The Arctic Circle Podcast Greenland’s Business Future
Feb 10, 2026
Naaja H. Nathanielsen, Greenland’s minister overseeing business, energy and resources, speaks about balancing investor interest with local needs. She highlights hydropower priorities, plans for energy exports and green industry, and the challenges of mining licenses and ESG standards. Infrastructure, tourism growth, and international climate-tech partnerships also feature in the conversation.
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Ask Investors What Scenarios Make Projects Viable
- Engage investors with multiple scenarios rather than one fixed plan and ask them what they need to make projects viable.
- Nathanielsen described issuing requests for information and planning tenders while exploring aluminum, data centers, and future CCS use.
Secure Social License With Clear Local Answers
- Maintain high ESG standards and prioritise local community dialogue to secure social license for mining.
- Nathanielsen says rapid licensing is possible but companies must answer two local questions: jobs for families and environmental hazards.
Early Interest In Space Ground Stations
- Interest in space infrastructure exists but policy is immature and some jurisdictional control remains with Denmark.
- Nathanielsen says a few parties have reached out and Greenland is open to dialogue but it's early days.