Greenland Country Update

Abstract

The exploration of geothermal energy in Greenland is still at an early stage. Surface manifestations of geothermal activity are rare in this large country. They are mainly found in the basaltic areas at Scoresbysund and Disko and a single geothermal site is in Unartoc South Greenland used for bathing. The Greenland Glacier covers over 80% of the country and the majority of all hot springs and geothermal sites are believed to be ice covered. The highest temperature is found on the east coast, north and south of Scoresbysund, and the warmest spring there is near Cap Tobin, 62°C. The warmest one in Disko is around 18°C and in Unartoc the temperature is 37°C. A limited investigation has been made into the possibility of geothermal utilisation in Disko, West Greenland. Twelve small geothermal fields are known there. One of the warmest is near the town Qeqertarsuaq. Research drilling has been suggested but no action has been taken because of nature conservation. Limited information about the geothermal gradient and heat flow in Greenland has been reported. Currently, geothermal water is used in natural spas in one or two places for bathing, balneology and tourism with little economic return.