Main Topics

Main topics

The conference theme is Responsible (energy) governance for a sustainable Arctic! (The road to) green energy transition in the Arctic!

Key breakout session topics and potential sub topics (Each organised breakout session could cover / focus on one to two sub topics).

1) Sustainable energy development and Green transition of (Arctic) societies - (regions, cities, youth, indigenous groups).

• People and peoples of the Arctic
• Sustainable socio-economic development as the key to resilient Arctic communities
• Education, innovation, youth involvement
• Citizen engagement as a driver in sustainable societies development
• Promoting strategic thinking and fostering innovation
• Arctic climate - How to adapt and become resilient
• Cooperation and increased knowledge on marine issues

2) Energy as a driver in responsible, knowledge driven, sustainable economic growth

• Balance between economic growth and conservation of fragile Arctic ecosystems
• Effective management of the ecological risks in the context of rising economic and human activities in the Arctic
• Information and data for responsible policy and knowledge driven economic development growth
• Sustainable Arctic Shipping
• Green Energy solutions
• Project support instruments / financing mechanisms

3) Cooperation for responsible energy and Green transitions in an Arctic and Global context

• Arctic Council and observer states
• Arctic Economic Council
• Regional and local engagement

Special Topics:

• An Integrated Approach to Energy and Sustainable Development in the National Interest
• Arctic Energy Resources: Legal and Political Developments

Training and Education:

• Geothermal Training Program and other similar programs - lessons learned and opportunities
• Arctic Remote Energy Network Academy (ARENA)
• Arctic Renewable Energy Atlas (AREA)
• UArctic Thematic Network on Renewable Energy: Community Appropriate Sustainable Energy Security (CASES)

Agenda

Conference schedule and structure

Monday 14.10.2024

• 08:30 - 09:30 - 3 x breakout session - key topic 1, topic 2, topic 3
• 09:30 - 10:00 - Coffee break
• 10:00 - 11:00 - 3 x breakout session - key topic 1, topic 2, topic 3
• 11:00 - 12:00 - 3 x breakout session - key topic 1, topic 2, topic 3
• 12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch
• 13:00 - 13:45 - Conference opening
  • Opening address by organizers
  • Key notes:
    • Icelandic Minister of the Environmental and Energy
    • US-energy representative
    • Q&A
• 13:45 - 15:30 - Panel discussions - all participants
  • Panel: Responsible (energy) governance for a sustainable Arctic!
  • Panel: (The road to) green energy transition in the Arctic!
• 15:30 - 16:00 - Coffee break
• 16:00 - 18:30 - Plenary - Inspirational talks - all participants
• 20:00 - Gala dinner - all participants

Tuesday 15.10.2024

• 09:00 - 10:00 - 3 x breakout session - key topic 1, topic 2, topic 3
• 10:00 - 11:00 - 3 x breakout session - key topic 1, topic 2, topic 3
• 11:00 - 11:30 - Coffee break
• 11:30 - 12:30 - 3 x breakout session - key topic 1, topic 2, topic 3
• 12:30 - 13:30 - 3 x breakout session - key topic 1, topic 2, topic 3
• 13:30 - 14:30 - Lunch
• 14:30 - 16:00 - Panel discussions - all participants
  • 14:30 - 15:00 - topic 1
  • 15:00 - 15:30 - topic 2
  • 15:30 - 16:00 - topic 3
• 16:00 - 16:30 - Coffee break
• 16:30 - 18:30 - Excursion around Akureyri - all participants: short introduction to places of topic interest such as the Methane station, old and new hydro stations, Becromal - TDK Foil and atNorth Data Centre
• 18:30 - 21:00 - Reception - location TBC
• 21:00 - Transfer to hotels

Wednesday 16.10.2024

• 09:00 - 09:30 - Summaries from breakout groups - topic 1
• 09:30 - 10:00 - Summaries from breakout groups - topic 2
• 10:00 - 10:30 - Coffee break
• 10:30 - 11:00 - Summaries from breakout groups - topic 3
• 11:00 - 11:30 - Panel - Conference closing: closing remarks

Transfer to Reykjavík for those attending the Arctic Circle.

Transfer to airport: departure times 12:20, 16:45, 19:45

11:45 - Educational and scenic transfer by bus to Reykjavík via:

• Blönduvirkjun Hydropower station - excursion and light refreshments.
• Deildartunguhver by Kleppjárnsreykir - learn about the geothermal wonder and the longest thermal heating system, leading all the way to the town of Akranes.
• Aluminum smelter in Hvalfjörður - sightseeing and refreshments.
• Arrive in Reykjavík around 21:30

Pre Tour

Pre-conference optional tour

Saturday 12.10.2024

• Arrive in Akureyri
  • Flights arrive 8:50, 12:50 or 19:15
  • Bus - departs Keflavík airport at 7:15 for the domestic airport (in time for arrival by registered passengers) and/or all the way to Akureyri if participation is high a flights not available. Arrive in Akureyri by 14:00
  • For those arriving early in Akureyri on Saturday, a walk around town will be organized if weather permits!
• Afternoon program 15:00 - 18:30
• • In depth visits to energy facilities in the Akureyri area escorted by professionals, including the new domestic Hydro station, in-depth introduction to the Methane capturing process and its utilization on domestic vehicles, recharging facilities, energy driven industry at the data center and more.
• Reception, introduction and discussions with the locals - 18:30 - 20:30
• Enjoy the evening and relax in the Forest lagoon by Akureyri - 21:00 - 23:30

Sunday 13.10.2024

•  Excursion - departure at 9:00
  • Learn about the evolution in the utilization of geothermal energy. Visit the oldest geothermal station from 1968 in Bjarnarflag by Mývatn, Krafla the 60 MW station geothermal station opened in 1978 and learn about the potential of Deep Drilling. From Krafla the tour goes to Theistareykir, the latest geothermal station opened in 2017 with a capacity of 200 MW.
  • From Theistareykir to Húsavík to visit the Silicon Metal factory PCC and the small scale hydro factory Köldukvíslarvirkjun.
  • Stops will be made during the tour at scenic stops like Goðafoss, Dimmuborgir, and Hveraröndin and in the Vaðlaheiði tunnel to feel the heat!
• Arrive in Akureyri by 19:00+