Electricity in Greenland in 2022

In 2022, Greenland's electricity generation was predominantly low-carbon, with over three-quarters of its electricity coming from hydropower — precisely 76.79%. This robust reliance on clean energy contrasts notably with the remaining 23.21% derived from fossil fuels. Such a high percentage of low-carbon electricity highlights Greenland's significant investment in sustainable energy practices. By relying primarily on hydropower, Greenland has minimized the environmental impact of its electricity production, making a substantial contribution to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

Suggestions

To further enhance its low-carbon electricity portfolio, Greenland could learn from countries with successful clean energy strategies. Denmark, for instance, generates nearly 60% of its electricity from wind power, showcasing a robust model of harnessing wind energy, which Greenland might emulate given its similar geographic characteristics and potential wind resources. Additionally, countries like Lithuania and Ireland generate more than a third of their electricity from wind, demonstrating the viability and benefits of wind energy expansion. Learning from these countries, Greenland could diversify its low-carbon energy sources by investing in wind power, taking advantage of its natural resources to further reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.

History

Greenland's history with low-carbon electricity predominantly features hydropower, with consistent production until subtle changes in the last few years. From 2001 until the end of the first decade, there was a stable period with no variation in hydroelectric output. This steadiness was briefly altered in 2009 and 2011, with modest increases of 0.1 TWh. After another stretch of stability, similar increments occurred in 2020, reflecting periodic advancements in hydroelectric capacity. Notably, in 2022, there was a slight decline of 0.1 TWh. Despite this minor drop, the consistent focus on hydropower over these decades underscores Greenland's long-standing commitment to sustainable electricity generation. By exploring additional avenues for low-carbon electricity, such as incorporating wind energy techniques learned from countries like Denmark, Greenland could ensure continued growth in clean energy production.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources