May 9, 2024
Alaska Beacon
In March 2022, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) in Arkansas met over 90% of its electricity demand with renewable energy, primarily wind power. This demonstrated that high renewable penetration can be achieved without compromising grid reliability. Despite challenges, regions like Texas and California are also successfully integrating large amounts of renewable energy, and Alaska can too.
The Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) is offering technical assistance and up to $50,000 for Alaska communities interested in moving to more sustainable energy sources. REAP’s Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) emphasizes community-led approaches and education to reduce reliance on costly and unreliable fuel sources and boost local economies. Applications are open until July 10, 2024.
May 7, 2024
New York Times
Giant batteries are transforming U.S. electricity by storing excess solar and wind power to extend the availability of these “intermittent” renewable sources. These batteries stabilize grids, manage renewable energy variability, and support peak demand, advancing the shift to sustainable energy across the nation.
Tidal energy from Cook Inlet could power half of Anchorage, according to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report. With grid upgrades to enable integration, Cook Inlet Tidal can help Alaska achieve its target of 80% renewable energy powering its main grid by 2040.
May 1, 2024
Alaska Native News
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.
April 30, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
Chugach Electric board members Mark Wiggin and Sam Cason warn against the dangers of procrastination and diversion in addressing Alaska's energy future, emphasizing the need to take urgent action to solve Southcentral Alaska’s gas supply issue. Addressing the crisis will take a multi-pronged approach, including conserving current gas supplies, boosting renewables, and upgrading energy infrastructure.
April 23, 2024
Alaska Beacon
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.
April 22, 2024
Gwen Holdmann
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.
The DOE Office of State and Community Energy Programs has earmarked $8.8 million for Alaska Native Regional and Village corporations and other Tribes via the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. With no matching requirement, this non-competitive funding has already allocated $10,000 - $30,000 to each of the 421 Alaskan regional and village corporations. These funds can be utilized for building upgrades, renewable energy installations, and climate and energy planning initiatives.
April 22, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
Railbelt utility managers Arthur Miller, Tony Izzo, John Burns, and Brad Janorschke emphasize the necessity of modernizing Alaska’s Railbelt grid. Upgrading transmission infrastructure between regions will improve reliability, reduce consumer costs, and will help bring renewables online. The group stresses the importance of securing federal funding for these upgrades and thanks Alaska Legislators for their efforts to ensure Alaskans benefit from this opportunity.
