Energy

– for better utilisation of natural resources

Importing crude oil is very costly for the Greenlandic community, which means that alternative sources for primary energy production are in great demand.

In the field of energy, GIC and ARTEK will help to promote ideas intended to:

• reduce the consumption of oil for all kinds of industrial production
• improve industrial products, production and work processes
• make local energy supply in specific areas less resource-intensive
• use available knowledge about energy-saving components and processes as the basis for starting a commercial project

Examples of projects on which GIC and ARTEK are currently working in this area include projects centred on alternative sources of energy including:

• Solar and wind energy
• Mini-hydroelectric plants
• Heat pumps for the utilisation of sea energy
• Geothermal energy

For additional information, see “Current Activities”

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Current status of sustainable energy in Greenland

In summer 2006, ARTEK launched two projects – both with the support of the Greenlandic Home Rule Research and Development Fund for sustainable energy.

One of the primary purposes of the projects is to investigate the potential for using sources of sustainable energy such as solar power, wind power and micro-hydroelectric power in Greenland – as a supplement to the existing energy supply, of course. The reasons for this initiative include rising energy prices, great transport distances and environmental considerations.

One of the projects is being run in the village of Sarfannguaq in the Municipality of Sisimiut, while the other is based in the Municipality of Uummannaq and involves both the town of the same name and the seven other villages in the municipality. Both places have shown that conditions are excellent for utilising wind and solar energy in particular.

A common feature of the villages chosen is that they are small with correspondingly small power supplies. As a result, residents clearly notice fluctuations in energy consumption. Against this background, the projects place great emphasis on the residents’ requirements for delivery reliability and stable operation.

Project Fyrtårnsbygd-083 Sarfannguaq

The overriding idea behind the project in Sarfannguaq is to create the best possible conditions regarding the supply of electricity, heat and water and the processing of refuse – from the perspectives of both operating technology and the environment. As a result, the residents of Sarfannguaq are actively involved in the project. The goal is to establish a complete solution which, it is hoped, will serve as an example for other villages.

Project Wind and Solar energy in the Municipality of Uummannaq

The project in the Municipality of Uummannaq is closely linked to project Fyrtårnbygd-083 – Sarfannguaq. However, the primary aim of the Uummannaq project is to optimise energy supply, both in the town and in the seven villages in the municipality.

First phase is underway

Initially, the project involves measuring the potential for using solar and wind energy in particular at selected locations. A measuring mast that registers wind speed and direction has already been erected in Sisimiut. Another mast will soon be positioned in Sarfannguaq and an additional four in the Municipality of Uummannaq. Students from ARTEK are responsible for the measurements, and this part of the work is scheduled for completion at the end of November 2006. It is expected that this initial phase will be followed by a main project including the establishment of a wind turbine/solar panel installation in 2007–2008.

Partners

The two projects are being co-ordinated with the active participation of the Nukissiorfiit supply company as well as the Municipalities of Sisimiut and Uummannaq. In addition, a wide range of municipal schools are involved in the area of communication (more details: click here)

Additional information

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