Nukissiorfiit Charts a New Course for Greenland’s Energy Future
The landscape of Greenland’s energy sector is poised for a significant transformation, with Nukissiorfiit preparing to embark on an ambitious new phase. At the heart of this endeavor lies the expansion of the Utoqqarmiut Kangerluarsunnguat hydroelectric plant, which will more than double its annual production from about 255 to an impressive 660 gigawatt-hours. This leap promises to yield a substantial surplus of green energy for Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
“We are genuinely excited about this expansion,” noted Johan Danielsen, director of energy at Nukissiorfiit. “It’s a significant step forward for us.”
Danielsen elaborated on plans for a workshop aimed at harnessing this excess capacity, a collaborative effort involving Nalik Ventures, Grønlands Erhverv, and NunaGreen—the companies at the forefront of the hydropower plant’s expansion.
From Scarcity to Abundance
The Utoqqarmiut Kangerluarsunnguat hydroelectric plant, which has been providing electricity to Nuuk since 1993, operates at a current capacity of 45 MW. With the city’s growth, the existing infrastructure is nearing its limit. The upcoming expansion will add another 55 MW, bringing the total to around 660 gigawatt-hours.
“When we achieve this surplus of hydropower, we must approach its use with care. This extra capacity cannot simply be squandered; it needs to serve as a catalyst for growth and job creation,” Danielsen emphasized.
Paving the Path Forward
On October 22, Nukissiorfiit, alongside Nalik Ventures, NunaGreen, and Grønlands Erhverv, will host a workshop in Nuuk to explore how to leverage this newfound energy surplus. Inviting both businesses and public authorities, including Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, the aim is to strategize on ways to bolster urban development and local commerce.
“This isn’t a task we can tackle alone. It’s vital for the business sector and the municipality to collaborate on how we can derive value from this surplus,” he said.
The potential applications range widely, from electrifying homes and businesses to nurturing energy-intensive industries, such as data centers.
A Commitment to the Entire Nation
While the surplus energy in Nuuk presents exciting local opportunities, Danielsen was quick to remind us of Nukissiorfiit’s broader commitment to all of Greenland. The company facilitates electricity, water, and heat supply across nearly all towns and villages, with five hydroelectric plants currently powering six towns and the remainder still reliant on generators.
“We have a duty to ensure supply throughout the country while continuing the green transition. Many of our facilities have been operational for decades, and maintenance and modernization are just as important as new projects,” the energy director explained.
New Leadership at the Helm
Johan Danielsen, with roots in Uummannaq and over two decades in Nuuk, recently transitioned from financial director to energy director at Nukissiorfiit. Educated in administration and finance at Ilisimatusarfik, Danielsen also holds an HDR in accounting and brings valuable experience from roles in Air Greenland and Tusass.
As he sets his sights on maintaining the company’s strategic direction through to 2030, he noted that four crucial pillars will guide these efforts: security of supply, green transition, efficient delivery, and fostering an engaged organizational culture.
“The surplus from Utoqqarmiut Kangerluarsunnguat is a key component of that strategy,” he affirmed.
Green Energy as a Catalyst for Growth
Currently, about 70 percent of Greenland’s energy production relies on renewable sources. The Buksefjorden expansion is set to amplify this figure, opening doors to new business ventures.
“Stable, green energy equips companies with access to fresh opportunities,” Danielsen remarked.
Preparing for 2032
While the enhanced capacity is not anticipated to become available until 2032, groundwork preparations are already in progress. The upcoming workshop is just the initial step in a long-term plan.
“We can’t wait for 2032 to figure out how to make the most of this surplus. The groundwork must begin now, and we have been actively preparing to ensure we can create value right from the start,” Danielsen stated.
With the expansion of the Utoqqarmiut Kangerluarsunnguat hydroelectric plant, Greenland is on the brink of one of its largest energy investments in recent history. For Nukissiorfiit and the broader Greenlandic business community, this initiative represents a critical juncture, where green energy can catalyze growth and development across the region.