Tensions in Arctic Infrastructures

Tensions focuses on the challenge that infrastructures in the Arctic are often created for and by others. Northern Norwegian wind energy plants supply power to central Europe, while Iceland's growing data centre industry processes global data streams. However, this fast-paced industrialization of the Arctic is often met with resistance from Arctic populations. We therefore raise the question what 'good' infrastructure really is in an Arctic context? We investigate this question ethnographically by focusing on the tensions and negotiations that arise across areas in Greenland, Norway and Iceland, which are experiencing rapid infrastructure development. We also follow actors outside the Arctic who plan, design and build infrastructure in the region, and in that way seek to build a new research agenda for studies of Arctic infrastructures.