Preparations to start the controversial hydrocarbon exploration in Greenland in the “winter 2026-2027” continue “day by day,” “away from public attention” and without the relevant permit from the Government of this territory dependent on Denmark. This was communicated by the American energy company Greenland Energy, which has shareholders and executives close to President Donald Trump and finances the disputed project.
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The corporate note confirms some relaxation of the original plan for drilling in the Arctic tundra, in the Jameson Land region, in eastern Greenland. The operation will be limited to two fields, out of the three projected in the operation promoted by the American firm together with the British company 80 Mile, which controls the exploration licenses in Greenland.
The Nuuk government suspended the issuance of hydrocarbon prospecting licenses in 2021, after almost 50 years of work without economically positive results. 80 Mile retains three licenses, still in force, to drill the Jameson tundra, which it acquired with the absorption of the original permit holder, White Flame Energy, in 2015.
An independent study, prepared by the consultancy Sproule ERCE, specialized in the sector, estimates that the eastern Greenland basin contains 13,000 barrels of recoverable crude oil. Greenland Energy finances, according to the initial agreement, one hundred percent of the drilling operations of “two wells of 3,500 meters” depth, planned to begin in the second half of 2026. The transaction includes the transfer of 70% of 80 Mile’s capital to its American partner, once the works are completed, according to the British firm’s strategic report.
The drill rigs remain silent, for now, but the logistics are in place. Machinery, paths, vehicles, tools, and specialized equipment have been sent to Greenland in “300 large maritime containers,” according to the newspaper The Guardian. Other reports point to the unloading of heavy cargo at Nerlerit Inaat, an airport near the city of Ittoqqortoormiit, on the Jameson Land peninsula.
Greenland Energy describes the relations established with the Greenlandic authorities as “constructive” in order to obtain the green light for the controversial prospecting in the Arctic. It asks its investors for patience and at the same time defends the progress of technical and logistical preparations, which continue in the shadow of public spotlights. “Large-scale exploration campaigns in the Arctic require months of preparation before the first drill bit begins to drill. Waiting for permits to be granted before starting logistical preparations would unnecessarily delay operations and pose the risk of losing valuable time within Greenland’s limited operating season.”
The two partners are aiming for winter to reopen wells in the fragile Arctic space, which Trump has threatened to invade repeatedly. People from his circle have entered Greenland Energy, such as Republican donor Kenneth Griffin or Carol Craig, founder of Sidus Space, a Defense company involved in the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system.
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