The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has been awarded $3 million from the Office of Naval Research to enhance energy systems in remote regions. This funding marks the fourth phase of the ARCTIC program, established in 2017, which has now received a total of $33 million.
The program aims to bring together researchers, communities, and industry partners to test energy technologies in real-world settings. According to ACEP director Jeremy Kasper, the research focuses on energy security and cybersecurity, critical issues for Alaska and other regions.
ARCTIC will continue its partnerships with communities like Galena, Kotzebue, and Cordova, using their microgrids as testing sites. The initiative addresses pressing challenges such as reducing reliance on fuel, improving power system efficiency, and bolstering the local workforce for energy system operations. By developing and testing solutions in Alaska, ARCTIC not only benefits local communities but also generates knowledge applicable to other Arctic and Pacific scenarios.
