UAF to host federal Arctic Energy Office

September 17, 2020

UAF photo by Todd Paris. The U.S. Department of Energy's Arctic Energy Office will be headquartered at UAF in the Engineering Learning and Innovation Facility.

Today the U.S. Department of Energy announced the reestablishment of its Arctic Energy Office, which will be headquartered at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The office will be housed in the Engineering Learning and Innovation Facility on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks. From the Department of Energy's news release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette joined Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski in announcing the reestablishment of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Arctic Energy Office (AEO), which will be located on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The AEO will drive coordination and collaboration on DOE’s many activities in the Arctic region including: international cooperation on Arctic issues, research on methane hydrates, and development of advanced micro grids and nuclear power systems, such as small modular reactors. Reestablishing the office fulfills Secretary Brouillette’s commitment to do so by the close of this fiscal year.

“The United States is an Arctic nation, and the region continues to play an essential role in meeting our Nation’s energy needs, as well as those of our friends and allies,” said Secretary Brouillette. “DOE’s Arctic Energy Office will grow to strengthen and coordinate our work in energy, science, and national security and help build an Arctic future of prosperity and increased opportunity.”

“The reestablishment of the Arctic Energy Office will bring the power of DOE innovation and expertise to the region, ensuring we play an important role in its energy future,” said Deputy Secretary Mark W. Menezes. “As the region’s geopolitical importance increases, the Office will also better facilitate strategic coordination with our fellow Arctic nations.”

“The United States is an Arctic nation because of Alaska, and the reestablishment of the Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks will ensure greater collaboration between our state’s innovators and the Department of Energy’s cutting-edge researchers,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “I prioritized this office in the Appropriations process because I know it will help facilitate the development of new energy technologies that benefit resource-rich Alaska and the country. I thank Secretary Brouillette, Deputy Secretary Menezes and their teams for working with us to reestablish this important office.”

“The reestablishment of the Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks underscores Congress’ and the Trump Administration’s increasing attention to the Arctic and Alaska’s central role in securing our energy, economic, and national security interests in the region,” said Senator Dan Sullivan. “I commend Secretary Brouillette and Senator Murkowski for their work to bring this important institution back to life, and I look forward to the vital scientific research and coordination that will serve Alaskans, the nation, and our global partners as a result.”

“Alaska’s climate is unlike any other in our nation, making our state a critical hub for research on sustainability in harsh environments,” said Congressman Don Young. “I have been a long-time supporter of Alaska’s Cold Climate Housing Research Center, and have seen their important work for resilient housing first-hand. Having lived around the Arctic Circle, I can tell you that innovation is key for survival in challenging areas. Continuing this work will be essential to developing new energy technologies and ensuring that Alaska leads the way in their deployment. I want to thank Secretary Brouillette, Deputy Secretary Menezes, and the Trump Administration for their commitment to these critical operations and recognizing the important role Alaskans play in this field.”

“The Arctic Energy Office’s focus aligns well with UAF’s academic and scientific expertise,” said UAF Chancellor Dan White. “Our deep regional knowledge and international partnerships make UAF a strong partner in advancing America’s security and prosperity by addressing the challenges in the Arctic. I look forward to welcoming the Arctic Energy Office to the UAF Troth Yeddha’ campus in Fairbanks."

Consistent with DOE’s overall mission, the AEO will focus on energy, science, and national security. Rather than belonging to a particular program area, the AEO will report to the Under Secretary of Energy, and coordinate DOE’s Arctic activities across the enterprise, bringing together DOE’s wide range of assets, stakeholders, and equities to serve communities and U.S. interests in the region.

The Office will be reestablished with three interim staff equipped with a wealth of experience across the energy, science, and national security spheres, and grow in service to the Department and the Nation. For more information, please visit the AEO website.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY MEDIA CONTACT: 202-586-4940