Enhanced Connectivity for Hydro Power Plant: A Case Study in Greenland

Greenland's government-owned energy company Nukissiorfiit operates one of the most isolated hydroelectric power facilities on Earth at Buksefjord. The power generated from there is transferred 57 km (35 miles) to the capital Nuuk, and to remote towns and settlements across the southwest. The same conditions that made this hydropower facility viable—abundant water resources and mountainous terrain—also challenged the communications infrastructure needed to run it. Staff onsite monitor turbine performance, check on equipment and track water supplies to ensure power grid stability. Whilst stationed at Buksefjord, their welfare is critical.

The Critical Need: Connectivity for Renewable Power Grid Stability and Supply

 Nukissiorfiit currently generates 72% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydroelectric plants, and is on track to achieve completely fossil-free operations by 2030. The infrastructure to achieve this needs robust, reliable connectivity at every site. Hardware and installations have to be resilient to challenging conditions; strong winds and freezing temperatures can cause service degradation if equipment is not mounted correctly. Connectivity needs to be low latency and fast enough for data transmission in real-time, with service plans that can prioritize traffic for critical operational data as well as support voice communications.

The Solution: LEO Satellite Services for Reliable Arctic Communications

In 2024, Greenland’s telecommunications service provider and Eutelsat partner Tusass switched on a low Earth orbit satellite-based service plan for the hydroelectric plant: easy-to-use connectivity for voice, critical operations and continuous remote monitoring. Parabolic antennas were mounted securely at Buksefjord for reliable service in touch conditions and minimal onsite maintenance and repairs. The low latency and high speed broadband meant data could be shared and tracked reliably in real-time and engineers could do their job to ensure grid stability.

Customer Impact and Key Results

Eutelsat's LEO network delivered the low-latency and resilient communications needed to support operational telemetry - SCADA, sensor readings etc. The deployment gave staff and colleagues at Nukissiorfiit's remote hydroelectric plant greater assurance in their communication lines and site monitoring capabilities. It also established a replicable model for other remote energy sites that face similar challenges. Energy infrastructure - remote hydropower plants, wind farms, and solar installations- increasingly extend into isolated regions where terrestrial networks cannot reach.

What Is Enhanced Connectivity for a Hydro Power Plant?

Enhanced connectivity refers to reliable, always-on network services that enable hydropower operations to function efficiently in remote locations. This includes data exchange between the dam and head office, voice communications for staff coordination, and remote monitoring of critical equipment like turbines and water supplies. For facilities built inside mountains or along isolated river systems, satellite-based connectivity ensures continuous operational visibility and control even where terrestrial infrastructure doesn't reach. Enhanced connectivity transforms how operators manage small hydro installations and large-scale plants alike, reducing environmental impacts through optimized resource management.

Why Do Remote Hydropower Plants Need Satellite Connectivity?

Remote hydroelectric facilities often operate far from terrestrial communications networks, making satellite the main viable option for critical communications and safety systems. When a dam sits 600 metres inside a mountain or along an isolated river, traditional fibre or cellular infrastructure is impractical or unavailable. Satellite connectivity provides the resilient link and is needed for grid stability monitoring, emergency response coordination, and daily operations. Without reliable communications, equipment failures or transmission line issues can go undetected, putting both power supply and personnel at risk in locations where help may be hours away.

How Does LEO Satellite Technology Improve Communications at High Latitudes?

Eutelsat's LEO satellites fly along orbital paths that cross the polar regions where they are capable of coverage that is superior to legacy systems such as MEO and GEO satellites. As LEO satellites fly closer to Earth the data on a LEO network has less far to travel; the result is lower latency connectivity that enhances and enables real-time applications reliably, for voice and data services. The hardware designed for a LEO network service is designed to withstand the local environment and conditions on the ground, including the extreme conditions often found at high latitude.

What Are the Benefits of Remote Monitoring for Hydropower Operations?

Remote monitoring delivers optimal resource management, fast data-driven insights, and improved operational efficiency for hydropower facilities. Operators gain real-time visibility into turbine performance, water levels, and grid conditions without dispatching staff to remote sites, reducing both costs and environmental impacts. Predictive maintenance becomes possible when sensor data flags potential issues before they cause failures, minimizing downtime and emergency site visits. For small hydro installations and large dams alike, continuous monitoring improves safety by detecting structural movement, seepage, or equipment anomalies that require immediate attention.

How Does Eutelsat Support Energy Sector Connectivity?

Eutelsat operates both GEO and LEO satellite networks to deliver flexible connectivity packages for power generation, transmission, and distribution operations worldwide. The company provides tailored solutions for energy partners requiring primary or backup connectivity beyond fibre networks, with services spanning surveillance, monitoring, leak detection, and fault response. Through platforms that combine GEO and LEO technologies, Eutelsat can enable data-led transformations for the cleaner energy sector and build resilience into their supply chains, even across remote terrain where traditional infrastructure cannot reach.