Is Greenland a potential E-Fuels hub?

Greenland's transition from a fossil fuels-based system to a 100% renewable energy system between 2019 and 2050 and its position as a potential e-fuels and e-chemicals production hub for Europe, Japan, and South Korea, has been investigated in this study using the EnergyPLAN model.

How much energy is needed in Greenland in 2050?

In 2050, curtailment of about 4% of the total electricity generation is required, a value known if three renewable resources complement each other in a sector coupled energy system . In the reference system, a major share of heating in Greenland is supplied by district heating, which is dominant in larger towns.

Why is Greenland so vulnerable to oil prices?

Greenland's energy system is very vulnerable to oil prices, as it relies on imported oil. Rich wind resources complementary with solar resources may enable a transition to a sustainable and self-sufficient energy system.

Does Greenland have a future for renewables?

Although Greenland has made great strides in installing renewables, these changes have so far mostly benefited larger communities in the south of the country. Making cheap, accessible renewables work in Qaanaaq has the potential to “be good not only for this community, but for all Arctic areas”, however remote, Oshima says.

Does Greenland have a place-based approach to energy production?

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.

What challenges does Greenland face?

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.