March 7, 2024
Local First Media Group
Kootznoowoo, Inc. received a $26.9 million grant from the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations for an 850 kW hydroelectric facility at Thayer Creek near Angoon, Alaska. The new facility will provide affordable, reliable power for the town's residents while replacing costly diesel fuel, reducing CO2 emissions.
March 5, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
A new NREL report analyzing the cost of adopting 80% renewables on the Railbelt suggests that increasing solar and wind energy would lead to cost savings compared to importing natural gas. The study concludes that aiming for a 75% renewable electricity contribution presents the most cost-effective option. However, to meet energy demands, existing hydro and fossil fuel generators will still be used when renewables are unavailable.
March 5, 2024
Anchorage Daily News
A federal grant totaling around $55 million is set to bring heat pumps and solar energy systems to villages in the Northwest Arctic Borough. Solar arrays and battery systems will be installed in villages owned by regional tribes, allowing them to sell power back to utilities. With the potential to offset 350,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually and save residents $2 million in electricity and heating costs, the project addresses the region's high energy expenses while fostering economic development opportunities.
March 1, 2024
Peninsula Clarion
Sen. Jesse Bjorkman discusses Senate Bill 254, which aims to cut royalties on Cook Inlet natural gas to ensure reliability and affordability for all Alaskans and reverse the Cook Inlet gas crisis. By reducing royalty rates for existing gas fields and waiving royalty rates for new gas fields, the bill aims to incentivize the development of known gas resources in the Cook Inlet basin.
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.
The Galena River Energy Project, aims to explore using in-river turbines to generate electricity. With a $9.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the project focuses on hydrokinetic technologies. If successful, it could provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to diesel generators, with community involvement guiding decisions. The project also aims to address challenges in harnessing river energy, potentially serving as a model for other Alaskan communities.
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 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.
