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.
April 9, 2024
Alaska Public Media
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%.
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.
March 21, 2024
Alaska Public Media
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.
March 19, 2024
Utility Dive
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.
Just launched: "Closing the Gap," a new podcast hosted by Alaskan energy researcher Gwen Holdmann, takes listeners on a global tour of the cutting edge of energy resource diversification. From geothermal beaches in Iceland to solar-powered villages in the Arctic Circle, Holdmann shares stories of innovation and possibility. Listen for informed insight into the future of sustainable energy and the potential it holds for Alaska.
March 15, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
Alaska’s world-class clean energy resources can not only secure our energy independence but have the potential to drive new economic vitality. With significant federal funding currently available, New Energy Alaska is calling on policymakers, utility boards, and business leaders to seize this moment and work together to build a thriving clean energy sector.
March 13, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
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.
