Arctic energy opportunitites: Perspectives on U.S. resources and development

The Arctic is one of the last energy frontiers, yet one with the greatest of opportunities -- opportunities for massive new sources of energy, opportunities for imaginative technology, and opportunities for research cooperation. This paper presents the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) perspective on Arctic energy opportunities, the resources, development plans, and technical barriers. The paper outlines major U.S. policy areas and the Arctic programs of DOE and other U.S. agencies which are pursuing Arctic energy issues. Arctic energy development opportunities, particularly in the context of supportive research and cooperative efforts, are also discussed. These efforts, and enhanced international cooperation, may help solve Arctic development problems in a more efficient and timely way.