Critical energy infrastructure in the Arctic

A concept image of a modern-looking building with snowy mountains in the background. — Image courtesy of Oklo, the vendor selected to design and construct a microreactor for Eielson Air Force Base
A concept of a small modular reactor installation.

July 16, 2026

A new policy brief published by the North Atlantic Policy Forum looks at whether Alaska's infrastructure is ready to support both communities and national and broader regional security.

Co-authored by ACEP’s Lisa Jacklin-Wyatt, Nicole Jacobs and Jus Tavcar, the brief focuses on how extreme cold, isolation and grid fragmentation create unique challenges and energy vulnerabilities.

With rising geopolitical tensions, the authors look at the role of dual-use infrastructure — civilian and military — and its potential for small modular reactors and data centers. The authors argue that building this infrastructure quickly isn’t enough. Success depends on earning local trust through genuine community engagement.

Read the brief, “Strengthening Critical Infrastructure in the Arctic: Responsibilities and Challenges.”