Pulsar Helium has reported encouraging results from an independent pre-feasibility study at its Tunu project in East Greenland, underscoring the potential to combine renewable geothermal power generation with primary helium production — a rare occurrence in Europe.
The assessment by consultancy Sproule-ERCE identified an active geothermal system beneath Liverpool Land near the town of Ittoqqortoormiit, with estimated reservoir temperatures between 80°C and 130°C. While data remains limited, the study outlines dual development pathways: supplying clean electricity to the isolated community and extracting commercially viable volumes of helium from associated gases.
Reservoir modelling suggested that in the best-case scenario, fluid flow rates could reach 720 cubic metres per hour, sufficient to provide the town’s entire power needs while leaving additional capacity for helium separation. Daily helium recovery could be as high as 350,000 cubic feet, which Pulsar said would make Tunu one of Europe’s most prospective primary helium projects unassociated with hydrocarbons.
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Capital costs for a geothermal power and helium separation facility were estimated at $20mn to $30mn, using either a binary cycle or dual-flash system. Analysts noted that this is a relatively modest investment given the scale of opportunity and the integration of renewable baseload power into an industrial gas project.
“Transformative” opportunity for Pulsar Helium
Thomas Abraham-James, Pulsar’s chief executive, described the findings as a “transformative” opportunity. “The ability to power our planned helium plant directly from geothermal energy is transformative, delivering clean, baseload electricity to the local community while simultaneously reducing our operational expenses,” he said. He argued that the combination of strategic helium supply and renewable energy aligns with both Greenlandic priorities and Europe’s critical raw material agenda.
The study also highlighted risks, particularly the uncertainty over the size and permeability of the subsurface fracture system. Should flow rates prove weaker than modelled, both power and helium output could fall short. Sproule-ERCE recommended additional work including magneto-telluric surveys, further geochemical sampling and the drilling of a slim appraisal well in 2026 to test reservoir conditions directly.
New airport at Ittoqqortoormiit
Regional infrastructure is set for a significant boost after the governments of Greenland and Denmark confirmed plans for a new airport at Ittoqqortoormiit. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, offering year-round access to a region that is currently only seasonally reachable by ship and charter aircraft. The airport is expected to cut logistics costs and improve project economics for Pulsar’s exploration and eventual development activities.
Over the past 18 months, Pulsar has advanced Tunu from a conceptual idea to a defined project underpinned by multiple lines of evidence. Initial surface work identified hot springs with helium concentrations of up to 0.8 per cent, among the highest measured in Europe. A 2024 passive seismic survey using 150 sensors indicated fractured reservoirs near the Kap Tobin prospect, coinciding with surface anomalies and supporting the potential for fluid circulation.
With its exclusive exploration licence granted earlier this year, Pulsar is the first company authorised to pursue helium development in Greenland. The licence runs for five years with extensions available for up to 22 years, providing a long-term framework to advance the project.
The company is now preparing to move into the next phase of exploration, aiming to demonstrate commercial feasibility and position Tunu as both a source of low-carbon power for East Greenland and a strategic helium supplier to global markets at a time of rising demand.
