For years already, there has been a discussion about a new energy supply for Longyearbyen. The old coal power plant should have been replaced years ago, preferably with a more environmentally friendly and reliable energy source. A wide range of possible solutions has been discussed over the years.
Finally, a decision is now been made. The result may surprise at a first glance, but second thoughts will reveal great wisdom, considering the solution that has, in its essence, been used by indigenous cultures for ages around the globe, something that will suit the little arctic settlement in Spitsbergen well.
The new power supply will be based on biomass. The highlight of the new system is that it will be based on a local energy source, namely reindeer droppings, just as camel muck that has been used by nomadic people in hot deserts for generations.
Longyearbyen will get a power plant based on biomass, fired with reindeer droppings.
The decision is based on considerations and calculations that were made possible by the local reindeer population census of 2019, which yielded a total number of more than 22,000 animals. The reindeer don’t do anything else than turning tundra vegetation into precious fuel – and they produce more than enough to guarantee a sufficient supply of energy. Additionally, the droppings dry quickly in the arid high-arctic climate.
Technology to automatically collect the droppings on the tundra is currently being developed, based on automatic vacuum cleaners.