Arctic Frontiers, held annually in Tromsø, Norway since 2007, serves as a platform for scientists, business leaders, policymakers, and representatives of local communities and Indigenous Peoples to engage in dialogue on the future of the Arctic region.  

The 2026 conference theme, Turn of the Tide, underscores the importance of resilience and innovation in Arctic development. Nordic Energy Research will contribute with two dedicated sessions, offering perspectives on energy security, sustainable Arctic energy solutions, and the role of the next generation in shaping a robust and adaptable region.  

We start by hosting an Arctic Frontiers Open Event specifically targeting young people in the North. This session invites all interested participants to explore how the ideas and demands of the young generation will influence the future Arctic energy landscape. Insights and viewpoints gathered during this youth-focused event will inform the subsequent Arctic Frontiers Side Event, which will focus practical solutions and a policy dialogue on how to achieve energy security across the region. 

Arctic Frontiers Open: Fremtidens energi i Arktis – Ditt valg  

For the Arctic Frontiers Open event (The energy future of the Arctic – your choice) we welcome everyone interested in joining the dialogue on how the future energy system will be shaped by the ideas and demands of the young generation. The event is held in Norwegian.

During the event you will hear from key individuals who are working with the energy system in the Arctic, what they do, who they are and how they got there. Furthermore, the event will have a debate about what we demand from the energy transition, what sort of developments we want to see, what sort of jobs we want and what considerations must be made. This will include perspectives on the jobs of tomorrow, the role of Indigenous Peoples, and what energy security really means. 

📅 Tuesday, 3 February 2026
🕒 18:00–19:30 (CET)
📍 Tvibit, Parkgata 27, 9008 Tromsø 

Speakers: 

  • Thomas Henriksen, Operational Leader Hammerfest LNG, Emerging Leader 2026
  • David Smirnat, Kommunstyrelsen, Luleå kommune, Socialdemokratene 
  • Kristoffer Karlsen, Samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap i Tromsø kommune
  • More speakers to be announced 

This event is co-organised by Nordic Energy Research, Troms Country, Tromsø municipality, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, and True North.  

Self-sufficiency to energy leaders: Arctic solutions for an energy secure region 

Resilience and preparedness have become central pillars of policy and practice across the Nordic Region. Yet, in the Arctic, these principles are not just priorities – they are a way of life, evolved over decades of navigating extreme conditions and rapid change. Arctic communities have long mastered the art of building societies that withstand adversity, adapt to uncertainty, and thrive amidst disruption. 

So, what can we learn from our northernmost regions? Can these approaches be adapted and exported to strengthen resilience in other regions facing new and complex challenges? Join us for a dialogue that bridges North and Nordic, drawing on case studies and cross-sector collaboration.  

📅 Thursday, 5 February 2026
🕒 09:00–10:30
📍 Arbetskontoret 1, Arctic Frontiers conference hotel 

Speakers: 

  • Klaus Skytte, CEO, Nordic Energy Research 

Policy panel: 

  • Carina Sammeli, Mayor, Luleå Municipality 
  • Ole Gunnar Håland, Head of Section for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning, Tromsø Municipality 
  • Kimmo Alatulkkila, Director, Development of Energy Systems, Oulun Energia 
  • Patti Burns, Secretary General, Arctic Mayors’ Forum  

Arctic solutions cases:  

  • Magnus Fors Haigen, Co-founder & Chief Marketing Officer, AVJU 
  • Clara Good, Associate Professor Department of Technology and Safety, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway 
  • Greg Poelzer, Professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan 
  • Moderator: Jan Gunnar Winther, Director of the Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic and pro rector for Research and Development at The Arctic University of Norway 

This event is co-organised by Nordic Energy Research, Troms Country, and Tromsø municipality.