Dependence оn Electricity Among the Inhabitants of the Rural Western Arctic

Abstract

This paper reviews the electricity dependence of inhabitants in the western Arctic and provides an overview of past developments of electricity supply and how the current relation between the inhabitants and electricity is structured. In the Arctic, electricity takes on a special role due to its importance for security in addition to a matter of entertainment and productivity as seen in more temperate areas (Allen et al. 2016). This paper discusses the importance of electricity in the North, including the questions of what would happen to Arctic communities in the absence of an electricity supply. A hypothetical case of a blackout is presented. Furthermore, the burden of high electricity costs in the Arctic is discussed. The results of this research may contribute new knowledge for further research on the potential energy transition in the Arctic. Furthermore, the results emphasize the importance of energy and its supply security in the Arctic, which provides support for a focal point on energy security for energy transition policies.

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

“…One crucial finding from all analyzed scenarios and cases is that the integration of renewables leads to cost savings for the consumers due to lower electricity prices in the long term, in contrast to the business-as-usual scenario. The reduction in electricity production costs can help reduce the household cost burden created by high electricity prices [4], which is likely to be of particular interest to regions with high unemployment and poverty rates, such as the Arctic. This aligns with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of clean energy (SDG 7) and no poverty (SDG 1) [58].…”

“…These high transportation costs in turn result in high electricity prices, perhaps as high as USD 1.80 per kWh [1], as fuel must be burned to generate electricity. Moreover, unemployment and poverty are common challenges in Arctic communities [2,3], and the high electricity prices impose significant additional cost burdens on inhabitants [4].…”

Availability and Feasibility of Renewable Resources for Electricity Generation in the Arctic: The Cases of Longyearbyen, Maniitsoq, and Kotzebue

“…Owing to the subsistence lifestyle, the available money is limited, and this must be considered with respect to the affordability of energy. The burden of electricity costs can be significant; for example, in Alaska, most remote communities spend up to 10%-in some extreme cases, even up to 35%-of their net income on electricity [69]. Renewable energy sources may offer a means of reducing the burden of electricity costs.…”