WASHINGTON, D.C.—Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette announced the reestablishment of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Arctic Energy Office (AEO) on Sept. 17. The office will be located on the campus of the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

The AEO will coordinate collaboration of DOE’s 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. Brouillette had committed to reopen the office by the close of the 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,” Brouillette said. “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 Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, 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 Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska. “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.”
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 experienced in energy, science, and national security spheres.