Opportunities and Challenges in Svalbard

• Name 4 opportunities for development in Svallbard.

  • Mineral extraction
  • Energy development
  • Fishing
  • Tourism
• What opportunities does mineral extraction pose in Svalbard?

  Svalbard has rich coal reserves - mining here is controversial.

  Environmental groups are against - burning coal is a major source of greenhouse gases.

  Coal mining is the main source of economic income (vital to the economy) and the mines employ over 300 people.

  The industry has faced a recent decline and some jobs have been lost - global coal prices are lower.

  A new mine opened near Svea in 2014 - a road had to be built over a glacier to provide access.
• What opportunities does energy development pose in Svalbard?

  Some of the mined coal is burnt to generate electricity in Longyearbyen power station - Norway's only coal-fired power station. This provides all of Svalbard's energy.

  Environmentalists think this should be replaced with a renewable energy source e.g.

  • carbon capture and storage (capturing CO2 from burning coal and circulating it to generate electricity).
  • geothermal (using the Earth's heat to generate electricity).
• Why would geothermal energy be a good source of energy in Svalbard?

  Svalbard is close to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge - a constructive plate margin where the Earth's crust is thinner and hot rocks are closer to the surface. This means that it would be easier to use the Earth's heat to generate electricity.
• What opportunities does fishing pose in Svalbard?

  The Barent's Sea (south of Svalbard) is one of the world's richest fishing grounds.

  There are about 150 fish species (e.g. cod, haddock and herring).

  It is an important fish breeding and nursery ground controlled and monitored by Norway and Russia to ensure it is sustainable and that the ecosystem is protected.
• In 2011, 70,000 people visited Longyearbyen - 30,000 were cruise passengers
• Longyearbyen Harbour has been enlarged to cope with the increased number of cruise ships
• Tourism provides around 300 locals with jobs
• Most tourists come from Norway and Russia and most visit as part of organised tours
• Recent increase in tourism is due to people seeking to explore extreme environments like glaciers, fjords, and wildlife (especially polar bears)
• Tourists visit in winter to see the Northern Lights
• Adventure tourism is becoming popular in Svalbard, with activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snowmobile safaris
• What challenges does extreme temperatures pose in Svalbard?

  Winter temperatures can fall below -30 degrees Celsius In Longyearbyen and even lower in northern glacial regions.

  The extreme temperatures make it difficult to work outside as there is serious risk of frostbite.

  People have to dress very warmly, making outdoor work very difficult.
• Describe the 4 layers of clothing required to keep warm in Svalbard.

  Layer 1 - thermal underwear (synthetic/silk), socks

  Layer 2 - turtleneck/fleece sweater, cotton/fleece trousers

  Layer 3 - scarf, thick wool/fleece sweater, padded ski trousers, woollen socks

  Layer 4 - hat, winter jacket, gloves/mittens, boots
• What challenges does construction pose in Svalbard?

  Working outdoors in extreme temperatures and limited light in winter is very demanding - most construction is carried out during the brief summer period.

  Permafrost provides a good, solid foundation but it has to be protected from melting. If the top layer melts, it becomes unstable and buildings/roads could crack/collapse.

  Most roads are made out of dirt or gravel and are raised above ground surface. These are cheap and relatively easy to maintain.
• What forms of construction have been carried out in Svalbard?

  Building houses, shops and offices.

  Constructing and maintaining roads.

  Constructing/enlarging harbour facilities for fishing vessels and cruise ships.

  Constructing buildings and mining operations to extract coal.
• What challenges do services pose in Svalbard?

  Services include water, electricity and sanitation. This is very important to residents. Tourists expect comfortable living conditions, warm rooms and hot showers.

  Most services are provided by overground heated water and sewage pipes. They are kept off the ground to prevent the permafrost from thawing, and also allow easy maintenance.
• What challenges does accessibility pose in Svalbard?

  Svalbard is located in a remote part of Europe and can only be reached by plane or ship.

  The islands are inaccessible as most transport is limited to the immediate area around Longyearbyen.

  There is one airport close to Longyearbyen which handles international flights from Norway and Russia.

  Smaller aircraft are used to connect to other islands.

  Most people use snowmobiles (especially in the winter).

  There is 50km of road in Longyearbyen - no roads serve the outlying communities.