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Availability and Feasibility of Renewable Resources for Electricity Generation in the Arctic: The Cases of Longyearbyen, Maniitsoq, and Kotzebue

Author

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  • Magnus de Witt

    (Department of Engineering, Reykjavík University, IS-102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

  • Hlynur Stefánsson

    (Department of Engineering, Reykjavík University, IS-102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

  • Ágúst Valfells

    (Department of Engineering, Reykjavík University, IS-102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

  • Joan Nymand Larsen

    (Stefansson Arctic Institute, IS-600 Akureyri, Iceland
    Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Akureyri, IS-600 Akureyri, Iceland)

Abstract

Currently, the dominant energy source for electricity generation in the Arctic is diesel, which is well proven for Arctic conditions. However, diesel is expensive in the Arctic, often due to long and complicated fuel transportation routes, and so inhabitants of Arctic communities can face high electricity costs. This paper investigates whether renewable energy resources can be harvested in a feasible and cost-competitive manner. The paper highlights which renewable energy resources are generally available in the Arctic and analyzes how renewable resources, such as hydropower, wind, and photovoltaics, can be used. Furthermore, we present three specific case studies to provide in-depth insight. A simulation with different energy generation scenarios using different renewable energy sources and penetration levels was performed for each case. The results indicate that renewables can be a cost-competitive option and that the optimal mix of renewables varies for different communities. Stakeholders and experts from the case study communities were also interviewed and their responses indicated a general acceptance of renewables.

Suggested Citation

  • Magnus de Witt & Hlynur Stefánsson & Ágúst Valfells & Joan Nymand Larsen, 2021. "Availability and Feasibility of Renewable Resources for Electricity Generation in the Arctic: The Cases of Longyearbyen, Maniitsoq, and Kotzebue," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:8708-:d:608298
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Magnus de Witt & Ágúst Valfells & Joan Nymand Larsen & Hlynur Stefánsson, 2022. "Simulation of Pathways toward Low-Carbon Electricity Generation in the Arctic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-22, November.
    2. Galimova, Tansu & Satymov, Rasul & Keiner, Dominik & Breyer, Christian, 2024. "Sustainable energy transition of Greenland and its prospects as a potential Arctic e-fuel and e-chemical export hub for Europe and East Asia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 286(C).
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