Greenland already obtained about 87% of its electricity from low-carbon sources in 2022—an impressive achievement, with hydropower providing all of that clean electricity. Fossil fuels supplied the remaining 13%, or roughly one-eighth. The next challenge is to electrify transport, heating and industry, which will require much more electricity while further reducing dependence on fossil fuels and their associated climate emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Greenland?

Electricity consumption per person is growing and reached a new record in 2022. Total consumption was about 9,650 kWh per person, exceeding the previous record of roughly 9,280 kWh in 2020 by 372 kWh, or about 4%. Low-carbon electricity generation also set a record, reaching approximately 8,400 kWh per person—about 720 kWh, or 9%, above its previous peak in 2021. This growth in clean electricity is encouraging progress toward supporting wider electrification.

Suggestions

Greenland can build on its strong hydropower foundation by expanding suitable hydroelectric capacity and strengthening electricity networks to deliver more clean power. Solar electricity could complement hydropower, particularly during Greenland’s long summer days, with storage and coordinated operation helping match supply to demand. Greenland should also consider nuclear electricity as a potential longer-term source of dependable low-carbon generation, assessing options suited to its electricity system and future demand. Planning this expansion alongside electric heating, transport and industry would help turn additional clean generation into practical benefits.

History

The supplied history shows little reported year-to-year change in hydropower generation from 2001 through 2008, followed by an increase of about 0.1 TWh in 2009. Another gain of approximately 0.1 TWh followed in 2011. The listed years from 2013 through 2020, as well as 2022, show no change at the data’s reported precision. These figures highlight two notable steps forward amid long stretches of apparent stagnation, underscoring the importance of renewed growth in clean electricity to support Greenland’s next phase of electrification.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade