ArcticX Kickoff: Arctic Infrastructure and Deployment Opportunities

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, and Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk kicked off the series on Nov. 17, 2021, with a virtual panel discussion and focus on arctic infrastructure and deployment opportunities. Webinar topics include:

• Build Back Better for Alaska, North to the Future of Energy, Alaska and the Arctic as a proving ground
• Capacity building, workforce issues, energy justice (especially for Alaska Natives)
• Transportation needs for a state and region with significant remote access, including transportation electrification
• Leveraging federal agency expertise and resources.

Program Agenda and Speakers

11:00–11:02 a.m. AKST     
Meeting logistics overview by FedTech

11:02-11:07 a.m. AKST     
Welcome and Introduction by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Interim Arctic Energy Office (AEO) Director George Roe

11:07–11:12 a.m. AKST     
ArcticX Kickoff by Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk 
Watch remarks

11:12-11:22 a.m. AKST    
Q&A with Deputy Secretary David Turk
Watch Q&A

11:22–11:27 a.m. AKST     
Welcome video from U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland 
Watch remarks

11:27–noon. AKST     
Panel discussion on challenges and opportunities in the Arctic. 
Moderator: George Roe, Interim Director, DOE Arctic Energy Office. 

• What are the unique challenges and barriers to commercializing technologies in the Arctic region, and how are we addressing the gaps?
• What are the biggest opportunities for tech transfer and commercialization in the Arctic? 
• How are the National Labs helping create a clean, secure energy future for the Arctic?

Panelists included:

• Vanessa Chan, DOE Chief Commercialization Officer and Office of Technology Transitions Director
• Raina Thiele, DOI Arctic Advisor 
• Sally Benson, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Deputy Director for Energy and Chief Strategist for the Energy Transition

Watch discussion

Noon–12:15 p.m. AKST     
Q&A session with Moderator George Roe

12:15–12:18 p.m. AKST 
Introduction of Secretary Jennifer Granholm by Dr. Vanessa Chan

12:18–12:23 p.m. AKST     
Closing comments by Secretary Granholm
Watch remarks

12:23–12:30 p.m. AKST
Closing comments/next steps by Dr. Vanessa Chan
Watch remarks