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ACEP contributes energy security expertise at 2026 Arctic Frontiers

February 25, 2026

ACEP played a prominent role at the conference in Norway in February, contributing practical insights to support Arctic communities navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape.

With this year’s theme, “Turn of the Tide,” discussions explored multiple dimensions of preparedness and resilience across the Arctic. Energy security emerged as a pivotal component of both regional stability and broader global security.

Gwen Holdmann, ACEP’s chief scientist, together with of the University of Saskatchewan, presented “Electric North” during the session “Empowering the Arctic: Reimagining Energy Security through Co-Creation and Collaboration.”

Their presentation highlighted the , known as CASES, project, an initiative designed to provide Northern communities with accessible, community-centered energy data. By equipping local leaders with actionable information and planning tools, the project aims to strengthen resilience and to advance energy self-determination across Arctic regions.

In the context of growing geopolitical and infrastructure challenges, their message underscored the importance of locally informed energy planning.

During the session “High Tide for Arctic Preparedness,” Magnus de Witt outlined three major waves of energy transition in Iceland — the decarbonization of electricity generation, the decarbonization of heat supply and the current transition in the transportation sector.

Drawing on Iceland’s role as a global leader in sustainable energy development, de Witt emphasized the need to meet rising energy demand while upgrading grid infrastructure in the years ahead. He also noted that an abundance of renewable energy does not eliminate risk, a point that strongly resonated with attendees.

 

Emily Cook, one of de Witt’s 2025 summer interns, presented her journal paper, “,” during the poster session. Her research explored the potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable maritime fuel source in Alaska.

 

The work Cook conducted at ACEP drew significant interest from conference participants and earned her the 2026 Arctic Frontiers Early Career Scientist Outstanding Poster Award.

As the Arctic faces a true “Turn of the Tide,” this year’s conference reinforced a clear message: energy security is a cornerstone of economic stability, community resilience and geopolitical preparedness, and locally driven solutions will be critical to meeting the challenges ahead.