Greenland Energy, an American company tied to people close to Donald Trump, has begun logistical preparations for oil drilling in eastern Greenland without the necessary approvals from local authorities.
Greenland Energy, an American energy company whose founders are close associates of President Donald Trump, is preparing for controversial oil drilling in Greenland. The operation is proceeding without the necessary permits from the authorities of this autonomous Danish territory, sparking a sharp reaction from the local government and fear among the population.
In late July 2026, 15 containers and heavy construction machinery arrived at Nerlerit Inaat Airport, located on the shore of one of Greenland's fjords. The equipment was delivered by White Flame Energy, which moved assets from Tasiilaq without seeking permission. The Government of Greenland stated that "the license holder did not obtain the necessary permits from the competent authority before commencing operations" and that a formal warning would be sent to the responsible company.
According to El Mundo, a total of 300 large maritime containers with equipment, machinery, and specialized tools have been sent to Greenland. Greenland Energy defended its move in a corporate notice, emphasizing that "large-scale Arctic exploration campaigns require months of preparation before the first drill bit turns" and that waiting for permits before logistical preparations would unnecessarily delay operations and jeopardize precious time within Greenland's short operational season. The company described its relationship with Greenlandic authorities as "constructive."
The project targets the Jameson Land peninsula in eastern Greenland. Estimates of oil reserves vary: G1 Globo cites around 13 billion barrels, worth approximately one trillion dollars, while El Mundo, citing a study by consulting firm Sproule ERCE, mentions 13,000 barrels of crude oil. Greenland Energy CEO Robert Price said during a visit to the region: "It will be like the oil fields of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. Pressure and oil will gush before our eyes."
According to plans, the first well, 3,500 meters deep, is expected to begin in October 2026. El Mundo reports that two wells of the same depth are planned, with operations limited to two of the three originally envisioned reservoirs. British company 80 Mile PLC, which acquired White Flame Energy and holds three valid exploration licenses, has partnered with Greenland Energy. Under the initial agreement, the American partner finances 100% of drilling operations and, upon completion, takes over 70% of 80 Mile's equity. Sources also differ on the acquisition year: El Mundo cites 2015, while G1 Globo mentions license acquisitions in 2014 and 2018.
Greenland Energy was founded in 2025, with founders including Larry Sweet and Carol Craig, individuals close to Donald Trump. Craig is also the founder of defense company Sidus Space, involved in developing the "Golden Dome" missile defense system that Trump wants to install in Greenland. Republican donor Kenneth Griffin has also invested in the company.
The company's involvement coincides with President Trump's renewed public statements about Greenland. In an interview with conservative journalist Steve Gruber, he stated that the territory would be under U.S. control before the end of his term in 2029. On his Truth Social platform, he posted an AI-generated image of his face looking down from the sky over a Greenlandic village, captioned "Hello Greenland."
Talk show host and podcaster Dr. Phil, a known Trump supporter, announced a trip to Ittoqqortoormiit to film a documentary series about the project, saying: "I'm going to Greenland for one of the most exciting energy expeditions of all time. I'll be there for the 'first drill strike.'"
Despite promises of job creation made by Robert Price at a meeting with residents in June 2026, the project has met strong opposition. Protests have been held in several settlements on the island, initiated by residents of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only settlement near the planned wells.
Hans Brønlund, chairman of the Ittoqqortoormiit local council, expressed deep concern in a post on X: "Now we know that foreign companies plan to drill in our fragile backyard, Jameson Land, without respect for our true future. If an oil spill occurs on our ice-covered land, not only will nature be destroyed. Our hunting culture, our way of life, and the future of Ittoqqortoormiit will also be forever destroyed."
The Government of Greenland suspended the issuance of new oil exploration licenses in 2021 after nearly 50 years of unsuccessful attempts. The licenses acquired earlier by White Flame Energy, now controlled by 80 Mile, remain valid.
