Naalakkersuisoq for the Environment, Nature, Energy, and Research, Jørgen “Juulut” Rosbach, has held public meetings in Kangerlussuaq, Kangaamiut, and Maniitsoq regarding the upcoming tender for hydropower potential at Tasersiaq and Tarsartuup Tasersua. In total, just over 100 residents attended the meetings at the three different locations.
The purpose of the public meetings was to provide an update on the status of the work regarding the upcoming tender for the hydropower potential at Tasersiaq and Tarsartuup Tasersua, as well as to listen to local perspectives and gather input, which will be incorporated into Naalakkersuisut’s ongoing work to establish the final tender criteria.
At the meetings, the Naalakkersuisoq announced that the Naalakkersuisut expects to publish the prequalification process regarding the right to exploit hydropower potential this fall. Once the prequalification process is complete, the Naalakkersuisut expects to have selected the three companies to be invited to the final bidding round by the first half of 2027. At that time, Naalakkersuisut will also have a more detailed basis for evaluating the specific project proposals, including how the energy from the hydropower potential is intended to be used and what activities the projects are expected to encompass.
At all the public meetings, topics such as local employment, education, impacts on nature and the environment, and the local economic benefits of a potential project were discussed.
In both Kangerlussuaq and Kangaamiut, questions focused on the project’s impact on nature, including wildlife, hunting interests, fishing, and cultural heritage. Questions were also raised about the project’s finances, how revenue from a potential project would be distributed, and what local benefits and jobs the project could create.
In Maniitsoq, there was a particular focus on how a potential project could contribute to local development, jobs, and long-term growth. Many residents called on the Naalakkersuisut to require companies to create local jobs and ensure education and skills development, as well as to locate the downstream industry in a way that maximizes sustainable development in Maniitsoq. At the same time, residents emphasized their desire for development to proceed with respect for nature and local fishing and hunting interests.
The Naalakkersuisoq noted that the legislation already requires companies to use local labor and local contractors and to comply with statutory environmental requirements, including an approved environmental impact assessment report.
A recurring theme at the public meetings among residents and local municipal representatives was the desire that any potential project not only contribute to revenue for the country as a whole, but also generate lasting benefits for the local communities and the municipality affected by the project. This included, among other things, issues related to employment, education, skills development, and local value creation.
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the meetings. I saw a great deal of engagement and heard many relevant questions. We have received specific requests regarding jobs, education, environmental considerations, and more lasting benefits for the local community. This will be incorporated into our ongoing work to establish the final selection criteria, says Naalakkersuisoq for the Environment, Nature, Energy, and Research, Jørgen Rosbach.
Naalakkersuisut wishes to ensure dialogue with the municipality regarding local concerns. As a first step, the Naalakkersuisoq will invite the municipal council to a meeting about the project.
The public meetings were held with support from the EU as part of the Green Growth Agreement between the EU and Greenland.
