As global temperatures rise and fossil fuels dwindle, Greenland is stepping into the spotlight with a surprising asset: geothermal energy. Buried beneath the island’s icy crust lies intense heat capable of powering entire communities — cleanly and sustainably.
🔋 How Geothermal Wells Work
Geothermal wells tap into the Earth’s internal heat by drilling several kilometers deep into the crust. In Greenland, where tectonic activity is higher than previously believed, this allows for a consistent energy yield with minimal emissions.
📊 Energy Output and Potential
- Estimated geothermal output in 2025: 45 MW (megawatts)
- Projects under development: 3 major geothermal fields
- Projected energy contribution by 2030: Over 150 MW
According to ResearchGate, Greenland has the capacity to produce over 1,000 MW of geothermal energy annually — enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.
🌱 Why It Matters
Greenland's geothermal efforts contribute to:
- Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels
- Minimizing carbon footprint
- Providing stable energy to remote Arctic communities
🌍 Global Impact
As Arctic ice melts and infrastructure becomes more accessible, Greenland's geothermal blueprint could serve as a model for other cold-climate nations seeking low-emission, renewable energy alternatives.
🔗 Sources
- Geothermal Energy Potential in Greenland – ResearchGate
- ScienceDirect: Renewable energy in Arctic regions
- NREL Report on Arctic Geothermal Feasibility
Written by Natural World 50 | Alternative Energy Section
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