Energy

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

the Alaska State Capitol

From natural gas to psychedelic medicine, a look at some of the bills filed ahead of Alaska’s legislative session

Ahead of their return to the Capitol, lawmakers are using pre-session bill filings to lay out priorities for the months to come.
Solar panels stretching off into the distance connected by electrical wire.

Alaska lawmakers eye bills on neighborhood solar, green bank and renewable energy benchmarks

There are at least three bills to watch this coming legislative session that are aimed at growing Alaska’s renewable energy production.
a building

Federal energy grants help lighten Alaska nonprofits’ load

Nonprofits typically run on a shoestring, and energy — which the $4 million in federal funding assists with — is usually their second-highest expense.
fuel

Yukon-Kuskokwim communities seek answers about poor-performing Vitus Energy heating fuel

Vitus Energy says it's sending fuel additives to Kuskokwim River residents whose heating fuel gelled at low temperatures late last month.
the Willow project

State labor department forecasts modest job growth in 2024 fueled by infrastructure and energy spending

A new report predicts the state will add 5,400 jobs in 2024, a 1.7% increase, with bright spots in construction, mining and oil and gas.
A big boxy building with a smokestack next to it sending up steam

Feds award $9M to research carbon capture for proposed Southcentral Alaska coal power plant

Carbon capture storage is drawing attention at the state level, though critics say it’s expensive and may not have a large impact on emissions.
Seward

Seward council approves rate increase after failed electric utility sale

Officials had warned of an increase, estimated at $36 a month for average users, after voters twice rejected a city-backed sale of the local electric utility.
a drilling rig

ConocoPhillips announces official go-ahead for huge Willow oil project in Alaska

Construction is already underway on the North Slope drilling project, which the company expects to create about 300 long-term jobs.
The Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska facility

From gas to power lines to a green bank: A look at some of Gov. Dunleavy’s energy proposals

Gov. Mike Dunleavy outlined a variety of ideas to address Alaska’s energy needs in his budget proposal. Here’s a closer look at a few.
a sign

Appeals court says work at Alaska’s Willow oil project can proceed as larger case plays out

The move is another loss for conservation groups and an Inupiat organization that are seeking to stop the project.
Cook Inlet

Royalty-free lease offerings in Alaska’s Cook Inlet basin draw tepid response

Results of a lease auction test the idea that royalty reductions could attract new investment in natural gas development.

Southcentral Alaska mayors form coalition to address looming natural gas shortfall

State officials and utilities have warned that Cook Inlet, which supplies natural gas to Southcentral Alaska, may face a shortage by the end of the decade.
a lecture

Persily perforates Alaska natural gas line’s prospects in ‘Gasonomics’ talk

Longtime energy observer Larry Persily thinks Alaska will import natural gas to meet its needs, rather than building an in-state gas pipeline.
a Cook Inlet oil platform

Cook Inlet natural gas producer says it’s sitting on large deposit, but nobody wants in

Natural gas extraction in the Cook Inlet region has become more difficult, and utilities are considering importing it from outside Alaska.

Peltola flips script on long-running congressional drama over Arctic drilling

Room 1324 has seen this Alaska controversy play out for decades. This time, new characters changed the vibe.
a drilling rig

There’s lots of gas in Cook Inlet — here’s why some companies aren’t drilling

Leaders of Alaska’s biggest utilities say they don’t want to risk investing in drilling, when imported LNG appears reliable and competitive.
a map

Environmental groups ask federal appeals court to halt Willow oil project

The plaintiffs argue that Judge Sharon Gleason made a mistake when she allowed work to proceed on ConocoPhillips' Willow project.
Nikiski, AK.

Alaska gets $200M from feds for Railbelt energy project, Cook Inlet undersea cable

Alaska Beacon reporter James Brooks discussed the project, and the flexibility it could create for energy security on the Kenai Peninsula and beyond.
a gas pump

As gasoline prices fall, U.S. inflation cools to 3.2%

Gasoline prices tumbled 5% during October, which helped to keep overall inflation — down from 3.7% in September — in check.
a barge

The rivers froze before gasoline arrived in Nunapitchuk

A fuel barge sent to the Western Alaska village got stuck in forming ice last week. Vitus Energy plans to supply the fuel later when an ice road forms.