On July 31, 2024, Governor Mike Dunleavy signed three landmark bills to advance Alaska's energy resilience: creating the Alaska Energy Independence fund to help finance clean energy projects across the state; facilitating critical transmission and governance improvements on the "Railbelt grid;" and establishing a framework for carbon capture, utilization, and storage. These policy tools set up Alaska for a new era of energy growth.
In April 2024, Stebbins and Saint Michael fuel costs were about $7.41 per gallon. A collaboration between Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AVEC) and Stebbins Native Corporation, co-funded by DOE, aims to provide 50% of the communities' energy needs with wind power, powering around 328 buildings. This effort avoids around 104,700 gallons of diesel fuel annually, cutting emissions significantly, equivalent to removing 207 gasoline-powered cars from the road each year.
February 29, 2024
Energy.gov
The Department of Energy is making $200 million available for transmission projects in Alaska. This funding will help link remote microgrids to infrastructure, enhancing overall grid reliability and improving energy access.
February 27, 2024
Energy.gov
The Dept. of Energy announced $25 million in funding to help tribal communities deploy clean energy technology, increase energy sovereignty and resiliency, and lower energy costs. Funding applications are due May 30, 2024.
February 27, 2024
Arctic Energy Office
Alaska is set to receive a share of 20% from the $366 million total allocation under the Department of Energy’s ERA program. This initiative aims to reduce energy costs and bolster security in rural and remote areas by accelerating clean energy solutions. The awards will benefit Chignik Bay, Old Harbor, Nulato, Huslia, Kaltag, Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk, Holy Cross, Angoon and villages in the Northwest Arctic Borough.
February 6, 2024
Department of Energy
The Department of Energy announced $6 million to develop tidal energy and $9.5 million for a community-led river current energy research and development project. The investments aim to advance the nation’s marine energy potential and help achieve a 100% clean energy grid. The University of Alaska Fairbanks will lead the community-led river current energy project in the Yukon River, aiming to develop technology for local microgrid-powered communities.
$3.46 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund 58 projects across 44 states, all of which aim to enhance electric grid resilience, deliver clean electricity, invest in 400 microgrids, create union jobs to fulfill the administration's climate goals, and more.