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The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) gave a presentation of the Railbelt Integrated Resource Plan at the Renewable Energy Alaska Project's (REAP) monthly meeting on Dec 9.
It's important right now because dwindling natural gas supplies and a lack of new development are putting the state's energy supply in danger. Leaders say it's time to determine which projects will improve reliability and reduce costs over the next 50 years.
"While the sky is not falling," said Project Manager with the Alaska Energy Authority, James Strandberg. "It is definitely a time to act with respect to rebuilding and adding on to our critical infrastructure."
After nine months of research, the Alaska Energy Authority is now presenting the much anticipated Integrated Resource Railbelt Report for Alaska's energy infrastructure.
With the risk of rolling blackouts in Southcentral because of Cook Inlet's lack of natural gas supply, this report is timely. "That is not a good situation to be in, so we need to make tough decisions about where we are going to go with our energy future," said Communications Director with REAP, Stephanie Nowers.
AEA says the report provides a guide. "The plan is a directional document, it's not something we can run out and start building a power plant or a transmission line right away but it certainly gives us the tools for the legislature and other
Figuring what's best for Alaska in the longterm isn't just what's the cheapest to start with.
The report shows how Southcentral will get its energy resource over the next 50 years. While natural gas will decline, it will still be one of the main sources of energy followed by hydro and an increase in geothermal. The report phases out coal after 2020.
That section of the report was followed by a list of preferred resource projects like Fire Island wind farm, Glacier Fork Hydro and the Nikiski wind farm.
The study also shows the goal of getting reaching 50 percent renewable in 2025 is still possible but how Alaska gets there depends on which projects take priority. "So it really opens up the decision making process by the legislature and others on what our path should be," said Strandberg.
There will be an in depth over view of the results of the Railbelt Integrated Resource Plan for the public, Dec. 9, at the Captain Cook Hotel from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Public comments will be accepted on this report until January 6, 2010 and the final report will be issued by January 13, 2010.
To contact the Newsroom, call 907-274-1111.
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