Understanding Energy Security in the Arctic is the first edition of our Arctic Infrastructure Deconstructed webinar series.
This session examines energy and power generation across Arctic regions, focusing on infrastructure constraints, fuel dependence, system reliability, and evolving policy frameworks. We will discuss practical developments, community-led initiatives, and emerging renewable and fuel-efficient technologies shaping energy security in the North.
Drawing perspectives from across the Arctic region – from Alaska, Nunavut, Greenland and Iceland – the webinar highlights regional realities and shared challenges when it comes to power generation.
Join us online and discover how changing climates and northern realities are reshaping power generation across Arctic communities. This webinar is perfect for anyone curious about energy dynamics, environmental and logistical challenges, and community resiliency.
Speakers:
Jón Ásgeirsson – Director General of Iceland's Department of Energy – Reykjavik, Iceland
Jón Ásgeirsson was appointed Director General of the Department of Energy at the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate in December 2025. Prior to that he was Excecutive Vice President of Strategy at HS Orka, the third largest power producer in Iceland. Previously, he had an international career for over twenty years at Rio Tinto, based in Montreal, Paris and Iceland in various positions covering strategy, business development, commercial activities and operations. Jón sits on various boards, f.ex. on the board of the Icelandic Red Cross where he is acting vice president. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Iceland and a Master´s degree in process engineering from the University of Stuttgart.
James Arreak – Vice President of Corporate Services at Qulliq Energy Corporation – Nunavut, Canada
James T. Arreak is a seasoned executive and governance leader with more than 25 years of experience driving strategic transformation across government, corporate, and Inuit organizations. Married to Looee Arreak and a proud father of six, James lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut, where he has dedicated his career to advancing Inuit values, economic development, and sustainable growth in the North.
Currently serving as Vice President of Corporate Services at Qulliq Energy Corporation, James oversees strategic planning, human resources, health and safety, and IT modernization, including analytics and Operational Technology development. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping operational technology, risk management, corporate policy, implementing Article 23 workforce initiatives, and negotiating Nunavut’s first Independent Power Producer agreement.
Previously, as CEO of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), James managed operations for NTI and affiliates with a budget exceeding $300 million, secured a landmark $255.5 million federal settlement, and launched Makigiaqta, a $175 million fund dedicated to Inuit employment and skills development.
James is also the Founder of JAS Consulting, where he delivered strategic reviews and policy evaluations for over 20 clients, managing projects totaling more than $200 million. His work included major evaluations of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement implementation and the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqti Ikajuuti (NNI) policy.
In addition to executive roles, James holds significant governance positions, including Chair of Nunavut Trust, the Board Member of AAJURA Society, over $2.0 Billion fund, appointed by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
Fluent in Inuktitut and English, James combines strategic vision, financial acumen, and collaborative leadership to deliver measurable results. His expertise in Indigenous governance, energy policy, and digital transformation positions him as a trusted advisor and board member committed to building sustainable communities. James holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and a Harvard certificate in sustainable leadership.
Dr. Magnus de Witt – Research Assistant Professor at Alaska Center for Energy and Power – Alaska, United States
Dr. Magnus de Witt is a Research Assistant Professor at Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP). His research at ACEP focuses on the energy transition in Alaska, Railbelt, and remote communities. The research includes energy security, energy policy, energy economics, and energy implementation methods, with an underlying interest in how renewables, particularly geothermal energy, can support affordable and secure energy in Arctic communities. Dr. de Witt has traveled across the Arctic to conduct field studies and see the energy situation firsthand.
Dr. de Witt's previous research focused on geothermal project management and development in Iceland and studying strategies to lower the energy cost burden in Arctic off-grid communities.
Moderator:
Lill Rastad Bjørst – Associate Professor of Greenlandic and Arctic Studies at the University of Copenhagen – Copenhagen, Denmark
Lill Rastad Bjørst, PhD, is Associate Professor of Greenlandic and Arctic Studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. She serves as Work Package Leader (WPL) in the Horizon Europe project LIQUIDICE. Her research in Greenland focuses on climate change strategies and public participation in Greenland’s green energy transition.
In addition, Lill is co-lead of the Fulbright Arctic Initiative (2024–2026), an international network of professionals, practitioners, and researchers from the United States, Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (including Kalaallit Nunaat and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The initiative collaborates to develop policy recommendations addressing key Arctic challenges.
