Renewable Energy in Alaska

Renewable Energy in the Legislature

The 2011/2012 Legislature added another 5 years to the Renewable Energy Grant Fund.  Originally scheduled to sunset in 2018, this program will now continue until 2023. The Legislature also appropriated $25.9 million to this fund. A lesser known grant fund, the Emerging Energy Technology Fund, which makes grants for eligible demonstration projects, received no funding from the Legislature.

A Renewable Energy Future

At Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE), we believe that renewable energy is an important part of Alaska's future. In 2008, ACE members helped pass HB 152 to establish the Renewable Energy Grant Fund, which will help push us to that renewable energy future. ACE also helped drive successful passage of the Sustainable Energy Act and State Energy Policy in 2010, that established statewide renewable energy goals. We also have continually worked to support the Fire Island Wind Farm, an 18 MW project with 11 wind turbines to be located on Fire Island, three miles off the coast of Anchorage. Fire Island is the first large scale wind farm in Alaska and should be delivering clean wind energy to the Railbelt utility customers by late 2012.

50% Renewable Energy by 2025

In adopting the landmark Alaska State Energy Policy at the conclusion of the 2010 legislative session, the State of Alaska has committed to obtaining 50% of its electrical energy from renewable energy resources by 2025. With a wealth of wind, geothermal, tidal, wave, biomass, solar, hydrokinetic, and potential traditional hydroelectric sites, Alaska is well poised to be a leader in transforming our fossil fuel dependent economy to a cleaner renewable energy future.

Finding the Best Solutions for our Energy Needs

Even renewable energy projects can have considerable adverse impacts to wildlife and habitat in sensitive areas.  ACE is currently assessing proposed renewable energy projects to evaluate their potential environmental impacts.  ACE is committed to supporting renewable energy projects that produce the least amount of environmental harm and have the biggest return on investment.  Stay tuned for updated information.

Fire Island Wind Project Update

(April 24, 2012)

In October 2011, Fire Island Wind cleared its last regulatory hurdle when the Regulatory Commission of Alaska approved the sale of Fire Island Wind's power to Chugach Electric Association.

In the beginning of April 2012, wind turbines and other materials began arriving at the Port of Anchorage where they will remain until the last of the ice is gone. Stay tuned to learn about the most recent Fire Island Wind updates throughout the summer!!!

Check out our photo album of Fire Island's Construction!

http://akcenter.org/climate-energy/renewable-energy/fire-island-wind-project

Alaska's Renewable Energy Potential

For more information about Alaska's renewable energy potential and projects in the Railbelt region, please click here.