Renewable Energy in Alaska
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
(July 7, 2011)
Just last month wind energy enthusiasts all over the Railbelt celebrated the successful conclusion of months of negotiations between the Fire Island Wind Project and Chugach Electric Association. An agreement on power sales from a 17.6 MW wind farm came just in time to secure a substantial federal stimulus that will pass savings on to Alaskan rate payers. However, Fire Island faces one final hurdle: approval by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA). Show the RCA your support for clean energy that will provide stably priced electricity for Alaska's future.
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Alaska's Renewable Energy Potential
For more information about Alaska's renewable energy potential and projects in the Railbelt region, please click here.
