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Breaking: Alaska LNG draws $115 billion in formal global interest as Glenfarne taps strategic partners

Suzanne Downing
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Breaking: Alaska LNG draws $115 billion in formal global interest as Glenfarne taps strategic partners

It’s the announcement so many have been anticipating: Glenfarne Alaska LNG, LLC, a subsidiary of Glenfarne Group, LLC and the majority owner and lead developer of the Alaska LNG project, announced today the completion of the first round of its strategic partner selection process.

From eelgrass to energy: Two secretaries, two different visions for Alaska’s future

The milestone comes with significant international momentum: more than 50 companies from the United States, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, India, and the European Union have formally expressed interest. The total of expressed inters is over $115 billion in potential contract value.

The expressed interest covers a wide range of partnerships, including equipment and material supply, investment agreements, service contracts, and LNG purchase commitments, highlighting a surge in global confidence in the project’s commercial viability and strategic importance.

The announcement came as over 1,000 industry and government leaders are gathered in Anchorage for Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Strategic Energy Conference.

“The many expressions of interest received reinforce that the market recognizes Alaska LNG’s advantaged economics, fully permitted status, and powerful federal, state, and local support,” said Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder of Glenfarne. “The reality is being understood that the energy crisis in Southcentral Alaska can only be solved, in the long term, by the domestic portion of the pipeline, which is independently financially viable. We look forward to selecting our strategic partners and driving the project forward together.”

In Utqiagvik, Burgum announces rollback of NPR-A rule, pledges to unleash Alaska’s energy potential

The Alaska LNG project is a joint venture with the State of Alaska’s Alaska Gasline Development Corporation. It features an 807-mile, 42-inch natural gas pipeline stretching from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska. Designed to meet both in-state demand and international export needs, the project includes a 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) LNG export facility in Nikiski.

Glenfarne has structured the project into two financially independent phases. Phase One will construct the pipeline from the North Slope to the Anchorage region—approximately 765 miles—bringing much-needed supply to Southcentral Alaska’s strained energy market. Phase Two will add compression facilities and a 42-mile pipeline extension beneath Cook Inlet, linking to the Nikiski export terminal.

Glenfarne anticipates reaching a final investment decision (FID) on the domestic portion of the pipeline in late Q4 2025. To support that timeline, the company recently entered into a partnership with Worley to complete final engineering for the pipeline.

Glenfarne’s experience in LNG markets bolsters confidence in the Alaska project. Its Texas LNG project, also under Glenfarne ownership, has fully committed its export capacity and expects to reach FID later this year. The company also owns Magnolia LNG in Louisiana and is the largest LNG importer into Colombia. In total, Glenfarne’s LNG portfolio represents 32.8 MTPA of permitted export capacity.

Headquartered in New York and Houston, Glenfarne Group operates more than 50 energy infrastructure assets across five countries through its Global LNG Solutions, Grid Stability, and Renewables businesses.

Glenfarne taps Worley for final engineering and cost estimate on Alaska LNG Pipeline

Alaska’s first: Graphite One mining project lands on White House fast-track dashboard

Suzanne Downing
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Alaska’s first: Graphite One mining project lands on White House fast-track dashboard

It is a historic day for Alaska’s resource development sector: Graphite One Inc.’s Graphite Creek Project has been officially added to the Federal Permitting Dashboard of the White House’s Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (FPISC), making it the first critical mineral project in Alaska to receive this designation.

The inclusion under the FAST-41 program signals national priority status for the company’s ambitious plan to develop the largest known graphite deposit in the United States, located about 60 kilometers north of Nome.

Graphite, an essential component in lithium-ion batteries and critical technologies including energy storage, defense systems, and artificial intelligence infrastructure, is currently not produced in the US at scale.

The FPISC dashboard, hosted on Performance.gov, tracks high-impact infrastructure projects that require federal permitting and environmental review. Projects listed under the FAST-41 (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, Title 41) designation benefit from a more efficient, coordinated federal permitting process. Inclusion signals that the U.S. government considers the project vital to economic growth, energy independence, and national security.

For Graphite One, this means:

  • Streamlined Permitting: A defined, transparent permitting timeline aimed at reducing red tape and agency delays.
  • National Priority Status: Public affirmation of the project’s strategic importance in reducing reliance on foreign sources of graphite—especially China, which dominates global supply.
  • Increased Investment Confidence: Enhanced visibility for investors and stakeholders, on top of the $37.3 million already secured from the Department of Defense under the Defense Production Act.

“This marks a major milestone not just for Graphite One, but for Alaska and America’s critical mineral strategy,” said Graphite One CEO Anthony Huston in a company statement. “As the largest natural graphite deposit in the nation, adding Graphite Creek to the FAST-41 permitting dashboard sends a strong signal that Alaska is key to US critical mineral development.”

The decision to list the Graphite Creek Project comes at a time when Alaska is increasingly viewed as a linchpin in America’s critical mineral strategy.

Under Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the state has pushed aggressively to unlock its vast mineral and energy resources, including support for the $44 billion Alaska LNG pipeline and new mining ventures.

The Graphite Creek Project alone holds an estimated 71.2 million tons grading 5.2% graphitic carbon, based on a feasibility study completed in May. That is three times the output projected in 2022.

The Trump administration has prioritized critical mineral production under several executive orders aimed at bolstering national defense and energy infrastructure. Graphite One’s project fits squarely into that agenda, offering domestic production of a material essential to electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy grid storage, aerospace and defense systems, AI hardware, and high-performance computing.

The company aims to begin production by 2028, pending environmental and permitting reviews.

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Power the Future: Trump unleashes Alaska’s power, after Biden tried to deep six it

SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR
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Power the Future: Trump unleashes Alaska’s power, after Biden tried to deep six it

By BRETT HUBER | POWER THE FUTURE

Alaska is home to some of the most valuable energy and mineral resources in the world—resources vital not only to the state’s economy but to America’s energy independence and national security.

Yet for years, Washington bureaucrats treated Alaska like a nature preserve, ignoring the people who live here and the enormous value our land can responsibly provide. Now, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, and aided by Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, that tide is turning.

No where is this more evident than what Alaska witnessed this week. For the first time anyone can remember, three cabinet secretaries made the journey here at the invitation of the governor to give Alaska the attention its long-deserved.

The Trump administration has reasserted Alaska’s right to responsibly develop its resources, replacing federal stonewalling with a bold, America-first energy agenda. In stark contrast, the Biden administration spent four years systematically locking up our lands, kneecapping energy producers, and undermining the very projects that could strengthen the U.S. economy and global standing.

Alaska’s abundance ignored by Biden, embraced by Trump

Let’s look at the numbers: Alaska holds an estimated 8.7 billion barrels of oil in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPR-A), and Prudhoe Bay remains the largest producing oil field in North America with ANWR potentially rivaling those reserves. On the critical minerals front, Alaska has over 70 known rare earth element occurrences, plus significant deposits of cobalt, graphite, and lithium—minerals vital for clean tech and national defense.

These aren’t theoretical advantages. These are strategic assets—and under Biden, they were being buried under red tape.

In 2023, the Biden administration canceled seven legally issued oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The Biden Department of the Interior then went further—imposing new rules that effectively shut down over 13 million acres of the NPR-A, decimating potential production zones and stalling job creation in rural Alaska.

“Biden’s latest fiat to lock up half the reserve, without congressional approval, jeopardizes America’s energy security,” responded Gov. Dunleavy.

Meanwhile, Biden’s so-called climate agenda blocked the very minerals he claimed to need for his “green” energy transition. Projects like the Ambler Access Road and Graphite One, which could help supply domestic battery production, were stalled or undermined by his federal agencies leaving us all more dependent on Chinese supply chains.

Trump’s America-first approach brings relief and resolve

The return of President Trump has brought a dramatic course correction. Just this week, his administration announced the repeal of Biden’s restrictions on drilling in the NPR-A, restoring access to vast tracts of oil-rich federal land.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum correctly pointed out, “The NPR-A was set aside by Congress for energy production. We are simply restoring the legal balance intended by our laws.” 

At this year’s Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, Energy Secretary Chris Wright reinforced that message: “Alaska’s unique position allows it to lead in both fossil fuel production and renewable energy innovation. Washington should get out of the way.”

Gov. Dunleavy, who hosted the conference in Anchorage, made it clear: Responsible resource development is not only possible, it is essential. Alaska can be a global leader in energy, but only if the federal government treats the state as a partner, not a problem.

Real consequences, real Lives

This isn’t just policy, it’s people’s lives. Alaska’s economy depends on responsible development. Federal restrictions mean fewer jobs, lower revenue, and more outmigration. They also erode national energy security at a time when geopolitical instability makes energy independence more critical than ever.

Under Biden, Alaska was pushed to the sidelines. Under Trump, Alaska is back in the game.

Alaska’s future must be built on opportunity, not obstruction. The Trump administration is empowering Alaska to unlock its vast resources and reclaim its role in powering America. In contrast, the Biden administration left a legacy of missed opportunity, misguided priorities, and economic harm.

It’s time to stop treating Alaska like a political bargaining chip and start treating it like the energy powerhouse it is. With the right leadership, like that of Gov. Mike Dunleavy and President Donald Trump, Alaska can drive America’s energy resurgence and secure its place at the center of the nation’s future.

Brett Huber represents Power the Future in Alaska, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for American energy jobs.

From eelgrass to energy: Two secretaries, two different visions for Alaska’s future

From eelgrass to energy: Two secretaries, two different visions for Alaska’s future

Suzanne Downing
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From eelgrass to energy: Two secretaries, two different visions for Alaska’s future

File this one under “Elections Have Consequences.”

The back-to-back visits of two Interior Secretaries to Alaska — Deb Haaland in July 2024 and Doug Burgum in June 2025 — highlight a stark contrast in how the federal government can shape Alaska’s future.

One visit emphasized conservation and poverty-guaranteeing subsistence. The other pointed the state toward economic growth, jobs, and development of its abundant natural resources.

During her 2024 visit, then–Interior Secretary Haaland championed the Biden administration’s “Investing in America” agenda. In a series of stops, including Katmai National Park, she emphasized climate action, salmon habitat restoration, and tribal co-management initiatives.

One signature Haaland announcement included $40 million for the “Gravel to Gravel” initiative, supporting Indigenous-led salmon conservation efforts. Well received by environmental groups, Haaland’s approach continued the Biden administration’s pattern of restricting and at times destroying resource development. That included limiting oil and gas activity in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska, and blocking oil lease sales in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, both of which Alaskans view as critical to the state’s economic future.

A particularly controversial decision came a year earlier in 2023 when Haaland reversed a Trump-era 2019 land exchange agreement that would have allowed for construction of a road connecting the remote village of King Cove to Cold Bay’s airport.

That access is considered vital for emergency medical evacuations in a region where weather can make transport life-or-death. Haaland’s rejection of the road, citing potential harm to eelgrass beds in the Izembek Wildlife Refuge, sparked sharp criticism. As one headline from Must Read Alaska put it: “Will Interior Secretary Haaland See More Than Ducks and Eel Grass at King Cove?”

During the Biden era, when pro-development Native leaders from the North Slope traveled to Washington to meet with her, Haaland refused. Not once, but at least eight times.

Interior Sec. Deb Haaland for the eighth time refuses to meet with Alaska Native leaders from North Slope
Will Interior Secretary Haaland see more than ducks and eel grass at King Cove?

Her decisions to ensure impoverished subsistence living, effectively constrained new economic activity and reinforced patterns of rural poverty and government dependence across Alaska.

Downing: The revenge of Deb Haaland

By contrast, Secretary Doug Burgum’s 2025 visit marks a turning point. Representing the Trump Administration’s emphasis on “energy dominance,” Burgum made clear that the Department of the Interior would pursue a more aggressive development posture in Alaska.

In Utqiagvik, Burgum announces rollback of NPR-A rule, pledges to unleash Alaska’s energy potential

On the North Slope, Burgum announced plans to rescind Biden-era restrictions and reopen up to 82% of the NPR-A and the 1002 coastal plain area of ANWR to oil and gas leasing. He also voiced strong federal support for the Alaska LNG pipeline and the proposed Ambler Road, major projects seen as economic lifelines for Alaskans.

Where Haaland’s policies focused on locking up land and limiting access, Burgum’s approach prioritizes growth, infrastructure, and job creation. His message to Alaskans is simple: The era of Washington blocking Alaska’s potential is over.

The contrast between administrations is clear: Haaland’s vision left many rural communities with no path to economic independence.

Burgum’s vision, now in motion, aims to unleash Alaska’s vast natural resources and restore the state’s ability to generate wealth, opportunity, and energy security.

Alaska’s Sullivan, Murkowski, Begich applaud Interior’s rollback of NPR-A lockup

Wildfire in northern BC closes portion of Alaska Highway, with no detours available for travelers

Suzanne Downing
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Wildfire in northern BC closes portion of Alaska Highway, with no detours available for travelers

June 3, 8:30 am update: The Alaska Highway portion closed by fire has reopened to one-lane traffic. Expect delays and possible further closures.

A fast-moving wildfire near Summit Lake, approximately 58 miles west of Fort Nelson, has led to travel disruptions along the Alaska Highway and forced evacuation alerts for parts of northern British Columbia.

The blaze, designated G90413 by the BC Wildfire Service, has now grown to an estimated 2,158 acres and remains classified as burning out of control.

First discovered on May 28, the wildfire is thought to have been caused by human activity.

Drought conditions, dry weather, and strong winds intensified fire behavior overnight between June 1 and 2, causing the flames to surge southeast toward the Alaska Highway. The corridor is a vital lifeline for communities and tourists traveling between British Columbia, the Yukon, and Alaska.

In response to the advancing fire, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality issued an evacuation alert for the Tetsa River area. The alert applies specifically to properties along the Alaska Highway between the Steamboat Mountain brake check (mile 333, km 536) and the coordinates 58°42’2.23″N, 124°39’43.41″W to 58°38’16.21″N, 124°39’40.50″W. Residents in the zone have been urged to be ready to leave on short notice.

As of Monday evening, the Alaska Highway remains closed between the Highway 77 junction and Toad River, with no detour routes available. This closure is particularly disruptive for travelers en route to or from Alaska, many of whom rely on this stretch as the only road connection. Toad River is about eight driving hours southeast of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

Public Services and Procurement Canada temporarily reopened a small portion of Highway 97 between kilometer markers 580 and 589 to single-lane alternating traffic as of 9:25 pm Alaska time on Monday. However, delays are expected, and officials stress that the situation remains fluid. Motorists are being advised to monitor DriveBC for real-time road conditions and follow posted signage.

Local businesses, such as the Triple G Hideaway RV Park in Fort Nelson, have stepped up to support stranded travelers with accommodations and services as they await road access. Campgrounds, fuel stops, and visitor centers in the area are also seeing an uptick in demand due to the highway closure.

The Summit Lake fire is one of 70 active wildfires currently burning across British Columbia, with more than half considered out of control, the BC Wildfire Service said. The service has deployed an incident management team to oversee operations in the Summit Lake area.

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Fort Nelson, Muncho Lake Provincial Park, and Stone Mountain Park. Residents and visitors in these regions should be prepared for reduced visibility and potential health effects due to wildfire smoke.

Travelers headed to or from Alaska through northern British Columbia should:

  • Monitor DriveBC for the latest road closures and traffic updates.
  • Check EmergencyInfoBC for evacuation orders and alerts.
  • Plan for delays and potential overnight stays in Fort Nelson or surrounding communities.
  • Be prepared for poor air quality and limited services along the Alaska Highway corridor.

Officials have not yet projected when full highway access will be restored. DriveBC and EmergencyInfoBC will issue another update at 8 am, Mountain time.

Alaska’s Sullivan, Murkowski, Begich applaud Interior’s rollback of NPR-A lockup

Suzanne Downing
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Alaska’s Sullivan, Murkowski, Begich applaud Interior’s rollback of NPR-A lockup

Alaska’s congressional delegation is celebrating the Department of the Interior’s decision to begin rescinding a Biden 2024 rule that restricts oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.The announcement, made by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum during a town hall in Utqiagvik on Sunday evening, was met with widespread applause from North Slope residents, and strong endorsements from US Sen. Dan Sullivan, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich.

Sen. Sullivan, who attended the town hall, emphasized that the Biden-era rule had ignored the voices of Alaskans and undermined the well-being of the North Slope’s Iñupiat communities.

“The announcement was roundly met with cheers from Alaskans of the North Slope, who understand better than anyone the proper balance between responsible oil production and the subsistence way of life they cherish,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan noted that responsible resource development in the NPR-A has helped bring essential services and infrastructure to remote villages.

“Responsible resource development has transformed the lives of the Iñupiat people, supporting the construction of clinics, gymnasiums, water infrastructure — basic amenities most Americans take for granted,” he said. “Thank you, Secretary Burgum, for respecting the voices of Alaskans, for standing up for the self-determination of the Iñupiat people, and for sharing this important announcement among the people who will most benefit from it.”

Congressman Begich echoed Sullivan’s praise, framing the decision as a win for Alaska’s right to shape its energy future and for Americans who support energy independence. “This decision is a major victory for Alaska and for every American who believes in energy independence and the rule of law,” Begich said.

He sharply criticized the 2024 NPR-A rule, saying it had been imposed without serious consultation with local communities and in violation of federal law.

“The 2024 restrictions in the NPR-A were imposed with no serious consideration provided to those who work and live in the region and in clear violation of the law — hindering Alaska’s right to responsibly develop our resources,” he said. “There is no question that the road to American prosperity begins in Alaska with our abundance of critical resources, and I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Burgum for their leadership in restoring our right to shape Alaska’s energy future.”

Murkowski thanked Secretary Burgum for listening to Alaskans and recognizing the explicit legal purpose of the petroleum reserve.

“This is a victory not only for those who support responsible development, but also those who believe in the rule of law. The 2024 management rule clearly violated the law, establishing restrictions and a presumption against development as part of the last administration’s effort to turn the North Slope into one giant tract of federal wilderness. Repealing the rule will not weaken our world-class environmental standards, but it will enable Alaska to produce more energy as Congress intended. The result will be good jobs for Alaskans, more affordable energy for America, and significant new revenues for government,” she said.

The Department of the Interior stated that a legal and policy review found the 2024 rule “exceeds [the Bureau of Land Management’s] statutory authority under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976,” and “conflicts with the Act’s purpose.” The rule, finalized during the Biden Administration, had prevented lease sales and added new regulatory barriers to development across the 23-million-acre reserve.

Rescinding the rule will return management of the NPR-A to the regulatory framework that existed before May 2024. These previous rules allowed for responsible development while preserving wildlife and subsistence values through the Integrated Activity Plan process.

“Today another sanction on Alaska was lifted by the Trump Administration. This is great news for state’s economy and the nation’s energy supply,” said Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

Environmentalists were dismayed: “It’s hard to overstate the havoc this could wreak on the Western Arctic’s undisturbed habitat for caribou, polars bears and belugas,” said Marlee Goska, Alaska attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Trump’s fixation on plundering Alaska’s ecosystems for short-term gain is matched only by the stupidity of turning this precious place into a fossil fuel extraction site. Alaska’s vast expanses of wild lands are a big part of what makes our state so special, and we’ll do everything possible to protect these places.” 

Brett Huber of Power the Future Alaska disputed that characterization.

“The usual chorus of overfunded environmental extremists will scream that the sky is falling, but this rollback simply restores the balance Congress intended,” Huber said. “It reopens the door to responsible, previously permitted development — development that protects sensitive lands and sustains the subsistence lifestyle of North Slope communities. This isn’t reckless expansion; it’s common-sense governance grounded in law and local reality. Power The Future considers this sound a timely action great news for energy workers, Alaska, and the nation.”

In Utqiagvik, Burgum announces rollback of NPR-A rule, pledges to unleash Alaska’s energy potential

Kassie Andrews: Pre-conference workshop notes

SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR
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Kassie Andrews: Pre-conference workshop notes

By KASSIE ANDREWS

The fourth annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference began with a pre-conference workshop led by Dr. Erin Whitney, director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Arctic Energy Office. As part of the DOE’s ongoing effort to “bring the Arctic to DOE and DOE to the Arctic,” Whitney opened the event by introducing the Arctic Energy Ambassadors, a cohort of 12 professionals selected to represent each of Alaska’s regions.

Launched in 2023, the Arctic Ambassador Program—developed with the Denali Commission and Alaska Municipal League—seeks to build regional energy leadership and support clean energy transitions across Alaska. Ambassadors help link their regions to DOE resources and expertise. Around half of the ambassadors in the lineup referenced regional project goals of expanding renewable energy such as wind, solar, electric vehicles, and batteries, with none mentioning coal, oil, or gas. The Cook Inlet ambassador, Cassidi Cameron, from the state’s most gas-reliant region, emphasized a resiliency project centered on renewables and food security.

Following Whitney’s remarks, the event transitioned to a panel titled “Perspectives from Headquarters,” featuring representatives from major DOE offices that oversee or collaborate with the national laboratories. Presentations included the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), the Office of Science, and the Office of International Affairs.

The Office of Science, which oversees most of the DOE’s 17 national laboratories, emphasized its work in fundamental research, advanced computing, and climate-related field studies in the Arctic. This includes research sites in Alaska focused on permafrost, sea ice, and atmospheric systems. The office also utilizes supercomputing to model the viability of energy infrastructure placement, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), in Arctic climates.

EERE highlighted projects supporting energy efficiency and cold-climate housing in Alaska’s rural communities. Lou Hrkman cited active partnerships in more than 15 Alaska locations under the  Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, formerly known as the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project.

The Office of Indian Energy emphasized Alaska’s major role in its portfolio, with 28 percent of its project funding and 42 percent of its technical assistance directed to Alaska Tribes. The office supports planning and implementing viable energy projects with tribal groups and other DOE labs.

The panel noted strong geothermal potential in Alaska, a push to streamline NEPA reviews using AI from multi-year timelines to 28 days and cybersecurity concerns over Chinese-made solar inverters.

A highlight of the event was the participation of directors from nine of the 17 national laboratories, each offering brief overviews of their lab’s relevance to Arctic energy development. Notably, during his Jan. 15, 2025, Senate confirmation hearing, DOE nominee Chris Wright referred to these national laboratories as the “crown jewels of our nation’s scientific research and technology innovation,” each offering brief overviews of their lab’s relevance to Arctic energy development:

  1. Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the nation’s nuclear laboratory, highlighted its work on Arctic energy security, supporting microgrids, and enhancing military base resilience.
  2. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) presented a partnership with the Kuskokwim Corporation to revitalize regional timber and milling industries for efficient housing construction. Absent was any mention of NREL’s research supporting the feasibility of a 100 percent renewable power grid by 2035.
  3. Pacific Northwest National Lab shared its work in predicting “landfast” ice. That is, ice attached to the shore and a separate project in Sitka deploying sensors to better forecast snowmelt and rainfall for their hydropower operations.
  4. Ames Laboratory presented its breakthroughs in rare earth recovery from electronic waste and its leadership of the Critical Materials Innovation Hub.
  5. Sandia National Labs highlighted its “Vanilla” unmanned aircraft system, noting a 39-hour continuous endurance flight in Alaska’s Oliktok airspace.
  6. Los Alamos National Lab focused on AI, advanced Earth system modeling for infrastructure and coastal planning and cryosphere research supporting national security agencies, like the Coast Guard and Navy.
  7. National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) focused on emissions reductions for hydrocarbons, critical mineral recovery, and advanced carbon management. In collaboration with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, NETL is also studying the feasibility of converting the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System to transport liquid hydrogen instead of crude oil—part of a broader effort to transition legacy infrastructure toward long-term decarbonization goals.

It was also announced that 12 of the 14 microgrid projects selected under the DOE’s $8 million Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership (C-MAP) were based in Alaska. These projects received over $4.3 million in direct funding and aim to lower energy costs and increase reliability in rural, often diesel-reliant communities.

As Alaska continues to play a central role in national energy innovation, this pre-conference workshop underscored DOE’s intent to align federal energy policy with regional priorities. However, that direction appears to lean heavily on decarbonization frameworks, raising questions about how Alaska’s hydrocarbon-dependent realities will be addressed in the years ahead.

Begich promotes Alaska gas in Japan, Taiwan, Korea

Suzanne Downing
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11
Begich promotes Alaska gas in Japan, Taiwan, Korea

Alaska Congressman Nick Begich has returned to to the US following a high-level congressional delegation to Asia, where he made a case for Alaska’s liquefied natural gas to power America’s strategic trade partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

Begich, a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, joined a delegation led by Chairman Bruce Westerman of Arkansas for a multi-nation tour through Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, where they met with leaders of the countries. The goal was to promote Alaska’s pivotal role in future American energy exports and foster deeper cooperation on trade and critical resources in a region central to U.S. foreign policy and economic interests.

“Thanks to US leadership at home and demand abroad, we are on the cusp of transforming Alaska into a global energy hub, and this trip was a milestone in that effort,” Congressman Begich said. “Our LNG project is a strategic tool to reinforce our alliances, reduce global dependence on adversarial energy sources, and rebalance trade in a way that benefits both the U.S. and our allies. These countries are actively seeking reliable, long-term energy solutions and Alaska is the best-positioned partner to deliver.”

At the heart of Begich’s advocacy was the Alaska LNG project, a proposed $40+ billion infrastructure initiative that would transport natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to a liquefaction facility in Southcentral Alaska, enabling long-term exports to Asian markets.

In meetings across Tokyo, Taipei, and Seoul, Begich emphasized the reliability, environmental benefits, and strategic value of sourcing LNG from a trusted American partner. “Alaska has the energy resources the world needs—and our allies want,” Begich said in prepared remarks upon his return.

One of the most concrete signals of interest came from Taiwan, where CPC Corporation, an energy company, has already signed a letter of intent to purchase up to six million metric tons of Alaska LNG. In Japan and South Korea, government and industry leaders also showed active interest in both investment in the project and long-term supply agreements.

Begich with delegation and South Korea’s top leadership on energy strategy and economic resilience.

The delegation’s schedule included meetings with:

  • Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi
  • Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and senior leadership at CPC Corporation
  • South Korea’s Acting President Lee Ju-ho and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun

In addition to energy talks, the delegation addressed supply chain resilience for critical minerals—particularly those necessary for semiconductors, batteries, and defense technologies. Discussions centered on reducing dependence on Chinese-dominated mineral markets and elevating resource development partnerships with countries like the US.

The congressional group also made key strategic stops with U.S. military leaders in the region, including the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, and visited the Demilitarized Zone on the Korean Peninsula.

Congressman Begich stands on the North Korea side of the DMZ for a photo during his visit to the Korean Peninsula.

Begich’s Asia trip highlights a broader push by Alaska’s congressional delegation to position the state not only as an energy powerhouse but as a reliable geopolitical asset for America’s allies in a shifting global order.

“Many leaders I spoke with were unaware that Alaska can produce critical materials like gallium, germanium, antimony, and graphite at scale,” Begich said “This presents another opportunity for the US to strengthen supply chain security while opening new pathways for trade and investment.”

In Utqiagvik, Burgum announces rollback of NPR-A rule, pledges to unleash Alaska’s energy potential
Trump’s new permitting overhaul could get Alaska energy and infrastructure projects back on track
Top Trump officials visit Alaska to push energy projects; Murkowski ducks press questions

In Utqiagvik, Burgum announces rollback of NPR-A rule, pledges to unleash Alaska’s energy potential

Suzanne Downing
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6
In Utqiagvik, Burgum announces rollback of NPR-A rule, pledges to unleash Alaska’s energy potential

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on Sunday evening announced that the Department of the Interior is moving to rescind a 2024 rule that placed significant new restrictions on oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The announcement was made in Utqiagvik, where Burgum said the move would restore the original intent of Congress to promote responsible energy production in the reserve.

Burgum, along with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, was in America’s most northern community to meet with residents, officials, and to roll out more of Trump’s American Energy Dominance plan.

“Congress was clear: the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska was set aside to support America’s energy security through responsible development!” Burgum said.

The decision follows a thorough legal and policy review conducted by the Bureau of Land Management and senior officials. That review concluded the 2024 rule under President Joe Biden, formally titled Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, exceeded the agency’s statutory authority under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976, conflicted with its purpose, and created unwarranted barriers to energy development.

“The 2024 rule ignored that mandate, prioritizing obstruction over production and undermining our ability to harness domestic resources at a time when American energy independence has never been more critical. We’re restoring the balance and putting our energy future back on track,” Burgum said.

The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska covers approximately 23 million acres on Alaska’s North Slope. It was established by Congress as a strategic energy reserve in the wake of the 1970s oil crisis. The 1976 Act requires the BLM to carry out an “expeditious program of competitive leasing” while also protecting surface resources.

During a media event in Anchorage earlier in the day, Burgum talked about how vast the NPR-A is, comparing it to the size of a state like Indiana.

The 2024 rule had expanded procedural requirements and placed new limits on development across roughly 13 million acres of the reserve, designating them as “Special Areas.” Under that rule, companies would have needed to prove their operations would cause minimal or no adverse effects to surface resources, criteria that the Department of Interior says have no clear legal basis in the governing statute.

Rescinding the rule aligns with recent Executive Orders issued by President Trump in January 2025: E.O. 14153, Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential, and E.O. 14156, Declaring a National Emergency. Both orders direct federal agencies to reverse restrictive policies and revitalize domestic energy production, particularly in resource-rich regions like Alaska.

When finalized, the rescission would revert the NPR-A’s management framework to the pre-May 7, 2024 regulations. Those rules have historically guided leasing decisions through an “Integrated Activity Plan” process that includes provisions to protect wildlife habitat, subsistence use, and surface values.

The proposed rescission will be published in the Federal Register and open to public comment for 60 days.

Follow Must Read Alaska for more news coming out of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Sustainable Energy Conference.

Top Trump officials visit Alaska to push energy projects; Murkowski ducks press questions
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