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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.