Renewable energy company from Greenland joins AEC
NunaGreen is a renewable energy company with ambitious goals to develop hydropower in Greenland. As we welcome our new member, we spoke with CEO Aviaaja Karlshøj Knudsen about the company’s role in unlocking Greenland’s vast energy potential.
What is NunaGreen? And what is the mission for NunaGreen?
NunaGreen is a Greenlandic company with a mandate to develop renewable energy projects in Greenland through international partnerships. Our mission is to safeguard Greenland’s renewable energy interests by leading impactful projects that prioritize active ownership and the development of local expertise.
What change have you been through from NunaOil to NunaGreen?
NunaGreen was reconstructed in December 2022 following the Government of Greenland’s decision to cease oil exploration and focus on renewable energy and green transition instead. This shift marked a complete transformation for the company, and over the past 1.5 years, NunaGreen has been fully focused on establishing itself as a robust company, initiating two major hydropower projects, and building partnerships and relationships to develop Greenland’s vast energy potentials.
What role will there be for investors and construction companies regarding NunaGreen?
Investors and strategic partnerships play a crucial role for NunaGreen in advancing its ambitious goals for renewable energy development in Greenland and beyond. Within the foreseeable future NunaGreen will launch a tender for the construction of the expansion of the existing hydropower plant in Utoqqarmiut Kangerluarsunnguat near Nuuk and later the construction of a new hydropower plant in the Disko Bay area. These are significant opportunities for construction companies to undertake extensive tasks. Regarding investors, the development of large-scale potential and the advancement of other renewable energy forms, such as wind, solar, and ocean energy, require significant investments. Success in these areas depends on partnerships and a shared commitment to maturing and expanding the opportunities.
How do you work with workforce attraction and skills? Is it a challenge?
As in many other Arctic countries, skilled labor is a challenge, with strong competition for individuals with the right expertise. At NunaGreen, we are privileged to work with a mission that captures widespread interest and operates in a field experiencing immense growth and rapid innovation.
We have already assembled a strong team of local Arctic engineers and specialists in hydropower construction. Our clear goal is to continue developing NunaGreen with a focus on local talent to ensure that knowledge-building and long-term grounding become a strength for Greenland. However, on this journey, there is a distinct need to reach out to our Arctic neighbors and leverage the extensive knowledge in renewable energy that has been developed here over decades.
What motivated NunaGreen to join the Arctic Economic Council, and how does it align with your company’s mission?
NunaGreen’s motivation to join the Arctic Economic Council (AEC) stems from a shared commitment to promoting sustainable economic development across the Arctic. Membership in the AEC enables us to tap into a strong network of Arctic businesses and professionals, fostering connections with like-minded companies and experts in renewable energy. Through the AEC, we gain access to valuable expertise and best practices that are essential for navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the Arctic environment.
Additionally, NunaGreen sees AEC membership as a pathway to actively contribute to shaping Arctic policies that affect renewable energy, providing us with a platform to bring our perspectives and priorities to the table. This collaboration not only strengthens our strategic goals but also enhances our visibility and credibility in the industry, showcasing NunaGreen’s commitment to a responsible and sustainable future for Greenland and beyond.
