A new report finds huge potential for pumped storage hydropower in Alaska. Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory identified more than 1,800 sites with the necessary geography with total storage capacity of about 4 terawatt hours, nearly equal to the amount of energy sold on the Railbelt grid in 2021.

A DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory report concluded that expanding wind and solar energy projects along the Railbelt could save Alaskans $1.4 billion in avoided fossil fuel and natural gas-related costs.

A new NREL report analyzing the cost of adopting 80% renewables on the Railbelt suggests that increasing solar and wind energy would lead to cost savings compared to importing natural gas. The study concludes that aiming for a 75% renewable electricity contribution presents the most cost-effective option. However, to meet energy demands, existing hydro and fossil fuel generators will still be used when renewables are unavailable.

A federal grant totaling around $55 million is set to bring heat pumps and solar energy systems to villages in the Northwest Arctic Borough. Solar arrays and battery systems will be installed in villages owned by regional tribes, allowing them to sell power back to utilities. With the potential to offset 350,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually and save residents $2 million in electricity and heating costs, the project addresses the region's high energy expenses while fostering economic development opportunities.

The Galena River Energy Project, aims to explore using in-river turbines to generate electricity. With a $9.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the project focuses on hydrokinetic technologies. If successful, it could provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to diesel generators, with community involvement guiding decisions. The project also aims to address challenges in harnessing river energy, potentially serving as a model for other Alaskan communities.

Developers of a huge proposed wind farm near Anchorage say it could help provide a much-needed boost to the area’s energy needs. Chugach Electric Association said it has confirmed that the project could provide about 20% of the utility’s electric production. First wind power would be delivered as early as 2027, with full supply achieved in 2028.

Over five years, the city of Cordova, DOE and NREL teamed up to complete Project RADIANCE, the largest DOE Grid-Modernization Laboratory Consortium (GMLC) project to date. The group improved Cordova’s microgrid system, allowing them to quickly adjust during emergencies, like bad weather and better support their fishing industry, and upgraded software and modeling.

Executives from Southcentra's natural gas utility warn of a looming natural gas shortage, prompting discussions in Juneau including incentivizing gas production, expanding storage facilities, and upgrading the electrical grid to integrate renewable energy sources.

A $206 million federal grant will fund a project to run a 50-mile undersea cable through Cook Inlet to connect Railbelt utilities and improve access to renewable sources, creating flexibility for energy security on the Kenai Peninsula and beyond.

The state must match $206 million in federal grant funds that will allow AEA to install a 50-mile undersea power cable between the Kenai Peninsula and Chugach Electric’s power plant on the west side of Cook Inlet, plus two new battery banks for wind and solar power management.