Railbelt electric utilities are facing a major energy crunch. Renewables may be the answer.
The region’s electric grid needs to find a replacement for Cook Inlet natural gas. One study suggests over the long term, the cheapest option is to ramp up renewable energy.
Lots of ideas, but not much time, to address Cook Inlet gas crunch
Lawmakers are trying to figure out the best way forward — and utilities say they have months, not years, to settle on a plan.
Work on Eielson microreactor project may resume this summer
State Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, urged the Air Force to move ahead with the small nuclear power plant after a presentation last week.
Unalaska to pursue geothermal energy project with new partners
For the city’s plan to work without Chena Power’s involvement, the Ounalashka Corp. would likely have to break ties with Chena.
Alaska creates climate plan to reduce statewide emissions and fund a wide range of sustainable energy projects
The state identified almost a billion dollars in need for projects that would help lower energy costs for an EPA grant program.
Alaska development authority signs contracts with ex-Dunleavy aides, paying up to $295/hour
Rex Rock and John Moller, both former rural affairs advisors to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, were hired by AIDEA through a competitive procurement process.
Federal appeals court declines to ‘criminalize’ Beaufort Sea oil and gas work
A divided three-judge panel concluded that a federal agency failed to justify a regulation that allows some oil and gas work.
Coal loading equipment in Seward is set to be demolished, likely a permanent end to Alaska coal exports
The Seward coal loading dock has sat idle since 2016 after demand for Alaska coal exports collapsed, one sign of the global energy transition.
Alaska House resolution calls on feds to scrap rule limiting NPR-A development
The Bureau of Land Management rule would apply “maximum protection” to more than half of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.
Unalaska pulls plug on Makushin geothermal project
Unalaska City Council members had lost confidence that the project would be completed on a reasonable timeline.
Anchorage Assembly preps for legal fight with Bronson administration over future of Eklutna Dam
The Assembly and administration have major differences over who sets the policy and what the city’s position actually is.
Alaska natural gas promoter floats new plan: Send North Slope gas to Southcentral first
The Alaska Gasline Development Corp. suggests supplying the Cook Inlet region with natural gas as a phased prelude to Asia-bound LNG exports.
Unalaska positions to walk away from geothermal agreement
A Friday memo from Unalaska's administration advises against renewing a power purchase agreement in the Makushin Volcano geothermal project.
USDA boosts energy grants to help rural businesses, farmers, others
The federal Department of Agriculture is offering grants to help people who live and work in Alaska’s rural areas reduce their energy costs.
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy’s plan to lease land for carbon storage comes with questions
Analysts say estimates that the state could earn hundreds millions from leases are overpromising.
Eklutna hydro owners say they won’t extend wildlife restoration process
Stakeholders who have fundamental objections have little time for further negotiation, and little recourse but federal court.
Bill to provide free access to Cook Inlet seismic surveys moves forward
House Resources Committee chair Rep. Tom McKay, R-Anchorage, said he believes the proposal could spur more drilling.
Cook Inlet gas crunch likely to push up prices as lawmakers search for solutions
The state’s largest gas utility is warning that shortfalls could come as soon as next year – and imports are years off.
Hilcorp fined $260K for missing well integrity test on Alaska’s North Slope
Thursday's penalty came two days after the oil company was fined $452,100 over unauthorized injections into Prudhoe Bay Unit oil pools.
Alaska’s recent cold snap tested critical infrastructure, including in Mertarvik
The entire community was without electricity for more than three days, as subzero temperatures sapped the local generator's batteries.