Nukissiorfiit’s Canteen Hosts Vital Workshop on Surplus Energy
At the end of October, the canteen of Nukissiorfiit was abuzz with activity as the energy company, in partnership with NunaGreen—the developer of the Utoqqarmiut Kangerluarsunnguat hydroelectric plant expansion—and Greenland’s Business and Nalik Ventures, convened a workshop titled “Utilize the Potential in Surplus Energy.” This event drew a significant crowd from Nuuk’s business community, highlighting the shared interest in the region’s energy future.
The workshop aimed to foster a dialogue about how to best allocate the surplus energy projected to be available upon completion of the hydropower expansion in 2032.
Strong Participation Signals Commitment to Green Energy
The event witnessed a remarkable turnout from various stakeholders, including representatives from Nukissiorfiit, Grønlands Erhverv, NunaGreen, Nalik Ventures, and several other local businesses and consulting firms. The enthusiasm underscored a collective commitment to advancing green energy initiatives.
“The workshop has demonstrated significant potential for enhancing the allocation of green energy once the hydropower facility expands,” said Johan Danielsen, Nukissiorfiit’s director of energy. “However, it’s crucial to establish an appealing framework for its utilization.”
Bids Received for Hydropower Expansion
In a significant development, NunaGreen has received bids from international consortia aimed at the expansion project. While evaluations of these proposals are ongoing, NunaGreen’s director recently expressed optimism about adhering to the timeline and commencing major construction in the spring of 2026.
“We anticipate bids that will enable us to stay on schedule,” stated Aviaaja Karlshøj Knudsen. Once evaluations are complete, they will guide the final contractor selection process.
NunaGreen is also progressing with plans for a new hydroelectric facility in Disko Bay, which will provide renewable energy to Qasigiannguit and Aasiaat.
The expansion of the Utoqqarmiut Kangerluarsunnguat hydroelectric plant is set to double its annual output from approximately 255 to 660 gigawatt-hours, delivering around 55 megawatts and positioning Nuuk to benefit from a significant surplus of renewable energy.
Green Energy as a Catalyst for Growth
The workshop featured participation from Naaja H. Nathanielsen, the Naalakkersuisut for Business, Raw Materials, Energy, Justice, and Equality, who articulated ambitious political goals for the energy sector. Key presentations included insights from NunaGreen on the expansion project, discussions of energy flows by Nukissiorfiit’s operations consultant, and frameworks for entrepreneurship by Nalik Ventures.
Additionally, Tusass A/S introduced their data center project in Nuuk, intended to run on hydropower, while Sikuki Harbor A/S highlighted opportunities for providing shore power to vessels.
Industry Growth Hinges on Affordable Energy
Discussions revealed that while Greenland stands at the brink of a substantial energy opportunity, the pricing of electricity will be pivotal in transforming this surplus into economic growth. Several participants pointed out that new industries—including data centers and mining—would only materialize if energy costs decrease, given the absence of CO2 taxes on fossil fuel use in Greenland.
Danielsen explained that electricity prices are determined politically. “Many questions arose regarding our pricing structure and potential discounts for entrepreneurs. Currently, we can negotiate sales of electricity, water, and heat under special conditions in areas with surplus capacity. However, these arrangements must not distort competition and need political approval.”
He assured that feedback from the workshop regarding pricing and other pressing concerns would be shared with relevant government departments.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Green Development
Nukissiorfiit is planning a follow-up workshop in the spring, focusing on concrete collaborations aimed at maximizing surplus energy utilization. “Selling surplus energy is not merely a technical issue—it’s a collaborative project for all of Greenland,” Danielsen emphasized.
By harnessing the diverse skills and experiences present in the nation, he believes it’s possible to forge a stronger, greener, and more self-sufficient future.