The U.S. Department of Energy awarded over $20 million to six Alaska communities for clean energy projects. These projects, part of the Energy Improvement in Rural and Remote Areas (ERA) grant program, will install solar PV systems, battery storage, and heat pumps to reduce energy costs, enhance climate resilience, and support local economies.

The Alaska Senate unanimously approved a measure enabling Alaskans to collectively invest in renewable energy projects. Subscribers can now share the benefits if the project generates surplus electricity sold to local utilities.

Alaskan energy researcher Gwen Holdmann delves into today's energy transition by stepping back in time to examine the last big one—electrification. Gwen explores the impacts and challenges large-scale energy transition can bring through the words and voices of those who experienced it firsthand in rural Alaska.

Amidst a declining Cook Inlet gas producer market, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory released a report saying that prioritizing expanding renewable energy sources such as solar and wind farms will be cheaper for the Railbelt electric grid. Leveraging existing federal tax credits could further slash renewable project costs by up to 40%.

Alaska submitted its first Sustainable Energy Action Plan to the federal government. The plan focuses on cutting emissions by promoting renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency. It outlines initiatives like expanding hydroelectric projects and funding home weatherization. Advocates see it as a positive start to making energy more affordable, especially in rural areas.

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.