Planning Statement for Qeqertalik Municipal Plan 2025-2037
1. Introduction The planning report for Municipality Qeqertalik 2025 forms a central part of the municipal plan and describes the overall development goals and framework for the municipality's physical planning. The planning report is based on the Planning Strategy 2023 and ensures coherence between national and local objectives for land use and urban development.
2. Legal basis The municipal plan is prepared in accordance with:
- Inatsisartutlov no. 34 of 9 December 2015 on Planning and Land Use.
- Inatsisartutlov no. 13 of 26 May 2010 on the protection of nature and the environment, including rules on impact assessments.
- Executive Order No. 30 of 18 December 2020 on planning and land administration.
- Other relevant sector laws and guidelines that are important for planning.
3. Main Priority Areas
- Settlement Structure: The plan replaces the term "cities and settlements" with "settlements" and clarifies categories of settlements by population.
- Land Use: Updating of subdivision regulations, land reservations and new land allocations for residential, commercial, infrastructure and recreational purposes.
- Local Planning: Specification of requirements for Local Plans, including detailed local plan provisions for specific development projects.
- Sustainability and climate considerations: Integrating climate adaptation, including the Saqqarsarneq storm and other climate-related risks, into planning.
- Energy and infrastructure: Inclusion of plans for renewable energy, including hydroelectric projects.
- Status of upcoming hydroelectric power plants at Qasiannguit
- Project Description
The Hydropower Plant at Qasiannguit will supply Aasiaat and Qasigiannguit with electricity. The plant includes high-voltage transmission lines and substations for power transmission and transformation. - EIA process
EIA process is underway and assesses the environmental consequences of the facility and infrastructure. The purpose is to ensure sustainability and minimize environmental impact. - Municipal plan supplement
The project requires updating the municipal plan in Municipality Qeqertalik, including a supplement that allows for a change in land use for the construction of the facility and infrastructure. - Involvement of Nukissiorfiit
Nukissiorfiit is responsible for the energy supply and plays a central role in both the planning and operation of the Hydropower Plant as well as the power supply to Aasiaat and Qasigiannguit. - Budget Law and schedule
The project is part of Greenland's energy strategy and funds have been allocated in the Finance Act for 2024. The first phase is expected to be completed in 2027. - Summary
The Hydropower Plant at Qasiannguit is a key project for Greenland's future energy supply, supported by the EIA process, the municipal plan amendment and Nukissiorfiit. The project is anchored in the national energy development strategy.
4. Implementation and follow-up
The plan report forms the basis for the application and implementation of the municipal plan. Follow-up takes place through the municipality's ongoing plan administration and revision of the municipal plan in line with new needs and development trends.