2O12
Sustainable Energy Opportunities:
Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
communities
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 3
COMMUNITY ENERGY PROJECT PLANNING 3
BACKGROUND 4
ENERGY EFFICIENCY 5
HOUSING EFFICIENCY 5
Ventilation 6
High Efficiency Homes 6
Weatherization: Making Existing Homes More Efficient 9
Lighting Efficiency 11
SIMPLE EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS 13
WASTE HEAT CAPTURE 14
BIOMASS AND WASTE-TO-ENERGY 15
WOODBlOMASS 16
Wood Chip Boilers 16
Core/wood Biomass Systems 17
Wood Pellet Biomass Systems 18
BIOMASS BRIQUETTES 19
WASTE-TO-ENERGY 20
Plasma Gasification and Incineration 21
Municipal Waste Methane Capture 22
Energy from Organic Waste 22
WIND 24
WIND POTENTIAL: MEASURING AND SITING 24
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS 25
WIND-DIESEL HYBRID SYSTEMS 26
WIND USE EXAMPLES 26
TECHNICAL TRAINING 28
RESIDENTIAL WIND TURBINES 28
SOLAR 29
REGIONS OF BEST IMPLEMENTATION 30
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS 31
SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY 32
PASSIVE SOLAR 33
GEOTHERMAL 34
TYPES OF GEOTHERMAL USES 35
Geothermal Electrical Generation 35
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) 36
REGIONS OF BEST IMPLEMENTATION 37
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HYDROKINETIC ENERGY: RIVERS AND TIDES 38
TYPES OF HYDROKINETIC PROJECTS 39
In-Stream Hydrokinetic 40
Tidal Flow Hydrokinetic 40
Wave Energy 41
REGIONS OF BEST IMPLEMENTATION 41
CONCLUSIONS AND FUNDING RESOURCES 42
RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES 44
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 46
EPA disclaimers:
The viewpoints presented in this document are those of a Greater Research
Opportunity (GRO) Intern, Aiden Irish, during the summer of 2012 as he compiled and
prioritized this information and do not reflect EPA recommendations or endorsements
of any specific product or provider mentioned.
*Some projects listed in this resource guide could potentially have impacts to aquatic
resources or land management. There are specific permitting requirements
(Federal/State/local) that Tribes would want to inquire about prior to any
implementation (that could impact the total cost of the project or site selection).
Cover page photograph by Author: wind turbines in the village of Unalakleet, Alaska.
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INTRODUCTION
"I Cike tfie idea of cuCturaCsustainabiCity, and focusing on tfie gifts, tfie
strengths, tfie vaCues, and tfie BeCiefs tfiat we fiave and carrying tfiose
forward. TarticuCarCy in tfie Native community, our cuCturaC BeCiefs and
vaCues support environmentaCconsciousness."
~NicfaoCe Maker ('TCingit)
The purpose of this document is to provide basic information on a range of cost effective
renewable energy and efficiency practices with an emphasis on Alaska. This project was
conceptualized as a resource for Tribes in Alaska and EPA Region 10, who are considering
alternative energy sources as a way to lower their contributions to greenhouse gases and thus
would be safeguarding the natural environment (air, water, and land upon which life depends)
and protecting human health. There is also a need to provide cheaper energy in rural
communities. These options reduce the need for diesel fuel and include; energy efficiency,
biomass and waste-to-energy, wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrokinetic energy. The various
options are organized in this guidebook by types of projects and technologies. Both the
limitations and beneficial aspects of each option will be discussed and the regions within Alaska
to which each is best suited will be indicated. Examples of projects, where they exist, are given
as a framework for effective implementation. Each section includes contact information for
further research for interested communities. The costs and energy productivity of each type of
project are discussed as part of the description of the provided examples. Each type of project
is followed by a "fast facts" reference to give a basic outline of project, its potential success,
benefits, and costs or limitations. Through sharing of ideas and lessons-learned, these examples
inspire renewable energy and efficiency ideas and provide resources and background
information to make project planning easier. Though this guide includes technologies and
project ideas that are applicable nationwide and would be beneficial in other regions, the
resources, contacts, and issues in this document are specific to Alaska and its many uniquely
challenging conditions.
Community Energy Project Planning
Laying out a community energy plan, regardless of what project looks best for your community,
starts with gathering basic information about the community, such as the number of buildings
and people, the amount of energy consumed overall, the average cost of energy bills in the
community, the number of gallons of diesel consumed annually, etc. This basic information
forms the foundation for more project-specific information such as the size and amount of
insulation in buildings that would benefit most from weatherization improvements, information
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about current energy systems, such as diesel generators, and local, sustainable energy sources
that appear possible based on the location and climate of the community.
Alongside information gathering, organizing community support for sustainable energy and
efficiency projects is critical. Starting a community energy group to coordinate work, meeting
with the main stakeholders in the community, such as Tribal council members, village
corporation officials, and reaching out to the rest of the community to include them on the
project are all important steps in building a community energy plan. Tribal coordinators in the
Environmental Protection Agency's Tribal Trust and Assistance Unit (TTAU) can be great
resources for this kind of planning and coordination (see the "Conclusions and Funding
Resources" section for more information on the TTAU).
After information has been gathered and community coordination has taken place it is easier to
identify areas for reducing dependence on diesel energy using local resources. After simple
improvements have been accomplished, making contact with experts and officials for more
complicated project planning will be a smoother process.
Background
Alaska Native communities, and Native Peoples of the world, have relied upon continuous
natural cycles of energy throughout time immemorial. Indigenous communities understood
where and how the natural world releases its stores of energy and how to use them as well as
the limitations created by responsible use of those gifts.
As the world's stores of oil and gas have become limited and costly, the global discussion has
turned to these ancient sustainable energy sources. To the Tribal communities of the world,
and especially those of Alaska, stewardship and responsible consumption are not new energy
guidelines, but foundational values. Adopting modern renewable energy technologies are an
implementation of those traditional values.
Shifting to renewable energy sources has environmental, cultural and strong economic
motivations. In the lower contiguous 48 States, consumers are faced with gas prices greater
than $4 per gallon. In rural Alaska, those rates can be $10 per gallon for diesel and fuel oil that
is relied upon for heat and electricity. In a region where winter temperatures register among
the coldest in the world, access to energy for heat and transportation is a human rights concern
as well as an economic one. Shifting to renewable energy sources also reduces contributions to
greenhouse gases that cause global climate change, a process that has disproportionately
negative effects on Alaska Native communities.
While the need for new energy sources other than oil is clear and the connection between
reducing diesel use/emissions has a positive effect on public health, the path towards those
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sources is often complicated by technology and feasibility studies. Some modern renewable
energy technologies, despite their increased efficiency and better design, are nonetheless the
products of techniques that date back to a time long before the discovery of oil. Though
renewable energy often appears complicated, at its core it remains a simple concept; the
harnessing of energy sources that have been used to varying extents forever.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
"Live a simpCe Cife and waste not, for what cannot Be usedtoday can Be
deCdfor tomorrow."
~ 3-faida £e0encfoft/ie Tfcunderfiircf
Increased efficiency, or getting the most use out of each unit of energy, should be the starting
point for any sustainability project. Improvements in efficiency are almost always the most
cost effective method for reducing the use of electricity or heating energy. Unlike other
options, efficiency is not limited by region or climate, it does not require studies, and energy
conservation can be accomplished by individuals as well as at the community level.
The Alaska Energy Authority outlined a goal for the State to be 20 percent more efficient by
2020 and provide resources and detailed information on efficiency improvement possibilities
for communities of all sizes.
Efficiency information provided by the Alaska Energy Authority:
http://akenergyefficiency.org
Housing Efficiency
Over the life of most houses, 50 to 80 percent of the total cost of the home goes towards
energy to heat and power the building. In rural Alaska in particular, 79 percent of home heating
is done by diesel at very high costs. Better heating and electrical efficiency in houses is the
fastest and easiest way to reduce costs. This goal can be accomplished through the construction
of a new house from the bottom up that is designed around high efficiency, through the
weatherization of existing homes, or by simply changing light bulbs and practicing energy
conservation habits (See list on page 10).
"The Thunder Bird Tootooch Legends," W.L. Webber (1936).
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Ventilation
Improving the efficiency of homes carries with it an increased emphasis on intentional
ventilation. Low efficiency homes are, by their nature, well ventilated. While holding in heat is
the end goal, too little air flow can result in trapping bad odors, harmful gases, or moisture that
can result in mold and mildew. All of these can have negative health effects. The following case
studies will note the importance of allowing fresh air flow and some of the negative effects of
not allowing for ventilation. The following examples of high efficiency homes designed and built
by the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) all emphasize proper ventilation as well
as high efficiency.
Ventilating a home can be as simple as cutting a whole in the wall. To reduce drafts and too
much cold air entering, a fresh air in-let or trickle vent helps control air flow. Letting in outside
air may appear counterintuitive, but permitting fresh air flow in a home and ensuring that
wood stoves or oil and diesel heaters are properly maintained and appropriately vented are
essential steps to preventing severe respiratory illness.
Positive Energy Conservation Products (search for
possible resource for air in-let vents)
Housing Resource Contact
Cold Climate Housing
Research Center (CCHRC)
P.O. Box 82489 Fairbanks, AK
99708
(907)457-3454
High Efficiency Homes
The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) has
been a leader in developing Alaska homes that are
designed around the unique conditions of their
environment, not only taking into account the intense
winter cold, but the building limitations of each region.
Two CCHRC projects, one in Anaktuvuk Pass in the Brooks Range, and another in Quinhagak in
southwestern Alaska, exemplify efficient design for the arctic environment.
Anaktuvuk Pass is a Nunamiut community of 380 people located in the Brooks Range of
northern Alaska and is only accessible by plane or over frozen tundra from Coldfoot during the
winter, 80 miles away. Therefore, design considerations have to take into account not only the
average winter temperature of -14 °F, but geographic limitations for bringing in building
materials.
The prototype house is currently in its third year of monitoring. It was designed to be practical
for the lifestyle of the residents, highly efficient, affordable, and capable of having the materials
for its construction shipped in just one cargo plane trip. After several years of testing and
modifications, the house consumed about 200 gallons of heating oil per year, over a 75 percent
improvement from the average consumption in the town.
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The construction design of the house is built low to the ground with dirt mounded up against
the walls to reduce snow drift and pressure from high winds. This is unlike other houses that
are built up on posts. The house is insulated with nine inches of spray on polyurethane foam
(high density insulating foam) and heated with an oil heater and a wood stove backup. The final
cost of construction came in at about $230,000. While this price estimate misses the goal set by
CCHRC of $150,000, it is much less than the cost of building standard housing in Anaktuvuk
Pass, which can reach $750,000.
To deal with the issue of ventilation and energy use, a heat recovery system (MRS) (which allows
for air venting while reducing heat loss), was installed after the second year to provide fresh air
in the home while reducing energy use. Providing fresh air is critical in any efficient house
because moisture buildup can cause mold and mildew and trap gases such as carbon dioxide or
carbon monoxide that can cause severe health problems and even, in extreme situations,
death.
In addition to the high degree of heat efficiency, the house also uses a solar panel array that
produces about seven percent of its yearly electricity, mostly during the summer months. This
offsets the electricity that the house must pull from the village generator, and further reduces
its energy costs.
The second project by CCHRC is located in the Yup'ik community of Quinhagak, south of Bethel.
Due to its more southerly, coastal location, conditions are much different than in Anaktuvuk
Pass. Instead of the relatively dry climate of the Brooks Range, Quinhagak is windy with more
humidity, which, has caused rot and mildew in many homes. The mildewed conditions can
contribute to serious respiratory diseases in
young and elderly. While Quinhagak is
accessible by barge, its remote location
makes shipping large materials and using
heavy machinery very challenging. The final
housing design includes the same
polyurethane envelope insulation as in
Anaktuvuk, with an octagonal shaped
building that is based on traditional Yup'ik
designs which helps to shed snow in the
The prototype house in Anaktuvuk Pass built
by CCHRC cut heating fuel consumption by 75
to 80 percent.
Photo by the Author
winter.
Fifty-five homes in Quinhagak were found to
have mold and mildew severe enough to be
declared "disaster" sites and were
recommended for reconstruction. In the
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shorter term, the houses were renovated to make them livable while homeowners wait for new
housing, if they choose to build a new home.
A major complicating factor in designing the new prototypes was foundation design, which
must accommodate a high degree of ground variability and moisture content of the
surrounding soil. Construction of four more houses are planned to be built in summer of 2012.
The new homes will be placed on adjustable elevated foundations to allow for leveling as the
ground under the homes settles and shifts.
To address the original mold and mildew problems, the prototype house incorporates a heat
recovery system to ensure maximum air ventilation and efficiency. To accommodate the short
summer construction season, the entire house was built in seven weeks, by a six-person crew
without heavy machinery. In the first year of operation, these homes consumed 80 to 90
percent less heating fuel in the first year than other houses in the community, a total of just
171 gallons.
Because of the severe health risks, as well as energy efficiency factors, involved with the old
homes, making the new homes affordable was central to project planning. Initial estimates for
replacing all 55 homes indicated that the project would cost $14 million, roughly $200,000 for
each home. In response to the higher costs, the Native Village of Kwinhagak (NVK)
implemented the "ENEKAQA" Housing Program to make the new homes as affordable as
possible. The program combines various grant funds and a "Build-to-Own" (BTO) program to
reduce the costs as much as possible. The principle cost of each new home is estimated to be
$200,000. To offset this cost, the NVK offers to buy the old home for $30,000, making the
adjusted total $170,000 and in addition, offers "sweat equity" through the Build-to-Own
program. Homeowners are offered the chance to help build their home and have their working
hours deducted from the cost of the home, further reducing its cost. The more family members
involved with building, the more money is deducted from the cost.
Energy efficiency and CCHRC housing projects fast facts:
• Housing designs based on traditional housing styles
• Anaktuvuk Pass house improved heating efficiency by up to 80 percent ( 200 gallons
of heating fuel compared to 880 gallons per year for other homes), Quinhagak
improved efficiency by 90 percent
• Anaktuvuk Pass house built for about one-third the cost of other homes in the area
due to using local labor and efficient material use (~$230,000 compared to $750,000)
• Complications: effective ventilation while maintaining high efficiency (Anaktuvuk),
and foundation designs for building on the tundra (Quinhagak)
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Cellulose insulation added to the
village store in Anaktuvuk Pass to
improve heating efficiency.
Photo by the Author
Weatherization: Making Existing Homes More
Efficient
For most existing homes, complete reconstruction
for improved efficiency is not practical. For many
buildings, additional insulation in the walls, roof, and
floor, or by simply caulking cracks, combined with
higher efficiency lighting and appliances can increase
efficiency and cut energy expenditures by between
20 and 30 percent.
Efficiency improvements pay for themselves in
savings in as little as three years. To cover the
upfront costs however, many agencies, including
local and state housing authorities offer these
improvements through weatherization programs for
free or reduced cost to qualified applicants
(Programs that offer weatherization in conjunction
with local housing authorities are listed in the sidebar below.).
The Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP) provides a unique set of
weatherization programs that operates throughout Alaska and does everything from energy
efficiency education to weatherization retrofits. Educationally, RurAL CAP hosts volunteers in
the AmeriCorps VISTA Energy Program (a national AmeriCorps program), where volunteers
from rural Alaska are given training on energy efficiency to bring back knowledge to their home
communities with information resources to start small scale energy efficiency and sustainability
projects.
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) weatherization homepage:
http://www.ahfc.us/energy/weatherization_program.cfm
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Projects by volunteers range from simple weatherization and efficiency improvements to
community gardens and sustainable energy festivals. RurAL CAP also facilitates the Energy Wise
program where community members are hired and
trained by RurAL CAP as energy efficiency team
leaders. The team leaders are then in charge of
hiring local residents and hosting an efficiency fair
for the community after which the team does
door-to-door visits performing simple efficiency
improvements at no cost to the residents. The key
to the Energy Wise program is that it provides
education about easy ways for residents to
improve efficiency in their daily lives from changing
light bulbs to unplugging appliances.
Weatherization Resources
Interior Weatherization Inc.
713 15th Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907)452-5323
Rural Alaska Community Action
Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP)
•S Weatherization Program
907-279-2511
info@weatherizeme.org
S Energy Wise/AmeriCorps
VISTA Energy Program
Ellen Kazary, Community
Development Manager
ekazary@ruralcap. c<
(907)865-7358
RurAL CAP's Energy Wise program functions
alongside to its weatherization program. Services
provided by the weatherization plan involve more
labor intensive projects such as added insulation
and installing higher efficiency windows and doors.
In 2011, RurAL CAP, through its weatherization
program, weatherized 810 homes (228 in 10 rural
communities and 496 in Anchorage and 86 in
Juneau) and hired and trained 263 local residents
to do those projects in the process. Currently
RurAL CAP is in the process of fully weatherizing 15
homes in Kotzebue. Also, the U.S. Department of Energy offers weatherization services similar
to those of RurAL CAP for little to no cost.
U.S. Department of Energy
Mimi Burbage
Weatherization Program Manager
(907)330-8192
mburbage@ahfc.state.ak.us
RurAL CAP weatherization information page:
http://www.ru ralcap.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=170<emid=85
Department of Energy national weatherization page:
http://wwwl.eere. energy.gov/wip/wap_apply.html
Interior Weatherization
http://interiorwx.org/
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Weatherization fast facts:
• Improves house energy on an average of 30 percent or more
• Weatherization programs available through RurAL CAP, local housing authorities, and
the Department of Energy
• RurAL CAP also runs the VISTA Energy program and Energy Wise to promote and
facilitate energy efficiency in local communities
• Many Weatherization programs are available at free or reduced cost for homeowners
• Ideas for simple efficiency improvements can be found on pages nine and ten
Lighting Efficiency
One of the fastest and easiest ways to reduce electrical bills and usage is by switching to high
efficiency lighting, particularly LED lights. LEDs, or light emitting diodes, are highly efficient light
units first introduced in 1962, but have greatly improved and have become more widely
available. The initial price of these lights tends to make them less attractive than typically
purchased incandescent or fluorescent lights, but the benefits of LEDs are obvious when their
efficiency and longevity are compared to other standard lighting options.
The industry standard for LED life expectancy
is over 50,000 hours of use (over 11 years for
lights that are operated 12 hours a day). The
lifespan of LEDs is drastically longer than
compact fluorescents (CFLs), which have a life
expectancy of 8,000 to 10,000 hours.
Incandescent lights, which have a life span of
1,000 to 1,200 hours, are being phased out by
the government due to their inefficiency. For
light equivalent to that produced by a 60 watt
incandescent bulb - a standard household
lighting unit - a CFL bulb consumes 13 to 18
watts, a good improvement, but an LED uses
eight to twelve watts.2 As a final benefit, LEDs
are less sensitive to temperature extremes
than either incandescent lights or CFLs; they
are rated to temperatures as low as -40°F.
Large scale lighting fixtures installed in the
automotive garage in Anaktuvuk Pass cut
energy consumption in that building by 60
percent.
Photo bv the Author
More information on LEDs
http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm
See LED information website for statistics.
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LED Lighting Purchase and
Installation Contact
Dave Pelunis-Messier
Department of Energy
Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed
Council
Dpelunis-messier@yritwc.org
(907)451-2530
The prices for LED lights are significantly higher
and vary depending on the distributor, but pay off
quickly in energy savings and reduced need to
replace light bulbs. For instance, the store in
Anaktuvuk Pass Alaska invested $6,600 in LED
lighting with the goal of making the store almost
entirely lit by LEDs. In doing so, the diesel
consumption for electricity was cut by 1,000
gallons per year and will pay itself off in less than
one and half years. The village of Anaktuvuk Pass
has installed LED streetlights and has switched
several municipal buildings and the village automotive garage over to LED with potential diesel
fuel conservation results of over 100 gallons per day.
Lighting Disposal
Another consideration is disposal of lighting. CFL bulbs in particular use mercury to create light,
which is toxic to the health of people and the environment. Exposure to mercury from broken
CFLs can cause brain damage and other serious long term side effects and, even in very small
doses, can pollute large areas (0.035 ounces of mercury can contaminate a two acre pond).
Incandescent lights also emit mercury into the environment during use at even greater levels
than CFLs. When disposing of CFL or incandescent light bulbs, it is critical to avoid breaking the
bulbs (especially CFLs) as this releases mercury into the air. The following link provides
information on mercury gas, proper cleanup procedures, and methods of disposing of CFL
bulbs. It is essential to assure these products do not end up in landfills (contact an expert to
see about proper disposal in Alaska).
EPA webpage on CFL bulbs, their use and disposal
http://www.epa.gov/cfl/
LEDs on the other hand are solid state lights - meaning they contain no gases like CFLs - and
can be disposed of just like any other recyclable material. Also, because they last over five times
longer than CFLs and 50 times longer than incandescent lights, LEDs contribute less to the
volume of waste than CFLs or incandescent lights.
Lighting fast facts:
Projected lifespan (hours)
Energy consumption (Watts)
Cost per bulb
LED
50,000
8
$35.95
CFL
10,000
14
$3.95
Incandescent
1,200
60
$1.25
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Equivalent 50,000 hours bulb
expense
Total cost of 50,000 hours of
operation (Assuming $0.10/kWh)
$35.95
$75.79*
$19.75
$89.75
$52.50
$352.50
*Note: LED bulbs continue to drop in price considerably as they become more common.
Simple Efficiency Improvements for Individuals
While the purpose of all energy efficiency improvements is to save money and energy, the
initial investment price for many options can be too much for individuals. There are a number
of actions that cost little to no money to implement and can, when consistently used, result in
significant energy savings. Possibilities for cutting energy consumption include:
• Unplugging "phantom loads" such as computers, microwaves, coffee makers, stereos,
television, and other electronics, which take constant energy even when not being used
(It costs up to an estimated $50 per month to operate an electric coffeepot in rural
Alaska.) -This does not include ventilating fans or HVAC systems! These should not be
unplugged! They are essential for maintaining fresh air flow and reducing the risk of
respiratory diseases associated with improperly ventilated living conditions.
• Use power strips to turn off many electronic appliances at once when they are not in
use (More money is spent in Alaska on powering electronics when they are off than
when they are being used.).
• Upgrading household lighting. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CLSs) or better yet, LED
fixtures.
• Use natural light as much as possible. Take advantage of as much summertime daylight
as possible to reduce or eliminate the need for electric lighting.
• When buying appliances, choose Energy Star certified appliances when possible. Energy
Star appliances are those that are certified under federal guidelines to meet strict
efficiency standards and can use as much as half the energy and/or water of normal
appliances. Update freezers with Energy Star units.
• Set the water heater on a lower heat setting. Water heaters account for about 15
percent of the average rural Alaska household energy bill, so cutting energy use by the
water heater can account for a large improvement in energy efficiency.
• More ideas for energy saving tips can be found in the Alaska Energy Authority's booklet
on energy saving tips (below)
Alaska Energy Efficiency, complete list of home efficiency tips for rural Alaska
residents: http://www.akenergyauthoriry.org/Efficiency/Energy_Savers_Tips_2oii.pdf
ENERGY STAR homepage:
http://www.energystar.gov/
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Waste Heat Caoture Contacts
Alaska Center for Energy and Power
Ross Coen
Rural Energy Specialist
Ross.coen(®alaska.edu
(907)347-1365
Alaska Energy Authority
Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency
Project Manager
(907) 771-3039
DcrimD@aidea.on
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Carl Remley
Senior Engineer
(907)729-3543
Waste Heat Capture
Diesel generators give off a lot of heat that
generally goes unused. Waste heat capture
uses the heat that would otherwise be lost
during generation to use for heating water or
providing space heating. The process works a
little bit like the radiator on a car or ATV,
liquid that is in pipes close to the hot engine is
heated and then pumped elsewhere, taking
the heat with it, to be used for another
purpose. Improving the efficiency of diesel
energy generators by using this heat can
extend the use of a gallon of diesel fuel.
Energy from diesel combustion systems has
three, roughly equal paths out of a generator;
about one-third is turned into electrical
energy, another third exits as heat through the
engine walls, and another third goes up the
exhaust stack also as heat.
The Alaska Energy Authority, in association with the Denali Commission, helps to fund waste
heat projects through the Energy Cost Reduction Program. Thus far, the $5.5 million value of
the installed programs in 16 rural communities is estimated to save $10.2 million in diesel fuel
costs over the life of the projects.
Kotzebue is one such example of a waste heat recovery project. As part of their goal to reduce
diesel use by 25 percent from a current intake of 1.4 million gallons per year, the Kotzebue
Electric Association implemented a heat recovery system.
The system provides energy to produce 10 tons of flake ice per day for fish preservation, heats
one of the city's water loops, and provides heating for surrounding buildings through a district
heating loop. All of this reduces the load on the service station and saves 273,306 gallons of
diesel per year.
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) also plans, coordinates, and assists with
funding heat recovery projects. Currently ANTHC is assisting 12 communities, which include
Minto, Ambler, and Savoonga for an estimated total energy savings of over 81,843 gallons of
fuel per year. In addition, ANTHC also conducts energy audits for tribal communities that help
pinpoint the best energy saving options.
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The Native Village of Kwinhagak (NVK) is in the process of working with Alaska Rural Utility
Cooperative (ARUC), the organization that works with ANTHC to design energy systems, to
design a heat recovery system for the village. Early estimates for the heat recovery system
indicate that it will cost $700,000 and will reduce diesel fuel consumption by 15,000 gallons per
year, a cost savings of $67,000. The waste heat will be used to heat the water and sewer
systems, which currently must be heated electrically to keep them from freezing.
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium heat recovery program:
http://anthctoday.org/dehe/cbee/hr.html
Alaska Energy Authority
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/programsalternativediesel.html
Waste heat fast facts:
• Make existing diesel generators more efficient by using heat emitted from engine
(up to 1/3 of energy from diesel combustion is escaped heat through engine walls)
• Provides heat for district heating or hot water
• Fuel savings vary depending on size of generator, larger systems produce more
heat energy (Kotzebue saves over 273,000 gallons of diesel per year)
BIOMASS AND WASTE-TO-ENERGY
"'Raven took some red"cedar, andsome white stones caCCedneq! wfdcfi are
found on tfie Beach, and fie put fire into tfiemso tfiat it couCd Be found
ever afterwardaCCover tfie worCd."
"Tfingit Creation Story
Biomass - energy from burning organic material such as wood - is one or our oldest energy
sources. Biomass is a renewable and sustainable energy source when and if its fuel sources
can be managed and grown in a relatively short time period. This can be accomplished through
well managed, sustainably harvested forests. Additionally, biomass energy is better than diesel
or other fossil fuels because it needs little to no processing and thus localizes the energy source
and reduces the cost of its production. As an added benefit, spilling wood pellets poses less of
an environmental risk than spilled diesel. The sources of energy are as varied as the types of
communities that employ them, using anything from food and fish waste to wood chips, wood
pellets, and logs or sawmill waste.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 15
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Biomass Evaluation and Installation Resources
Alaska Energy Authority
Devany Plentovich
Biomass Energy Program Manager
(907)771-3068
dplentovich@aidea.org
Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Group
Chris Maisch
State Forester
Chris. maisch(®alaska.sov
(907)451-2666
There are several factors to consider
before planning a biomass energy
project of any size. Projects can range
from large scale burner and boiler
systems, to residential fireplaces. The
first consideration is fuel supply. Is
there a large enough and consistent
supply of material to be burned so that
the furnace can be easily and reliably
supplied? As well as what the distance
is to accessing these resources? Are
the resources close enough to be a
valuable alternative? The burning of
any material produces gases and
smoke that can be harmful if confined in an enclosed space and when localized regionally. This
is especially important when individuals are considering using wood fired stoves in their home.
The smokestacks on wood fireplaces need to be cleaned and maintained at least once per year
to make sure that no build up of soot blocks the flue. Soot clogged smoke stacks not only pose
an air health risk by trapping smoke and gases inside, but also increase the risk of a house fire
because material in the chimney can catch on fire. This factor is also important when siting
larger scale facilities so that emissions are properly managed and do not contribute to local air
quality deterioration.
Wood Biomass
Wood has the greatest potential for biomass energy production, mostly in interior and coastal
Alaska. Because of the comparatively widespread availability of wood as a fuel source and the
simplicity of using it, wood has become a popular fuel source for many communities and in
residential homes.
Wood Chip Boilers
Chip fired boilers utilize wood chips from sawmill waste, forest harvesting waste,
manufacturers or wood chipped specially for the burner. A beneficial aspect of chip fired
biomass systems is that they can accommodate a wide variation of chip composition, quality,
and moisture content due to high incineration temperatures, producing upwards of 200,000
BTUs per hour, up to multi-millions of BTUs (For comparison, a kerosene lamp puts out 1,000
BTUs per hour.).3
BTU stands for "British Thermal Unit" and is a standardized measure of heat energy.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
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Despite the low cost of the fuel resource, chip fired
boiler systems tend to be large, best suited for large
buildings or district heating. They require constant
operational maintenance and more complex
facilitates to accommodate an effective system,
including an automatic chip feeding system.
In 2010, the Tok School installed a chip fired boiler
with a waste heat system that replaces an oil
powered system that previously consumed 65,000
gallons of fuel oil per year. The new system
contributes to healthier air quality (producing only
14 ppm (parts per million) of Carbon monoxide (CO)
compared to 200 ppm of CO from an oil fired
furnace) and saves the community $486,450 per
year in heating and electricity costs after
installation, operation and maintenance.4
Cost of design and installation in Tok totaled $3.2
million, funded by Alaska's Renewable Energy Grant
Fund (see funding resources on page 39), and
operating costs from local wood harvesting and
maintenance totaled $132,000 per year. That cost included a half time maintenance person to
run the facility and $80,000 for fuel material, estimated at $40 per ton. Note that particular fuel
costs for similar projects will vary depending on geographic location and available resources.
Cordwood Biomass Systems
Cordwood, or traditional log firewood, is the most common form of wood heating, used most
commonly in residential stoves. Cordwood boilers operate very similarly to residential stoves,
but on a much larger scale. These systems may operate at higher temperatures and with
greater efficiency - as much as 87 percent efficiency.5 Typical heat output is between 250,000
and 700,000 BTUs per hour. Though they produce less heat energy than chip boiler systems,
they are much less complex to operate, requiring simple manual loading of firewood into the
furnace up to four times per day. Additionally, cordwood boilers cost much less than chip
boilers, ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 per unit depending on the scale of the project. Use
of dry wood is very important for maintaining high efficiencies in these systems.
Wood chip burner in Tok
Photo from Alaska Energy Authority 2011
Renewable Energy Atlas
4 Parts per million (ppm) is a measure of particle density, the number of particles that exist in one million
particles of a larger sample, in this case, the number of molecules of carbon monoxide (CO) that are present
in the air. CO levels of 200 ppm or greater inside building is when the building must be evacuated.
5 Alaska Energy Authority, "Cordwood Boilers Factsheet," 2012.
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Wood pellets
In 2010, the community of Gulkana installed two
cordwood boilers that provide heat to a district
heating loop for their community of 120, as well as
to the water lines to prevent winter freezing. The
total cost of the project was $500,000 and replaced
14,600 gallons of heating fuel annually with locally
cut cordwood.
Cordwood is also the most common form of biomass
for residential scale fire places and many
communities are moving towards, or going back to
using wood stoves for heating in place of oil or diesel heaters. When this is possible, wood can
be a great residential heat source. Ensuring that the wood is properly dried and stored can
improve efficiency and minimize air quality hazards. More information on residential wood
stoves is available through the EPA's Burnwise program. Information on wood smoke hazards
and how to burn wood cleaner and more efficiently can be found on the wood smoke factsheet
(below).
EPA Burnwise program (information on residential wood stoves)
http://www.epa.gov/burnwise
EPA wood smoke factsheet and recommendations for clean and safe wood burning
http://www.epa.gov/regionlO/pdf/tribal/anv_wood_smoke_aug2010.pdf
Wood Pellet Biomass Systems
Wood pellet biomass systems offer the widest range of sizes, from residential pellet stoves
costing $2,000 to commercial boiler systems costing $10,000 or more. Pellet systems utilize
wood waste that has been refined into pencil eraser-sized pellets with extremely low moisture
and ash content so they burn more efficiently than chips or cordwood. The pellets are loaded
into an automatic feeder on the system and fed into the furnace using an electric auger.
Because of the refined nature of the pellets, pellet systems burn more efficiently and cleanly.
As a result, these systems require very little maintenance and much less infrastructure is
needed for installation. The downside of using pellets is that they do not create energy
independence as pellets need to be imported. Pellets can be bought in bulk "supersacks" of
2,000 pounds for $300 or in residential 40 pound bags.
In 2010 in Juneau, the Sealaska Plaza replaced its fuel oil boiler with a pellet boiler. The total
cost of the shift was $214,000 for a Wood Pellet Boiler put out 750,640 BTUs per hour, enough
to heat the 58,000 square foot building. In one year, the system burned 251 tons of pellets at
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
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$300 per ton for a savings of over $45,000 compared to the former oil boiler. It is estimated
that the system will pay for itself in savings in 4.5 years.
Wood biomass fast facts:
Capital cost
Energy output range (BTU/hr)
Local energy independence
Design considerations
Wood Chip
Approximately $1
million
200,000 -multi-million
Yes
Large installations that
require full time
operation and
maintenance
involvement
Cordwood
$250,000 -$750,000
per unit
250,000-700,000
Yes
Requires a building
or container to
house the boiler
system
Wood Pellets
$2,000
(residential)
$10,000+
(commercial)
35,000 -multi-
million
No (requires pellet
processing)
Can be installed in
place of standard
fuel oil burners;
comparable in
size, operation,
and maintenance
Biomass Briquettes
Briquettes are pressed logs, similar to wood pellets only larger, composed of wood chips, waste
cardboard, paper, or other cellulose biomass. After pressing, the pressed logs can be used just
like cordwood. Petersburg, in southeast Alaska, has been developing a briquette production
system using a Biomass Briquette Press, costing $30,000 plus $45,000 per year for operating
costs, which was funded by Alaska Marketplace. The project is beneficial to the community
because it displaces 20,000 gallons of heating fuel per year, creates local jobs, and uses waste
material that would otherwise have to be backhauled out of the community. The greatest
benefit of pressing briquettes is that the process can use chipped wood, waste wood material,
or any paper waste. The breadth of material that can be used makes finding a biomass source
much easier and more reliable.
An important lesson learned from the project is that the waste material must be dried
thoroughly before pressing in order for the logs to burn cleanly and efficiently. The Petersburg
system uses a heat exchanger to air dry the biomass material from the floor.
Petersburg biomass briquette fact sheet
http://www.tongassfutures.net/docs/microsoft-word-petersburg-project.pdf
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Biomass Briquette Fast Facts:
• About $30,000 capital cost of installation
• Combination of wood biomass and waste-to-energy (uses waste wood, paper and
cardboard as well as chipped wood)
• Provides an easy means of disposing of waste material as well as producing locally
produced heating fuel
rr
I
WTEC mobile gasification system
From WTEC website
Waste-to-Energy
Waste-to-energy is the use of landfill
waste as a fuel source to produce
electricity and heat. It has the added
benefit of eliminating or reducing the
need to dispose of waste materials in
landfills. However, the use of waste as
fuel is often limited by insufficient
supplies to maintain constant
operations for a waste to energy
facility.
Most rural Alaska landfills are Class III
municipal waste landfills, meaning that they receive, on average, less than five tons of waste
per day. However, effective waste-to-energy plants need much larger landfills in order to
effectively deliver the required energy to the communities. For Instance, Anchorage regional
landfill has installed a waste to energy power plant that produces 5.6 MW of electricity, but
Anchorage processes over 200 tons of waste per day - over 40 times the volume of most rural
landfills. While waste-to-energy is attractive and would be a good way to dispose of garbage, it
is generally not feasible for the majority of rural Alaskan communities.
An important note concerning trash incineration is air quality control. Burning trash produces
numerous toxins that are harmful to human health, especially the young and elderly. Avoiding
open trash burning when possible is important to maintaining healthy air. The methods of using
trash as waste mentioned here all use either controlled, oxygen free environments, which
produces fewer air contaminants, or rely on harvesting gases and heat from decomposing
waste. More information on the hazards of open air waste incineration is available on the EPA
solid waste burning factsheet
EPA solid waste burning factsheet
http://www.epa.gov/regionlO/pdf/tribal/anv_waste_burning_aug2010.pdf
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
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Plasma Gasification and Incineration
One possibility for energy production is to use ground up municipal waste as a fuel source to
produce heat and electricity through a process called plasma gasification.
Landfill waste is ground up and added to a furnace that cooks the waste in an oxygen free
environment. The byproducts of this process are ash (also called "slag") and a flammable gas
called "synthesis gas" (or syngas) that is used to fire a burner and create electricity. The waste
heat from the incineration process and gas burner can be used to heat nearby buildings in a
district heating loop or to heat water. This method of waste disposal and energy generation has
become popular in Europe, especially in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany. Because
plasma gasification is more controlled, it produces fewer toxic gases and harmful air particles
than simply burning trash.
Dillingham is investigating the possibility of implementing a plasma gasification plant, but has
run into a common challenge of such facilities - not enough trash. Even in Dillingham with a
population of over 2,300, not enough trash is produced to keep a small scale prototype waste-
to-energy plant operating all day, every day.
Rather than a plasma gasification system, Chena Power installed a waste-to-energy incineration
generator to power its headquarters in North Pole that simply uses cardboard and waste paper
as a direct fuel source. This system produces 400 kW of power and utilizes 4,300 tons of paper
and cardboard waste annually. However, like the Dillingham project, expansion of the Chena
power generator is also limited by the availability of waste for fuel.
Waste-to-Energy Canada (WTEC) has developed a gasification unit specifically for isolated small
rural communities in northern climates. The unit was designed for the community of Old Crow
in Yukon, Canada that is only accessible by air. The two 40 foot container boxes that house the
waste-to-energy system can be flown in, set up within hours, and require minimal operational
training and very little startup energy. Each individual unit can accommodate up to 1.5 tons of
waste per day. When municipal waste is not enough to fill the unit efficiently, other waste
materials such as available biomass can be added to supplement the waste energy.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 21
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Municipal Waste Methane Capture
Another option for getting energy from
waste is by capturing the gas that is
emitted from landfills and using it as fuel.
This method is often employed by large
landfills. Currently in Alaska, only Class I
landfills (those receiving greater than 20
tons of waste per day) in Anchorage, Kenai
Peninsula, and Fairbanks are attempting
methane capture projects. The Anchorage
regional landfill is developing a 5.6 MW
system powered by collected landfill gas.
However, this method is nearly impossible
for rural communities because of small
landfill sizes.
Methane gas generators at the Anchorage
Regional Landfill
Photo by the Author
U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) provides resources for using landfill
methane for energy production:
http://www.epa.gov/lmop/
Energy from Organic Waste
Another method for producing energy is using the heat and gas produced directly from
composting organic material. This method has the added benefit of producing a leftover
"waste" product after energy capture that is a nutrient rich fertilizer that can be used for
growing local food.
In vessel composting systems, as opposed to simple compost piles, compost much more quickly
(in as little as one month compared to up to six months) by operating in enclosed tubes, vats, or
silos and including aerators. The enclosed environment creates the opportunity to harvest heat
and gases from the composting process. When organic waste, such as food scraps, fish waste,
animal manure, and plant matter decompose, the process releases substantial amounts of heat,
part of which helps facilitate the composting process, but significant quantities can be used for
other purposes such as space heating or warming water lines and tanks to prevent freezing.
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Ideally, in vessel composting would be implemented as part of a greenhouse system, such as
one that is being tested in Scotland, which cost an estimated $15,000 to design and construct.6
The heat is piped off of the composter and used to heat the greenhouse while the compost
provides the fertilizer necessary for plant growth. Using waste in composting systems could
help contribute to local food growth that has further benefits for reduced energy consumption
and better, more nutritious food.
Additionally, rural fishing communities in Greenland have experimented with using fish waste,
which produces methane, "biogas," which, similar to landfill methane capture, can be used to
create electricity. Adding other organic materials such as seaweed or organic food waste can
increase methane production that occurs when organic materials decompose in an anaerobic,
or oxygen free environment.
Fish oil that is produced from fish waste, is another method of employing waste materials for
energy. In coastal fishing communities, fish oil is often used to supplement diesel fuel for
burning in furnaces.
Waste-to-energy fast facts:
Energy type
Viable for rural AK
Capital cost
Technical training
needed
Plasma
Gasification/Incineration
Electricity and heat
A strong possibility
(depending on waste
availability)
$690,000 to $890,000 per
unit
Installation and
maintenance
Methane Capture
Electricity and heat
No (requires large
Class 1 landfills)
Tens of millions
High amount of
training needed
In Vessel Composting
Heat
Yes (depending on
regional/seasonal organic
waste output)
~$15,000 for in vessel
composting and
greenhouse system (based
on model in Scotland, but
varies depending on
conditions and size)
Installation and
Maintenance
E.R. Lament G. Irvine and B. Antizar-Ladislao, "Energy from Waste: Reuse of Compost Heat as a Source of
Renewable Energy," International Journal of Chemical Engineering (2010).
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WIND
"Looking up, tfie doCCsaw a fioCe in tfie sky waCC, covered over witfi a
pie.ce. of skin. 'Tfie cover was BuCging inwards, as if there was some
powerfulforce on tfie otfier side. The doCCwas curious and, drawing fiis
knife, fie sCasfiedtfie cords fioCding tfie cover inpCace andpuCCedit aside.
At once a great windrusfiedin, carrying birds and animaCs witfi it."
~ ACeut Story of tfie Origin of^Wind
Wind is the most commonly used renewable energy sources in Alaska. Wind turbines turn
the energy of the wind into electrical energy and are more efficient than they once
were. The simplicity of the technology involved with wind power has also made the technology
comparatively cheap to implement on a large scale. As an energy source based on the weather,
its low price is accompanied by a degree of unpredictability, which makes balancing variable
energy production with demand more difficult.
Wind energy benefits from a long history of use and technological development The
technological advancements in wind energy generation have made wind turbines less
expensive, more durable, reliable, and efficient. For all of these reasons, wind has become one
of the most utilized renewable energy sources in windy rural locations in Alaska. When
considering wind energy bear in mind the potential impacts to migratory birds.
Wind Potential: Measuring and Siting
Wind potential is measured by the average wind speed ranked on a scale of one to seven. Wind
speeds of greater than 9.3 meters per second are considered "superb" (class 7) and wind
speeds of zero to 5.3 meters per second are considered "poor" (class 1) wind resource areas.
Increased height captures wind that is little
impeded by friction with the ground and avoids
uneven, less efficient winds that occur as a result of
barriers closer to the ground. Measuring wind
speeds and potential positioning is done with a
meteorological ("met") tower, which records wind
speeds, wind direction and temperature at frequent
time intervals.
Wind energy has the most potential for use along
coastal Alaska. Particularly the Aleutian Islands,
along the North Slope coast, the coastal region north of Nome, west of Bethel and the southern
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 24
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Meteorological tower in
Togiak
Photo courtesy of V3 Energy
LLC
Kenai Peninsula. These locations offer "good" (Class 4) to
"superb" (Class 7) ratings on wind potential. Inland wind energy
potential is usually much lower, but is still possible near Delta
Junction and Healy. Regardless of regional location however,
wind potential for villages is entirely dependent on local
conditions. Therefore individual assessments should be
conducted if wind appears to be a possible energy option both
to check the practicality of wind installation and to gain funding
assistance, as many project funding sources require such
assessments. The Alaska Energy Authority offers technical and
material assistance with wind feasibility studies through its
anemometer (wind measurement) loan program. The
Department of Energy also offers wind assessment assistance
through the Native American Anemometer Loan Program.
Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) offers a Community
Wind Toolkit that provides step-by-step instructions on installing
wind capacity. The guide explains the possible impacts,
resources, and necessary considerations involving wind installations in small communities.
Alaska Energy Authority's Anemometer Program page and project application forms:
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/programwindanemometerloan.html
Department of Energy Anemometer Loan Program:
http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/nativeamericans/anemometerjoan.asp
Renewable Energy Science and Technology: Wind (Provides information on wind potential by
location) http://www.renewableenergyst.org/wind.htm
Community Wind Tookit: http://alaskarenewableenergy.org/wp-
content/uploads/2009/04/WindToolkit_For-web_FINALMarch24_2011.pdf
Energy Storage Systems
One downside of wind, as with other renewable energy sources such as solar, is that it is
dependent upon the natural elements to produce power. If there is no wind, there is no energy.
Despite continued research on a variety of methods, battery storage - using large batteries to
store energy from high production periods - remains a costly and relatively inefficient option.
Options for energy storage by other means have been practiced to varying success. The first
method, pumped hydro, involves using wind power to pump water into a reservoir, which can
then be released through hydroelectric turbines when needed for later energy use. This
method has been used in Kodiak and the Columbia River Gorge between Oregon and
Washington where large scale hydroelectric facilities and wind generation are found side-by-
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side. Pumped hydro systems, depending on design, operate at between 76 and 85 percent
efficiency and have the greatest capacity storage because they are only limited by the amount
of water that can be held by the reservoir.
For small scale pumped hydro systems, holding sufficient water for six to ten hours of
operation, installation costs are $2,500 or more per kilowatt of energy produced. However,
because of the cost of implementation, energy storage systems have not proven to be cost
effective compared to simply using other renewable energy possibilities in combination with
wind.
Wind-Diesel Hybrid Systems
The most common method to balance out the level of instability involved with wind power
generation is to use it with existing diesel generators. Using wind energy as a "boost" on the
generator reduces the amount of energy needed directly from the generator (called its "base
load"), but still uses it to compensate for unsteady wind energy.
The degree to which wind energy is
responsible for the total energy production
is called its "penetration." Low penetration
systems receive less than 20 percent of
their output from wind, 50 percent of total
energy coming from wind constitutes
medium penetration, and high penetration
systems are those where a majority of the
electricity produced comes from wind
generation.
Wind Use Examples
Among the most notable work in wind
energy development in the world has been
done by the Alaska Village Electric
Cooperative (AVEC), which serves 54
villages in interior and western Alaska. In
response to constantly rising fuel costs for
its diesel generation plants, AVEC began
developing wind-diesel generation facilities
and now has wind turbines installed in 12
rural villages with interties to five more
communities. Currently, AVEC owns and operates 34 wind turbines in these communities
totaling 3,394 kW of capacity. Key to the development of wind infrastructure was AVEC's work
Wind turbines in Quinhagak
Photo by the Author
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on developing innovative foundation designs to adequately support the towers in the changing
conditions of the permafrost. Additionally, AVEC has invested heavily in updating and improving
diesel generator facilities in order to integrate them
more effectively with the new wind generation
facilities. As important as infrastructure
development, AVEC's wind program also includes the
development of a week-long training program
conducted by Northern Power in Barre, Vermont.
Training village residents in wind power maintenance
has not only saved money for AVEC in transportation
costs in and out of villages, but reduces down time of
turbines that are in need of maintenance and
provides a source of local income for village
members.
AVEC villages with Installed
wind caoacitt
Chevak-400kW
Emmonak-400kW
Gambell-300kW
Hooper Bay-300 kW
Kasigluk-300kW
Mekoryuk-200kW
Quinhagak-300kW
Savoonga - 200 kW
Selawik-264kW
Shaktoolik-200kW
ToksookBay-400 kW
Wales-130 kW
In Hooper Bay, AVEC's largest community, wind
development was motivated by electricity prices that
reached over $0.65 per kWh, about five times the
price in urban areas of Alaska and the lower 48.
Starting in 2001, AVEC, with funding from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture High Energy Cost Grant Program and the Denali Commission,
planned and implemented the installation of a medium penetration, wind-diesel hybrid system.
The central feature of the project was three 100-kW capacity wind turbines that together
displace 44,500 gallons of diesel annually.
Quinhagak, also in the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) service area, installed 300 kW
of capacity. With help from AVEC engineers, community leaders in Quinhagak planned and
executed the $4.3 million project, which started producing power in January of 2011. In 2011,
the wind turbines produced 21.1 percent of the community's total electric needs, saving 28,877
gallons of diesel that (at $4.47 per gallon) resulted in a total fuel savings of $128,936 for the
year. Energy costs for village residents dropped almost immediately, making Quinhagak the
fifth least expensive village for energy out of the 54 villages in AVEC's service area, compared to
its previous ranking of 18th.
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The National Renewable Energy Laboratory Wind Research Division:
http://www.nrel.gov/wind/working_with.html
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) Renewable Energy Projects
http://www.avec.org/renewable-energy-projects
4381 Eagle St.
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907)561-1818
Technical Training
Possibly the most important part of constructing a
wind generation system is having the resources to
repair, manage and operate the system
effectively and independently. Having local staff
on hand to take care of the day-to-day
maintenance is critical to maintaining the cost
effectiveness and continuing operation of wind
turbines.
AVTEC Wind Program Contacts
Kent Berklund
Applied Technology Department Chair
(907)224-6120
Kent.berklund(®avtec.edu
The Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), which operates through the Alaska State
Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in collaboration with AEA, the Denali
Commission and others, offers several courses pertaining to wind energy maintenance. For
those who are looking for more in depth study can take the 10 month Industrial Electricity
Program, which covers a range of energy systems and their maintenance and operation,
including wind and other renewable energy sources. However, AVTEC also offers an eight week
Power Plant Program that includes an extra week for those students wanting to learn about
wind generator maintenance. Both courses are held on AVTEC's Seward campus where
students have the opportunity for hands on wind generation training on a 100 kW turbine.
•/ AVTEC Power Plant Program (8 weeks)
http://www.avtec.edu/PowerPlt.htm
S AVTEC Industrial Electricity Program (10 months)
http://www.avtec.edu/IE.htm
Residential Wind Turbines
Wind is also viable renewable energy to supplement the energy for individual homes. Even for
areas where wind is not ideal for large scale wind installations, residential wind turbines can
still be cost effective, especially when combined with a 30 percent tax credit for residential
wind turbines with a capacity of less than 100 kW. Though costs vary greatly by location and
size of the installed turbine, the American Wind Energy Association estimates that small
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
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residential wind energy systems cost between $3,000 and $5,000 to install per kW of
generating capacity. The payback period varies according to average energy prices.
The Department of Energy has published a detailed manual on residential wind installation that
provides information on deciding on the cost effectiveness of small wind installation and
resources for design and construction.
Alaska Consumer's Guide for Small Wind Electric Systems - Department of Energy
http://www.windpoweringamenca.gov/pdfs/small_wind/small_wind_ak.pdf
Federal tax credit webpage for residential wind turbines
http://energystar.supportportal.com/link/portal/23002/23018/Article/33338/ls-there-a-tax-
credit-for-residential-small-wind-turbines
Wind fast facts:
• Most well developed clean energy technology (benefit of many years of trial and
technology improvements)
• Wind potential varies by region, but generally high along the coast
• Energy storage to stabilize energy output is not cost-effective
• Wind-diesel hybrid systems help stabilize variable output of wind
• Large scale projects that require more development and training
• Local wind technicians to maintain wind systems reduces operation costs
SOLAR
oCdman pointedHis finger to tfie sun and to tfie moon. ifTfiese two
take care of tfie eartfi. 'Tfie sun keeps tfie coCcCcCimate away from tfds
CancC."
~ Inupiat LegencCof ^Aungayoukuksuk7
Though solar energy is limited in Alaska by climate and geographic locations, the benefit is
that the necessary technology or infrastructure is relatively low maintenance and requires
little input after installation. Unfortunately, while energy storage methods have been
attempted in the effort to reduce the energy output variation of solar energy and to extend use
into less sunny months, few have shown to be efficient enough or cost effective to be
worthwhile.8
7 From People ofKauwerak: Legends of the Northern Eskimo, by William A. Oquilluk.
8 Energy storage methods that have been tested include a project in the United Kingdom using solar energy
to spin a 275 ton flywheel, the momentum from which supplied electrical energy during the nonproductive
periods. Other examples include using solar thermal energy to heat ground rocks that then provide
heaenergy during the winter. However, these techniques remain in the early testing phases.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 29
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Solar energy is also an easy to implement renewable energy source for individuals because it is
low maintenance and easy to install. There are a variety of companies who install or assist with
installing solar energy systems, several of which are listed below. Like wind, residential solar
installations are also eligible for Federal renewable energy tax credits.
ABS Alaskan (information on a variety of residential renewable energy sources)
http://www.absak.com
Federal tax credit webpage for residential solar installations
http://www. energystar.gov/index.cf m?c=tax_credits.tx_index
Solar Enerev Proiect Installation Resources
Dave Pelunis-Messier
Department of Energy
Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council
Dpelunis-messier@vritwc.or
(907)451-2530
Regions of Best Implementation
In Alaska the best regions with solar
potential are: the southwest, northwest
and much of the eastern side of the state,
centered largely in the north and interior.
These regions provide solar energy best
during the summer months, especially in
April when sunlight, combined with
reflection off of the remaining winter
snow, intensify the light energy that can
be collected.
Trackers, or devices that employ a small amount of electrical power to turn solar panel arrays
to follow the sun, can also improve the efficiency of solar collecting systems, but at a small
electrical cost. Tracker systems tend to be most beneficial in the north, where the sun's energy
is constant or nearly constant for several months out of the year, but also involves a wide range
of motion across the sky. However, it is not entirely clear that, even with the added efficiency of
a tracker system, that their installation is cost effective.
The collection of solar energy can be done in a variety of ways, ranging from electrical
production to simple heat capture, and are widely used. However, both heat and electricity
systems are not generally cost effective for large scale utility, but offer great opportunities for
small scale and individual users to reduce electrical energy consumption from other sources.
Renewable Energy Science and Technology: Solar (provides site specific information on solar
energy potential)
http://www.renewableenergyst.org/solar.htm
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Photovoltaic panels on top of the Nenana teen
recreational center
Photo courtesy of Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed
Council
Photovoltaic Systems
Photovoltaic (PV) arrays, or sets of PV
panels installed together, are possibly
the most recognizable of the solar
energy collection systems and work by
converting light energy directly into
electrical energy within each "cell", the
smallest unit of a PV light collecting
system measuring 10 cm to 15 cm
square. The technology behind the
functioning of PV systems is relatively
complex and constantly improving.
Within each cell, sunlight striking the PV
material, usually silicone, creates an
electrical current that can then be used
directly for an energy source. PV
modules, a unit composed of multiple PV
cells, have no moving parts therefore
suffer little wear and tear thus making operation and maintenance very low cost and providing
life expectancies of 20 years or more. Power inverters, mechanisms that convert electricity
from the panels into usable electricity in the home, are typically the only pieces of equipment
that need replacing over the life of the PV system.
Within the area of PV technology, there are three main categories; monocrystalline,
polycrystalline, and thin film. The differences between the three types are relatively minor,
except that monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are as much as twice as efficient as thin
film PV. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline will be more expensive, but because they are more
efficient, the price per kilowatt produced will be similar between all three types. In areas where
space is a constraint, monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are preferable because they
require less space per kW of output, whereas in situations where space is not a factor, thin film
can be used.
Lime Village, several hundred miles west of Anchorage, installed a 12kW PV array as part of a
diesel-solar hybrid system, a donation by British Petroleum (BP). The array offsets 5,800 gallons
of diesel per year, 28 percent of the village's annual use. Currently, with the help of a grant
from the Alaska Energy Authority, the AVEC is conducting an assessment of the performance of
possible solar-hybrid projects in rural Alaska villages.
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The community of Nenana, outside of Fairbanks, installed a 4.4 kW PV system on the teen
recreational center that has produced over eight MW of electricity since it was installed in early
2011.
Real time information on the Nenana PV solar system:
https://enlighten. enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/BTcD7969
Solar Thermal Energy
Solar thermal energy involves using the sun's energy to heat conveying fluids that are then used
for space heating, hot water heating, or any uses of a similar type. The technology is not unlike
that used by wood fired boilers or waste heat recovery systems. The only difference between
solar thermal systems and fuel fired boilers is that
rather than piping the fluid within the immediate area
of a fuel heated source like a burner or diesel
generator, the fluid is heated by the sun in large
panels before being piped to its point of use and
distributed through a heat exchanger. Several types of
solar thermal panels can be used; the two most
common types are glazed flat plate panels and
evacuated tube panels. Though the configurations of
the panels differ, they operate on the same principle
of absorbing and transporting thermal energy.
In addition to PV panels for electricity, Nenana
installed two glazed flat solar thermal panels that heat
water in the recreational center before entering the
hot water heater.
Solar Thermal panels in Nenana
Photo courtesy of Yukon River Inter-Tribal
Watershed Council
Solar thermal energy can be used for heating hot
water during the summer, thereby reducing summer
energy costs. One consideration for solar thermal
systems in Alaska is the result of fluid freezing within the panels and pipes, which can cause the
system to rupture. Using conveying fluids with as low a freezing point as possible and shutting
down the system during some seasons can help avoid freezing.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
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Five Elements of Passive Solar Design
Summer
Sun
Winter
Sun .,
One method of extending the seasonal use of solar thermal seasons is being investigated in
Alberta, Canada and involves using solar thermal panels to heat the ground. In the winter, when
solar energy is limited, the stored heat energy that was pumped into the ground during the
summer is extracted using a ground source heat pump (see page 36) and used for space heating
in surrounding homes (see "Ground Source Heat Pumps" on page 36 for further information).
Passive Solar
Passive solar energy is more of a housing design concept to utilize the position and design of a
building to absorb the
sun's warmth to heat it
without mechanical
assistance. For instance,
the Cold Climate Housing
Research Center
prototype home built in
Anaktuvuk Pass has soil
built up against the walls
on all sides except the
south facing wall. The
south facing wall has
high efficiency windows
to collect as much
sunlight as possible to The five elements of a passively heated home can be used to heat
warm the building while and cool the building.
releasing as little heat
from the structure as
possible.
Passive solar building design incorporates five main elements that help to make the most of
the sun's energy in the winter, while shedding as much heat as possible during the summer.
1. The first element is aperture, or the window openings that face sunlight and capture the
most sunlight during the winter. This involves the position of the building, which should
be within 30 degrees of true south and free of shade from other buildings or trees.
2. The second element is to have an "absorber," a hard, dark surface used to absorb the
maximum amount of the sun's energy as heat.
3. Third is a thermal mass, which is a dense material, stone, concrete, masonry, etc., which
holds the thermal energy absorbed by the surface.
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4. Fourth is heat distribution, either by strictly passive modes of transfer, conduction,
convection, and radiation, or via fans, ducts and blowers.
5. Fifth is a method of controlling thermal collection including roof overhangs and
awnings that can be used to shade south facing windows.
It is difficult to quantify the benefit of such construction design. Employing passive solar
elements to an existing home can be as simple as installing more windows on a south facing
wall, or painting a wall near south facing windows a dark color to absorb more of the sun's
warmth.
Solar fast facts:
Type of energy
Technology
Viability
Photovoltaic (PV)
Electrical
PV panels (high tech)
Low - Small scale
supplemental, not a
good primary electricity
source for communities
Solar Thermal
Heat (space or water)
Solar thermal panels
(low tech)
Good - lower cost
systems, reduce heating
load for water
Passive Solar
Heat (space) and
natural lighting
Proper building
materials and design
High - no technology
needed and little
additional material
investment if
considered during
building design process
GEOTHERMAL
"'Tfie man took tfie mud out of tfie muskrat's fiands into ftis paCm. 3-[e Cet
it dry andtfien crumBCedit to dust. 'Tfien fie BCe'w tfie dust out of fiis
jjaCm aCCover tfie 'waters. 'Tdis made tfie worCd."
~JAtdaBascan Creation Story
Earth contains a large quantity of its own heat. Around the Earth, the average temperature
rises by 1°F for every 70 feet of depth (this varies by location). In other areas, especially in
volcanically active regions like the Ring of Fire that runs along southern coastal Alaska, the
interior temperatures rise much higher. In either case, geothermal energy, or the energy from
this interior heat, can be a useful energy source because the temperature of the Earth remains
fairly constant and thus provides a constant and stable source of energy, unlike sources such as
wind or solar which have a high degree of variability.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
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Geothermal generators at Chena
Hot Springs
Photo courtesy of Chena Hot Springs
Geothermal Project
Types of Geothermal Uses
There are two distinct types of geothermal energy
that can be used depending on the specific
conditions of the region. The ground temperatures
that are available in a certain geographic region
dictate how they can be used.
Geothermal Electrical Generation
Producing Electricity from geothermal sources
requires high heat sources, like those found in the
hot springs regions of Alaska. The lowest
temperature hot spring source that has been utilized
for electricity production is at Chena Hot Springs
outside of Fairbanks, which operates at ground
temperatures of 165°F.
Produced by United Technologies Corporation (UTC)
and owned by Chena Hot Springs Resort, the $2.1
million system generates 680kW of electricity, displaces 224,000 gallons of diesel and reduces
energy costs to as low as $0.05 per kWhr.
The geothermal heat is also used for
space, greenhouse, and hot water heating,
and to run a 16 ton absorption chiller that
keeps an outdoor ice museum frozen year
round.
Other areas that have undergone testing
for geothermal energy sources include Mt.
Spurr near Anchorage, the City of Akutan
in the Aleutians and areas around Mt.
Makushin. However, while testing of these
sites have indicated great potential for
geothermal, no production has taken
place as of yet.
Operationally, electrical generation from
high heat geothermal sources works
exactly like any other boiler system
electrical generation. The ground heat is
used to boil water that produces steam to
The pump and generator unit for the Chena Hot
Springs geothermal power plant
Photo from the Chena Power Report to AEA (2007)
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turn a turbine generator, exactly like a wood, coal, or natural gas fired electrical power plant,
except that the heat source is free and without C02 emissions. However, as will be discussed
later, the availability of high heat geothermal sources is limited by geographic locations.
More information on the Chena power plant:
http://www.yourownpower.com/Power/
Final report on the Chena Hot Springs power plant:
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/Reports%20and%20Presentations/FinalProjectRepo
rt_ChenaPowerGeothermalPlant.pdf
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)
For low heat geothermal sources, anything other than hot springs, geothermal energy can be
used directly for district heating, hot water heating, or greenhouses. In these cases, even
relatively low ground temperatures can be used to warm water tanks or space heating.
Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) operate by using the constant ground temperature as a heat
source during the winter when the ground
temperature is warmer than ambient air
temperatures, and as a heat sink in the
summer, when ground temperatures are
cooler than ambient temperatures. By
pumping a liquid medium through pipes in
the ground and then through a compressor
and a heat exchanger in the building, GSHP
systems use the ground's warmth to heat
buildings, but can also act as cooling
systems by taking heat from the house and
injecting it back into the ground. The
Ground source heat pumps melt snow and
ice on sidewalks and runways at theJuneau
Airport
Photo courtesy ofJuneauEmpire.com
installation of such systems can cut
residential energy use by as much as 40
percent of total use. Even when ground
temperatures are not warm enough to provide all of the heat for the building, ground source
heat can raise the room temperature and reduce the base load on supplementary heating
systems. GSHP systems require an electrical input to run the pumps that circulate the fluids, so
while they provide cheap heat, they do it at an electrical cost. When designed and installed
correctly, systems have a payback period of five to ten years and system life for in-home
components is 25 years while ground loop life expectancy is over 50 years.
Of the types of geothermal energy available in Alaska, GSHP systems are the most easily
implemented and over one million systems have been installed worldwide, including dozens of
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
Page 36
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such systems in Alaska. Juneau has implemented several systems, one to heat the runways at
the airport to melt ice, which displaces 29,500 gallons of fuel per year, and another to help heat
the Dimond Park Aquatic Center.
Another method of employing GSHP systems combines them with solar thermal systems (see
page 32). The GSHP system is used to pump solar thermal energy into the ground during the
summer where it is stored. During the winter, when solar energy is not as available, the GSHP
system is used to extract the stored heat for use as space heating. This method is being tested
in the Alberta, Canada community of Drake Landing where ninety percent of home heating
comes from stored solar thermal energy.
Drake Landing Solar Community
http://www.dlsc.ca
However, GSHP systems are limited in feasibility by the type of ground. Areas with permafrost,
or where removing heat from the ground may cause permafrost heaving or growing, may not
be appropriate for GSHP systems. Additionally, because installing heat pumps requires installing
either vertical or horizontal pipe, which requires heavy machinery, communities without access
to machine equipment may not find these systems financially feasible. Because heat pumps use
electricity, the availability of low cost electricity makes them more feasible.
GeoExchange GSHP supplier and installation resources in Alaska:
http://www.geoexchange.org/findapro/index.php?option=com_content<emid=4&catid=5
&id=223&view=article
Regions of Best Implementation
Currently, geothermal electrical energy is not widely used in Alaska because of the limitations
of the remote locations of the most notable "hot spots". There are four distinct regions that
have great potential for high heat geothermal electricity production; 1) the interior regions
running from east to west across the state starting in the Yukon Territory, 2) southeast Alaska,
3) the Wrangell Mountains northeast of Anchorage, and 4) the Ring of Fire chain of volcanoes
starting at Mt. Spur and following the Aleutian Island chain. Throughout the rest of the state,
low heat geothermal energy for GSHP systems, which uses only the constant temperature of
the interior, is available, but may be complicated by the effect that ground heat pumping has
on the permafrost layer.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page
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Geothermal fast facts:
Viability
Type of energy
System size
Geothermal Electricity
Region dependent
Electrical and heat
Medium to large (industrial
production to municipality)
Ground Source Heat Pumps
(GSHP)
High - good way to reduce
heating costs/fuel use
Heat
Small to medium (for
residential to industrial size
projects)
HYDROKINETIC ENERGY: RIVERS AND TIDES
"Jirst ['Raven] Cet some waterfaCCfrom his mouth and made, the Nass. 'By
and By fie spit more out andmade tfie Stikine. Next fie spit out T'aku
'River, then ChiCkat, then JAkek, andaCCthe other Carge rivers. The smaCC
drops that came out of his mouth made the smaCCsaCmon creeks."
~fTCingit Creation Story
Hydrokinetic energy refers to any energy source that uses the movement of water to turn a
turbine and
produce electricity.
Hydrokinetic energy
can also include what
it generally referred
to as hydroelectric
energy from medium
to large scale dams,
but because of the
prohibitively high
costs associated with
implementing and
operating large scale
hydroelectric power
plants for small scale
community use, hydrokinetic will refer only to small scale in-stream turbines and tidal energy.
With over 90 percent of the tidal hydrokinetic energy potential and 40 percent of in-stream
hydrokinetic potential for the entire United States, energy from water is possibly the largest,
mostly untapped, renewable energy source in Alaska.
Prototype hydrokinetic turbine design
Photo from the Alaska Center for Energy and Power report, "River, Tidal, and Ocean
Current Hydrokinetic Energy Technologies: Status and Future Opportunities in
Alaska".
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
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Despite the enormous potential of hydrokinetic energy, primary limitations on immediate
implementation of hydrokinetic turbines involve seasonal operating complications and
insufficient design and technology to deal with them. Examples of operational complications
include freezing and thawing ice that slows current speeds, reducing the energy output of a
submerged turbine, and can freeze directly on turbines inhibiting their ability to produce
electricity. Current research is also focused on designs that minimize negative impacts of
floating and submerged debris in rivers that jam around turbines also impeding their efficiency
or damaging the turbine.
Hydrokinetic energy shows a great deal of future promise as an energy source, similar to where
wind technology was 15 years ago. If development continues at its current pace, hydrokinetic
technology will approach a similar feasibility level as wind is now within the next 10 to 15
years.9 Wind energy prices have dropped by as much as 80 percent in the last thirty years as
technology, industry standardization, and design innovations improved efficiency. While still a
pre commercial technology, hydrokinetic is a worthy option for potential future use as it
undergoes further improvements.
2010 report by Alaska Center for Energy and Power on hydrokinetic technology and potential:
http://www.uaf.edu/files/acep/2010_ll_l_State_of_the_Art_Hydrokinetic_Final.pdf
Types of Hydrokinetic Projects
Hydrokinetic energy can be gained from any water source with sufficient water speed and
volume to spin a turbine. Currently, the minimum speed for electrical generation is two to four
knots (one to two meters per second), but optimal conditions for much of the available
technology are those with current speeds of five to seven knots (1.5 to 3.5 meters per second).
Though pilot projects for both in stream and tidal hydrokinetic energy have been implemented
or assessed in several sites in Alaska, none are productively operating as of yet. An older type of
river hydrokinetic technology involves diverting water through a pipe or channel and through a
turbine and has been implemented for electricity production.
9 Jerome B. Johnson and Dominique J. Pride, "River, Tidal, and Ocean Current Hydrokinetic Energy
Technologies: Status and Future Opportunities in Alaska," Alaska Center for Energy and Power, November
i, 2010.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 39
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In-Stream Hydrokinetic
The first U.S. installed hydrokinetic project was a 5 kW device deployed in Ruby, Alaska in 2008
and again in 2009 and 2010. A similar 25 kW turbine was installed in the Yukon River in Eagle in
2010. However, both projects faced serious difficulties with debris carried by the river.
Determining possible operation costs
of hydrokinetic is difficult to assess
due to the early stage of the
technology. Statistics for three
possible Alaska installations were
estimated by the Electric Power
Research Institute (EPRI) for Igiugig,
Eagle, and Whitestone. The kWh price
estimates for these projects ranged
from $0.19 per kWh to $0.68 per kWh
with the projected 590 kW installation
at Whitestone, the largest of the
three, being the cheapest per kWh.
Prototype in stream turbine deployed in the Yukon
River
Photo from the Alaska Center for Energy and Power report,
"River, Tidal, and Ocean Current Hydrokinetic Energy
Technologies: Status and Future Opportunities in Alaska".
Different from in-stream turbines,
run-of-the-river diverted water stream
turbines have been employed for
many years. They function by using
the natural flow of a river or stream through a constructed channel to turn a turbine and
produce electricity. Diverted water hydro systems are larger than in-stream systems requiring
more infrastructure, which makes them more costly than in-stream turbines, but without
requiring large dams as with traditional hydroelectric. The Gustavus Electric Company installed
a diverted hydro system in 2006 for $10 million that provides the majority of their electrical
needs and displaces approximately 126,000 gallons of fuel.
Tidal Flow Hydrokinetic
Similar to in-stream hydrokinetic, tidal energy technology is also still in the developmental
phase, but with its own unique challenges.
Cost estimates for tidal energy are incomplete, but the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
conducted initial estimates for large scale implementations for the Knik Arm in Cook Inlet and in
Yakutat. Installation estimates for these sites were significantly larger than those for in-stream
hydrokinetic, ranging from 5,200 kW to 17,000 kW of installed capacity. These would cost
between $48 million and $123 million to implement. Due to increased capacities, per kWh
prices were much lower than in stream project estimates, ranging from $0.11 to $0.28.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
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Pel a mis wave energy buoy off of
Hawaii
Photo courtesyoftheirEarth.com
Wave Energy
Separate from tidal energy, wave energy comes from
capturing the movement of waves, caused by wind,
across the surface of the ocean. The technology for
capturing wave energy employs buoys that rise and
fall with the waves and generate electricity from the
movement. This technology has seen very little
development in the United States. One 40 kW buoy
has been installed in Hawaii for use by the Navy, but
overall, wave energy is still in the early stages of
design.
Regions of Best Implementation
Areas of best implementation are those with consistently high current speeds and adequate
depth. The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) conducted a two year feasibility study, funded
by the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), of hydrokinetic turbines in 27 sites along the Yukon,
Kuskokwim, Susitna, and Copper Rivers. Sites included Bethel, Lower Kalskag, Upper Kalskag,
Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Napaimute, Galena, Koyukuk, Nulato, Kaltag, Grayling, Anvik, Holy Cross,
Marshall, Pilot Station, St. Mary's, Mountain Village, Whitestone, Tanacross, Gakona, Copper
Center, Chitina, Teller, Stony River, Sleetmute, Red Devil, and Crooked Creek. The study found
that nearly all of the sites have sufficient current velocity for hydrokinetic installation, with the
best sites furthest upstream because current is more rapid in those locations.
Hydrokinetic fast facts:
Viability
Infrastruct
ure Scale
Run-of-the-river diverted flow
turbines
Region dependent (needs
enough fall over the course of
the channel to create the
necessary current speed)
Medium to large (primary energy
source for city of Gustavus)
In Stream Hydrokinetic
Tidal Flow and Wave
Energy
Not viable - more technological development needed
(will be effective in approximately 10 to 15 years)
Small to medium (when
research is complete)
small to Large
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes
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CONCLUSIONS AND FUNDING RESOURCES
"Tne Power of lYisdbm wifffie wit/iyou ancfyou wifffie amazecfat t/ie
t/iin^s you wiffsee every step you ma€e. you wifffiecome an expert
person afiout t/ie c/iangecfway offiving. you wifffind 'different and^new
resources to firing to yourjteopfe t/iat t/iey wiffuse. "
a
The planning of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects can be made smoother
through sharing of ideas and lessons learned. Planning is only part of the process. Finding
resources to fund renewable energy projects is equally as important. While identifying sources
of funding is not the focus of this document, the following resources provide useful starting
points.
The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), through the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Tribal Trust and Assistance Unit (TTAU), is a great resource for doing
the planning, legal, administrative, and technical capacity development of a sustainable energy
project. The GAP program is a great starting point for identifying resources, program planning
and researching prospective funders. A list of funding opportunities is also available in the
Tribal Climate Change Funding Guide developed by the TTAU in association with the University
of Oregon.
U.S. EPA Indian Environmental General Assistance Program
http://yosemite.epa.gov/no/tribal.nsf/grants/igap
University of Oregon and EPA Tribal Climate Change Funding Guide
http://tribalclimate.uoregon.edu/publications
The Alaska Energy Authority also plays a major role in funding renewable energy projects
through their Emerging Energy Technology Fund, Renewable Energy Grant Fund, Power Project
Loan Fund, and the Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Group (AWEDTG) programs.
Additionally, AEA offers training courses for power plant operators.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 42
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AEA Emerging Energy Technology Fund
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/EETFundGrantProgram.html
Contact: Shawn Calfa - Grant Manager
(907)771-3031
scalfa@aidea.org
AEA Renewable Energy Grant Fund
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/RE_Fund-6.html
Deadline: September 24, 2012
Contact: Shawn Calfa
AEA Power Project Loan Fund
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/programsloan.html
Contact: Mike Catsi - Business Development Officer
(907)771-3060
mcatsi@aidea.org
AEA Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Group
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/biomasswoodenergygrants.html
Contact: Devany Plentovich - Biomass Project Manager
(907)771-3068
dplentovich@aidea.org
AEA Training Programs
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/programtraining.html
Contact: Jessica Stolp - Training Programs Manager
(907)771-3026
jstolp@aidea.org
The Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) supports sustainability projects of many forms
through the Alaska Native Fund, in association with the Alaska Native Steering Committee. Also,
the Alaska Federation of Natives offers energy grants to support village projects. Finally, the
U.S. Department of Energy offers the chance to apply for technical assistance from the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory or Sandia National Laboratories staff.
Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) Alaska Native Fund Webpage
http://alaskaconservation.org/grant-opportunities/alaska-native-fund/
Alaska Federation of Natives Energy Grants
http://www.nativefederation.org/energy.php
DOE Technical Assistance Application page
http://appsl.eere. energy.gov/tribalenergy/tech_assistance.cfm
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 43
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In addition to grant funding, tax credits and incentives are available for residential renewable
energy and efficiency projects through the Federal ENERGY STAR Program for projects installed
before December 31, 2016.
Federal Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Tax Credits
http://www. energystar.gov/index.cf m?c=tax_credits.tx_index
This is not a complete list, but it can at least offer a starting place for finding financial resources
for renewable energy and efficiency projects. Finding where to start is one of the most difficult
steps, and hopefully these resources can provide the first stepping stone in developing a
successful project that will benefit your community.
RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES
-S Presentation version of this document http://prezi.com/tk2vfoht2taq/sustainable-
energy-opportunities-best-practices-for-alaska-tribes
-S The 7th Annual Chena Hot Springs Renewable Energy Fair
August 26, 2012
http://www.chenahotsprings.com/renewable-energy-fair/
-S The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP)
http://www.uaf.edu/acep/
-S Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF)
http://alaskaconservation.org
-S Alaska Energy Network
http://www.akenergynetwork.com
S Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN)
http://www.nativefederation.org
-S Alaska Energy Authority Alternative Energy and Efficiency Programs
http://www. a kenergya uthority.org/progra msalternative(2). html
-S Alaska Energy Wiki (by the Alaska Center for Energy and Power):
http://energy-alaska.wikidot.com/
-S Alaska Housing Finance Corporation: Energy information
http://www.ahfc.us/energy/energy.cfm
•S Alaska's Institute of Technology (AVTEC)
http://www.avtec.edu/
•S Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC)
http://anthctoday.org/
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 44
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-S Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC)
http://www.avec.org/
S Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC)
http://www.cchrc.org/
-S Department of Energy Free Tribal Webinar Series on Energy Self-Sufficiency
http://www.repartners.org/ (for past webinars and to register for future courses)
-S Department of Energy: Guide to Tribal Energy Development
http://wwwl.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/guide/about.html
-S Department of Energy-Office of Indian Energy (DOE-IE)
http://energy.gov/indianenergy/resources/energy-resource-library
-S National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
http://www.nrel.gov
-S Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP)
http://alaskarenewableenergy.org/
-S Rural Alaska Community Action Program Inc. (RurAL CAP)
http://www.ruralcap.com/
-S Renewable Energy Science and Technology
http://www.renewableenergyst.org/REST_Home.php
-S Sustainable Energy Courses: University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus
Contact: Chet Chambers
cochambers@alaska.edu
(907)842-5109
S U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
http://www.eere.energy.gov/
•S Waste to Energy Canada (WTEC)
wtecanada.com
-S Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council
http://www.yritwc.org
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 45
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
"There's an inteCCigence inherent in us, tfiat if we aCCow it, and we don't
function siinpCyfrom tfie fiead, wittBring us more into adgnment witfi
creation"
~Larr\j MercuCieff (3\.Ceut)
AbbyHall, U.S. EPA Region 10
Adrienne Fleek, U.S. EPA Region 10
Aiden Irish, EPA Greater Research Opportunities Fellow (Lead Author)
Andy Harris, Waste-to-Energy Canada
Barbara Fleek, U.S. EPA Region 10
Brian Hirsch, Department of Energy
Bruce Wright, Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association
Bryan Maracle, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments
Carl Remley, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Carolyn Gangmark, U.S. EPA Region 10
Cathy Villa, U.S. EPA Region 10
Chet Chambers, University of Alaska Fairbanks Environmental Science Lab
Dave Pelunis-Messier, Yukon River Intertribal Watershed Council
Elizabeth Behrens, Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc.
Ellen Kazary, Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc.
Gary Hay, Copper River Native Association
Henry Mark, Native Village of Kwinhagak
James Critchfield, U.S. EPA Region 10
James Kelly, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments
Jim Sharpe, Mt. Sanford Tribal Consortium
John Pavitt, U.S. EPA Region 10
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 46
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Judith Grunau, Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Katherine Brown, US EPA Region 10
Kent Banks, Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc.
Kitrina Persson, State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Mahri Lowinger, U.S. EPA Region 10
Margo Young, US EPA Region 10
Matt Bergan, Kotzebue Electric Association
Michelle Davis, U.S. EPA Region 10
Mike Peter, Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich'in Tribal Government
Phil North, U.S. EPA Region 10
Richard Harrell, Alaska's Institute of Technology
Ross Coen, Alaska Center for Energy and Power
Ryan Clemens, Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc.
Sally Thomas, U.S. EPA Region 10
Santina Gay, U.S. EPA Region 10
Sherry Kimmons, U.S. EPA Region 10
Susanne Fleek-Green, Office of U.S. Senator Begich
Ted Jacobson, U.S. EPA Region 10
Tami Fordham, U.S. EPA Region 10
Tim Meyers, Meyers Farm
Victoria Hykes Steere, Alaska Pacific University
Willard Church, Native Village of Kwinhagak
»«» Thank you to anybody who was unintentionally left off of this list for your contributions.
Sustainable Energy Opportunities: Best Practices for Alaska Tribes Page 47
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