Projects
The Qorlortorsuaq Hydropower Plant in South Greenland supplies electricity to the towns of Qaqortoq and Narsaq.
The existing plant was designed and constructed between 2003 and 2007 and has played an important role in the development of renewable energy production in the region. The plant replaced diesel generators that had previously supplied electricity to the two towns, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Verkís is now involved in a new chapter in the development of the plant. In cooperation with NTU International A/S, Verkís is working on preparations for the planned expansion of the Qorlortorsuaq Hydropower Plant and is acting as the project’s lead technical consultant. The objective is to increase hydropower generation, improve the supply of renewable electricity and strengthen energy security in Qaqortoq, Narsaq and the surrounding areas.
The existing plant does not fully meet the electricity demand of the two towns, and diesel generators therefore have to supplement hydropower during part of the year. The planned expansion aims to increase the amount of water available for power generation and thereby further reduce the need for fossil fuels.
The project preparation includes a review of previous studies, additional field investigations and technical assessments, as well as a review of the preliminary design. Possible dam and tunnel configurations will be compared, together with solutions for water conveyance, sediment management and flood protection. Hydrological models will also be updated to account for factors such as glacial melt, sediment transport and long-term changes in water availability.
Verkís will also contribute to the preparation of technical drawings, specifications and cost estimates, as well as assessments of environmental and social impacts and recommendations for mitigation measures. The work is being carried out in close cooperation with Naalakkersuisut, the Government of Greenland, Nukissiorfiit and the European Commission’s Office in Greenland.
The project builds on Verkís’ extensive experience with the Qorlortorsuaq Hydropower Plant. During the development of the existing plant, Verkís was responsible for all design and engineering for the main contractor, except for the transmission line. This included feasibility studies, site selection, preparation of the EPC tender, tender design, detailed design of all structures, and the design and review of electrical and mechanical equipment. This experience now provides an important foundation for the preparation of the plant’s next phase.
Total Installed Capacity
Annual Generation
Transmission Line
The existing Qorlortorsuaq Hydropower Plant does not fully meet the growing electricity demand in Qaqortoq and Narsaq, meaning diesel generators have to supplement hydropower during part of the year. At the same time, the expansion must take into account challenging natural conditions in Greenland, including glacial melt, variations in water flow, sediment transport and potential flooding.
The preparation of the expansion therefore requires the project team to build on previous studies and experience from the existing plant while reassessing the underlying assumptions using new data and updated models.
Verkís, in cooperation with NTU International A/S, is providing technical support for the preparation of the expansion. Previous studies and designs will be reviewed, with additional investigations carried out where required.
Potential dam, tunnel and water conveyance solutions will be compared, while solutions for sediment management and flood protection will also be developed. Hydrological models will be updated to reflect glacial melt, sediment transport and long-term changes in water availability.
The preliminary design will also be reviewed, with technical drawings, specifications and cost estimates prepared as part of the process. Environmental and social impacts will be assessed and appropriate mitigation measures identified.
The planned expansion of the Qorlortorsuaq Hydropower Plant is an important step towards increasing the supply of renewable electricity in South Greenland. Increased hydropower generation will provide better capacity to meet the electricity demand of Qaqortoq and Narsaq and reduce the need for diesel generation.
The project builds on the knowledge and experience Verkís gained through the design and development of the existing plant, combining this expertise with new investigations, updated hydrological assumptions and modern solutions for further hydropower development in the region.
Technical information
Location:
Qorlortorsuaq, Greenland
Size:
27,5 kWh
Project period:
2003 – 2007 / 2026
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