The Nushagak Cooperative has submitted a two-year study on the proposed Nuyakuk Falls hydroelectric project to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The project would divert 30% of the river’s flow to produce 58,200 megawatt-hours annually, cutting diesel reliance. Located in Wood-Tikchik State Park, this report marks a major milestone, with a final feasibility decision expected in April 2025.
January 13, 2025
Desiree Hagan – KOTZ
Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) scientists are researching the potential for consumers to use EVs in remote Alaska. Kotzebue residents evaluated their EV options and selected the all-electric Taiga snowmachine and Polaris four-wheeler for volunteer participants to test-drive in the study’s next phase. Researchers are also working with the Galena and Kotzebue school districts to develop an EV repair training program delivered for free to students.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $2.8 million to the Northwest Arctic Borough to upgrade Ambler's power plant and microgrid. These improvements will enable integration of new solar PV and energy storage systems, which already secured federal funding. Once these energy assets fully operate, Ambler will be able to turn off its diesel generators for the first time in 40 years.
US Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $4.2 million in federal funding to Spruce Root to install heat pumps in 240 tribally owned homes and community facilities on Prince of Wales (POW). These pumps will replace heating oil and propane based heating systems to provide clean, locally produced energy at affordable rates. This project will reduce POW’s reliance on expensive heating oil and propane.
The US Department of Energy Water Power Technologies office has selected Anchorage-based energy tech accelerator Launch Alaska to receive $100,000 for its Water and Alaska Vital Energy Systems (WAVES) project. WAVES will identify potential ways to deploy cutting-edge water power technologies in Alaska. Through this program, Launch Alaska will support companies investing in clean, local marine energy along Alaska’s 33,000 miles of coastline.
December 19, 2024
Homer News
Homer Electric Association (HEA) has secured $5 million to design a system that converts methane from the town’s landfill into electricity. This project is part of the utility's broader effort to develop clean, local sources of energy generation and storage. Methane and wind based generation projects have the potential to lower energy costs and increase energy security for Homer and the Kenai peninsula.
December 19, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
Chugach Electric Cooperative (CEC) CEO Arthur Miller and Chair Mark Wiggin share how CEC is diversifying its energy mix. The utility’s plans include utilizing locally produced renewable energy and natural gas. Until Alaska expands its clean energy capacity, CEC recognizes that it will need to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet local energy needs.
November 4, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
From funding solar projects and installing heat pumps in tribal-owned buildings to driving investment in clean energy infrastructure, three recent laws—the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Alaska Energy Independence Fund—are equipping Alaskans with vital resources. In this opinion piece, lifelong Alaskans Alana Peterson and Ivy Spohnholz describe how these resources are being deployed to help communities adapt, lead, and thrive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
October 9, 2024
Frontiersman
Chugach Electric Association and Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) have commissioned a new $65 million Battery Energy Storage System to strengthen the Railbelt power grid, boost reliability, and support the diversification of power generation. This cutting-edge system will stabilize the grid in response to demand and supply fluctuations, reducing reliance on gas-powered turbines and cutting emissions. By increasing efficiency and enabling more effective integration of renewable energy, the system is another significant step toward making Alaska’s power grid more resilient and accelerating the state’s shift to clean energy.
October 8, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
A recent report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that as natural gas supplies from Cook Inlet decline, renewables offer Alaskans the surest, most cost-effective energy solution. However, bringing enough renewables online is a complex endeavor, not least because of our state’s unique geography and climate. This excellent article by Hal Bernton highlights the progress made thus far, the potential pathways ahead of us, and the challenges that may hinder our progress.
