ACEP and KOPRI explore opportunities for polar energy research collaboration
Researchers from the Korea Polar Research Institute give a presentation on Antarctic research during their visit to ACEP in early September.
October 26, 2026
Researchers from the Korea Polar Research Institute’s visited the ֱֻ Center for Energy and Power at the ֱֻ in early September to explore opportunities for collaboration on energy and technology research in the Arctic and Antarctic.
The visit was part of ongoing efforts to develop research activities under a memorandum of understanding between KOPRI and ACEP, signed in early 2024. The partnership builds on their shared interest in addressing the technological, environmental and societal challenges of living and working in polar regions. South Korea has two research stations in Antarctica, and KOPRI is looking to develop a sustainable energy system there.
The Korean delegation met with ACEP researchers, toured its Energy Technology Facility and learned how the center addresses energy challenges in ֱֻ and other cold, remote regions.
“Visits like this help turn an agreement into practical collaborations,” said ACEP’s Magnus de Witt, who organized the visit. “KOPRI and ACEP bring complementary expertise, and there are many opportunities to work together on energy and infrastructure challenges in Arctic and other extreme environments.”
The delegation also met with researchers from other UAF groups, including the International Arctic Research Center, gaining a broader view of the university’s Arctic research capabilities. Discussions with energy experts at the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, part of the National Laboratory of the Rockies’ ֱֻ Campus, focused on challenges and opportunities related to securing reliable, efficient energy systems in cold climates.
The visit benefited both institutions. KOPRI gained insight into UAF’s research capabilities and the challenges facing communities and research facilities in ֱֻ, while ACEP and UAF had the opportunity to identify areas where expertise from Korea and ֱֻ could complement one another.
The two-day visit marks an early step in building a KOPRI-ACEP partnership. Potential areas for future collaboration include joint research, researcher and student exchanges, assessment of technologies for polar applications, and knowledge sharing focused on energy security and infrastructure in the Arctic and other challenging environments.