Verkís to support expansion of Qorlortorsuaq Hydropower Plant in Greenland

Verkís, in cooperation with NTU International A/S, has been awarded an assignment to prepare for the expansion of the Qorlortorsuaq Hydropower Plant in South Greenland. As the main technical consultant, Verkís will support efforts to increase renewable electricity generation and strengthen the region’s energy security.

The Qorlortorsuaq Hydropower Plant supplies electricity to the towns of Qaqortoq and Narsaq in South Greenland, which have a combined population of around 4,300. The existing plant cannot fully meet the towns’ electricity demand, so diesel generators are needed to supplement hydropower generation during part of the year. The proposed expansion aims to increase the supply of renewable electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The assignment will be carried out in close cooperation with the Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut), the utility Nukissiorfiit, and the European Commission Office in Greenland. It will provide a sound basis for decisions on the proposed expansion and for future tendering and construction.

Key activities include:

• Reviewing previous investigations and undertaking additional field investigations and technical studies.
• Assessing alternative dam and tunnel designs, alongside solutions for water transfer, sediment management and flood protection.
• Updating hydrological models to account for glacial melt, sediment transport and long-term water availability.
• Preparing a revised concept design, including technical drawings, specifications and cost estimates.
• Conducting environmental and social impact assessments and identifying mitigation measures.

The proposed expansion is expected to significantly increase the water available for power generation and the plant’s generation capacity. The increased supply of renewable electricity will support communities, businesses and future economic development in South Greenland.

Verkís brings direct experience of the plant, having provided design and engineering services to the EPC contractor during its development in 2003–2007. The new assignment builds on this experience and the company’s knowledge of the site and local conditions.

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