Arctic Energy

The Arctic, home to Indigenous communities, critical seafood populations, unique ecosystems and cultures, and millions who have made it their home, is a key part of the U.S. through Alaska and stronghold for national security, critical science, and energy resources. Learn about this work here.

Arctic energy can be defined as the energy resources and associated infrastructure located within or directly supporting activities in the Arctic region. This encompasses a broad spectrum, including:

  1. Conventional Hydrocarbons: Oil, natural gas, and coal reserves found within Arctic territories, both onshore and offshore.
  2. Reliable Energy Supply: ensuring adequate electrical generating and transmission capacity to support national priorities and economic development  needs in the Arctic.
  3. Nuclear Energy: Small modular reactors (SMRs) or other nuclear technologies designed for remote, cold-weather applications in the Arctic.
  4. Energy Infrastructure: The systems for exploration, extraction, production, processing, transmission, and distribution of these energy resources, tailored to the unique challenges of the Arctic weather and geography (e.g., permafrost, ice, extreme cold).
  5. Energy Consumption and Demand: The patterns of energy use by communities, industries, and military operations within the Arctic, and the energy systems designed to meet these needs, often prioritizing reliability, resilience, and local sustainability.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Arctic Energy Office defines the U.S. Arctic as all U.S. territory north of the Arctic Circle, including north and west of the Porcupine, Yukon, and Kuskokwim rivers, along with all contiguous seas (Arctic, Beaufort, Bering, Chukchi) and the Aleutian chain. The DOE Arctic Energy Office considers all of Alaska as its focus region, promoting energy resilience, critical minerals development, and scientific research. 

Highlights

DOE’s Arctic Energy Office

As the only regionally focused office in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Arctic Energy Office is unique. It advises DOE on energy and related topics in Alaska and coordinates efforts across DOE program offices to ensure a unified voice on Arctic issues. To achieve its mission, the Arctic Energy Office makes connections between Alaskan residents, companies, Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, villages, academic institutions, national labs, interagency partners, and other stakeholders to support energy solutions, invest in workforce development, and share Arctic expertise and analysis.

 

Supporting Offices