Is solar feasible in Greenland?

In this work we investigate potential solar feasibility in Greenland using the village of Qaanaaq, Greenland as a case study to demonstrate several optimized energy scenarios. 1.1. Alternative energy in the arctic Both wind turbines and solar photovoltaic (PV) are mature technologies.

Should Greenland invest in solar energy?

Even without a change in the one-price model, government investment in solar energy for communities around Greenland will lower Nukissiorfiit’s dependence on fossil fuel which would help to reduce the associated large ongoing deficits incurred by Nukissiorfiit . Table 8. Annual cost savings in USD/ Year for Solar–BES–diesel hybrid scenarios.

How much do solar panels cost in Greenland?

Solar power is not widely used in the far north of Greenland. Therefore, there is little comparison for costs of panels, transportation, and installation. In Sarfannguit, Greenland, PV prices were estimated at 2800 USD/kW in 2014 . In the Canadian Arctic, panel price estimates have exceeded 5000 USD/kW in 2019 and 2020 , .

Can wind & solar power survive extreme conditions in Greenland?

Partnering with a northern settlement in Greenland, researchers are designing wind and solar devices that can survive and thrive in extreme conditions. Qaanaaq, with its roughly 600 residents, is the northernmost town in Greenland. Credit: Mary Albert

Can solar energy reduce fossil fuel costs in Greenland?

Dramatic and ongoing reductions in the cost of solar energy and battery storage combined with copious sunlight for seven months of the year suggest that solar and storage could play an important role in reducing costs and dependence on fossil fuels in Greenland and elsewhere in the far north.

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.