Energy

All Alaska energy news, including mining, oil and gas, green energy. (These stories are also categorized as “economy”.)

a sunset

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.
a white, snowy landscape of a dam covered in snow and mountains covered in snow.

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.
a road

Unalaska pulls plug on Makushin geothermal project

Unalaska City Council members had lost confidence that the project would be completed on a reasonable timeline.

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.
Massive industrial conveyor belt and loading equipment on a dock in a cloudy harbor.

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. 
a polar bear

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.
a building

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.
A man on a ladder installs a piece of equipment on the upper part of a wall.

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. 
a road

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.
Eielson Air Force Base

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.
the Cannery Loop natural gas storage station

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.
Solar panels stretching off into the distance connected by electrical wire.

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. 
Mary Peltola

Peltola says her priority is Alaskans’ economic prosperity

During a recent visit to Ketchikan, Rep. Mary Peltola discussed her approach to housing, mental health resources and addressing climate change.
a statue

Alaska’s carbon storage bill, once a revenue measure, is now seen as boon for oil and coal

The Alaska House of Representatives is set to vote for House Bill 50 on Wednesday, sending it to the Senate.
solar panels

Soldotna solar installation set to go online this summer

The 600-panel array will be able to fully power the Whistle Hill business complex east of Soldotna when weather permits.
Anchorage

Alaska lawmakers juggle late-session bills addressing Southcentral natural gas crunch

Bills to make storing gas easier, reduce royalties and spur new gas production, as well as energy transmission and renewable energy, are moving forward.