensor has been installed in one of the holes. This device will monitor temperature variations throughout the depth of the borehole, and the gathered data will be accessible to researchers interested in studying permafrost and geothermal potentials in the region.
The drilling program, situated approximately 15 minutes from the village of Kangerluk, is a significant step in understanding Greenland’s geological capabilities. Photo: KSMS ApS and the Department of Natural Resources.
Funding from the EU
The entire endeavor is financially supported by the European Union’s Green Growth Pool, which has allocated DKK 43.4 million over three years to investigate the underground’s CO2 storage capabilities. Should the geotechnical and geochemical evaluations indicate promising conditions, further activities in the area are expected in the coming years, the department confirms.
According to the Geology Department in the Ministry of Raw Materials, the drilling process has yielded two boreholes from which cores are being analyzed. Photo: KSMS ApS and the Department of Natural Resources.
Collaboration with Local Partners
The drilling operations have been overseen by KSMS ApS, a company with a wealth of experience in similar projects, particularly in the Faroe Islands—where the focus was on harnessing geothermal energy. KSMS has collaborated with local service partners from communities like Qasigiannguit, Qeqertarsuaq, and especially Kangerluk, just a short boat ride away from the drilling site. This partnership has proven fruitful, with both the local workforce and the company expressing enthusiasm about continuing collaborative efforts in future projects.
As Greenland forges ahead in its exploration of geological potentials, this drilling program represents a key step in understanding the viable options for sustainable energy storage—including the critical area of carbon capture and storage. The ongoing research will not only contribute to local and national efforts but could also provide valuable insights for global climate initiatives.