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 25, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
Developers of a huge proposed wind farm near Anchorage say it could help provide a much-needed boost to the area’s energy needs. Chugach Electric Association said it has confirmed that the project could provide about 20% of the utility’s electric production. First wind power would be delivered as early as 2027, with full supply achieved in 2028.
Over five years, the city of Cordova, DOE and NREL teamed up to complete Project RADIANCE, the largest DOE Grid-Modernization Laboratory Consortium (GMLC) project to date. The group improved Cordova’s microgrid system, allowing them to quickly adjust during emergencies, like bad weather and better support their fishing industry, and upgraded software and modeling.
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.
January 25, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
Executives from Southcentra's natural gas utility warn of a looming natural gas shortage, prompting discussions in Juneau including incentivizing gas production, expanding storage facilities, and upgrading the electrical grid to integrate renewable energy sources.
January 23, 2024
Alaska Beacon
A new report from University of Alaska Fairbanks presented to the state Senate Resources Committee suggests the Railbelt could generate 70-96% of its electricity from non-fossil energy sources by 2050. According to the report, achieving this would require between $7.7 billion to $11.8 billion, depending on various energy scenarios including tidal power, wind, solar, nuclear, and hydro.
A new study assesses decarbonization scenarios for Alaska's Railbelt electric grid by 2050, offering examples based on affordability and reliability. The study demonstrates the process of evaluating decarbonization scenarios and discusses stability issues that can arise when adopting wind, solar, and tidal; aiming to inform decision-makers on the economic and reliability implications of decarbonization scenarios.
January 16, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
Legislators in Alaska are considering various options to address the impending energy shortfall, including foreign imports, reduced royalties, and new pipelines. A top priority should be a suite of renewable energy bills, such as SB101 and HB121, which propose increasing the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources by Railbelt utilities and initiatives like community solar and annual net metering.
January 15, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
The state must rapidly shift toward renewable energy solutions to address climate change impacts and ensure a sustainable future through already-proposed initiatives like a green bank and a renewable portfolio standard for Railbelt utilities.
January 8, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
Amid a natural gas supply crisis, there are currently unprecedented opportunities for sustainable energy development in Alaska in 2024. Renewable energy projects and infrastructure improvements can bring long-term economic growth and environmental benefits for the state.
