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Simulation of Pathways toward Low-Carbon Electricity Generation in the Arctic

Author

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  • Magnus de Witt

    (Department of Engineering, Reykjavik University, Menntavegur 1, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

  • Ágúst Valfells

    (Department of Engineering, Reykjavik University, Menntavegur 1, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

  • Joan Nymand Larsen

    (Stefansson Arctic Institute, University of Akureyri, Borgir, Norðurslóð, 600 Akureyri, Iceland)

  • Hlynur Stefánsson

    (Department of Engineering, Reykjavik University, Menntavegur 1, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

Abstract

This paper examines the various pathways toward energy transition available to remote Arctic communities. Inhabitants of Arctic communities often face significant cost burdens due to high energy prices. Electricity costs are particularly high, due in part to the predominant use of diesel for electricity generation in over 80% of remote Arctic communities. This study examines the different approaches for integrating renewable energy sources, with a focus on the different strategies that might be implemented to finance the energy transition toward greater use of such renewable sources. The high costs associated with project realization in the remote Arctic present special challenges. This study uses a system dynamics model to evaluate the various financing tools available to facilitate the energy transition. The model results indicate that the integration of renewable energy sources has the potential to yield long-term electricity cost savings for the remote Arctic communities in question.

Suggested Citation

  • Magnus de Witt & Ágúst Valfells & Joan Nymand Larsen & Hlynur Stefánsson, 2022. "Simulation of Pathways toward Low-Carbon Electricity Generation in the Arctic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-22, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:22:p:15311-:d:976375
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ringkjøb, Hans-Kristian & Haugan, Peter M. & Nybø, Astrid, 2020. "Transitioning remote Arctic settlements to renewable energy systems – A modelling study of Longyearbyen, Svalbard," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
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    3. Magnus de Witt & Hlynur Stefánsson & Ágúst Valfells & Joan Nymand Larsen, 2021. "Availability and Feasibility of Renewable Resources for Electricity Generation in the Arctic: The Cases of Longyearbyen, Maniitsoq, and Kotzebue," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-20, August.
    4. Domon, Shohei & Hirota, Mayu & Kono, Tatsuhito & Managi, Shunsuke & Matsuki, Yusuke, 2022. "The long-run effects of congestion tolls, carbon tax, and land use regulations on urban CO2 emissions," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
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    7. de Witt, Magnus & Stefánsson, Hlynur & Valfells, Ágúst & Larsen, Joan Nymand, 2021. "Energy resources and electricity generation in Arctic areas," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 144-156.
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    Cited by:

    1. Buenau, K.E. & Sather, N.K. & Arkema, K.K., 2025. "A marine energy and ecosystem service framework for coastal communities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    2. Galimova, Tansu & Satymov, Rasul & Keiner, Dominik & Breyer, Christian, 2024. "Sustainable energy transition of Greenland and its prospects as a potential Arctic e-fuel and e-chemical export hub for Europe and East Asia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 286(C).

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