Greenland blocks US oil company set to start drilling
The project, developed and promoted by Greenland Energy, was to be carried out in the eastern part of the Danish autonomous territory, in a region known as Nunap Qeqqa (Jameson Land).
The launch of a controversial exploratory drilling project by an American company in Greenland, scheduled for next winter, has been halted due to the lack of the necessary permits for the work. “The necessary administrative procedure cannot be completed and the required authorisations will therefore not be issued before the scheduled start date” of the work, the Greenlandic government, Naalakkersuisut, said in a statement. The project was to be carried out in the eastern part of the Danish autonomous territory, in a region known as Nunap Qeqqa (Jameson Land).
Preparatory activities suspended
The nearest village, Ittoqqortoormiit, has a population of around 300, and it is at its airport that the preparatory materials are currently being stored; these arrived on site before the American company, Greenland Energy, had obtained the necessary authorisations for the project. Since then, the company has made amends, but its actions have alarmed the Greenlanders at a time when the Arctic island has found itself in the crosshairs of US President Donald Trump.
“It is not even possible to begin preparatory work,” added the Naalakkersuisut, as the necessary environmental and social impact assessments have not yet been submitted. The Greenlandic government has asked the company to adjust its plans and revise its timetable. “The partners are now working on a timetable that envisages obtaining the necessary authorisations in the winter of 2027–2028,” Greenland Energy stated in a press release. The company has assured that it “regards this additional assessment period as an opportunity to further strengthen the project planning and optimise logistical and infrastructure requirements”. (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor)
