Wind Power
Why Wind Power in Alaska?
Alaska's Railbelt currently receives most of its energy from natural gas, and consumer electricity prices have risen significantly in recent years as gas prices continue to climb. As an alternative to the rising cost of gas, we can supplement our energy mix with "nonfuel" power sources. Once the capital investment is made to construct a wind farm or geothermal power plant, the ongoing fuel costs are zero, making renewable energy very cost-competitive over the long term.
Additionally, development of renewable energy projects in Alaska can help to position our state at the forefront of a growing economic market, creating in-state expertise and experience in a field that promises long-term global growth.
Right now, local utilities are working with Cook Inlet Region Inc. to explore the potential of a wind project at Fire Island. Promising cost-feasibility studies have been already been completed, the land is suitable and it does not present "viewshed" conflicts for the community.
The project would generate hundreds of construction jobs, and the site would require a crew of skilled workers to operate. Additionally, the site is ideal for an ongoing training facility to help bring wind power online in communities throughout Alaska
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Be sure to let your electric utility and state elected officials know that you support wind power at Fire Island. It's the next step toward rate stability and economic innovation for Alaska.
Can it Work in Our Climate?
It already does. In fact, the village of Kotzebue has been operating successful wind turbines since 1997, and is actively working to bring more turbines online. The wind farm has proven to effectively displace energy that would otherwise have to come from diesel fuel – bringing cost savings and health benefits to the area.
In fact, there are many areas in Alaska that have strong and steady winds capable of producing energy. In addition, cold wind is more dense, and therefore better at turning turbine blades, and so Alaska's cold climate actually contributes to efficient wind generation.
Background
With climate change already having severe impacts on Alaska, the time to move towards cleaner energy sources is upon us. Even though Alaska is an oil and gas-producing state, it is important to diversify our in-state energy supply to keep our own energy costs down, minimize the burning of fossil fuels, and to put ourselves at the forefront of a growing economic market in sustainable, renewable energy.
The railbelt (the area stretching from Fairbanks to Seward/Homer) currently receives most of its energy from natural gas, and consumer electricity prices have risen significantly in recent years as gas prices continue to climb. As an alternative to the rising cost of gas, we can supplement our energy mix with “non-fuel” generation sources. Once the capital investment is made to construct a wind farm, the ongoing fuel costs are zero.
For rural Alaska, the energy situation is even more challenging. Most villages burn diesel fuel to generate power, and the recent spike in gas prices has had a severe impact on the cost of living for rural communities. Wind farms could offset these high costs as well as eliminate the negative health effects of diesel pollution.
Wind Power at Fire Island
Chugach Electric, ML&P, Homer Electric, and Golden Valley Electric are working with CIRI (Cook Inlet Regional Corporation) to explore the potential of a wind project at Fire Island. Promising cost feasibility studies have shown that wind energy can help stabilize power costs for consumers and provide highly competitive rates over a 40-year project lifespan. The Fire Island Wind Power Project would entail approximately 33 turbines and generate as much as 100 megawatts of energy, which amounts to 25% of Anchorage's current energy expenditure. This is a huge renewable energy project!
Once green-lighted, the project would generate hundreds of construction jobs, and once completed, the site would require a crew of skilled workers to operate. Additionally, the site is ideal for training people from all over Alaska who are interested in bringing wind online in their communities.
The primary hurdle for the project is higher-than-usual infrastructure costs that are required- there are no major improvements on Fire Island now (like a barge dock and roads), and the facility will have to be connected to the mainland via an undersea cable. These up front costs can be underwritten with state and federal support, but policy-makers need to hear from the public to make that happen. And that’s where you can help.
Take Action
Write a letter to the editor today!
The existence of Federal Aviation Administration radar at Fire Island requires careful planning of the proposed wind turbine project to ensure safe operation of air traffic in the area. It has been incorrectly reported that wind will affect radar accuracy. However, all stakeholers are actively working to redesign the radar so that it will not be affected by wind turbines. Let's take a step towards reducing the human role in global warming by supporting the cutting edge Fire Island Wind Power project.
Take action by writing a short letter to the Anchorage Daily News in support of the Fire Island Wind Power Project.
To send a letter, email it to letters@adn.com.
Letters must be 225 words or less, and shorter letters work best.
Stick to the facts and your own personal reasons for writing. A letter from the heart always earns the readers consideration.
Need help getting started? Here are a few talking points you may want to incorporate:
- Wind Power has zero fuel costs. Once the turbines are in place, the ongoing cost to consumers is stable and predictable, which can help reduce the volatility of our electricity costs.
- The wind resource at Fire Island has been proven, and the project economics are competitive with other sources of power.
- Reducing fossil fuel consumption reduces the pollution that contributes to global warming.
- Wind turbine technology has improved dramatically, making wind projects much more efficient and less harmful to birds.
- Anchorage can utilize this project to develop expertise in a booming industry.
- The viewshed and wildlife impacts of a wind farm at Fire Island are minimal. The turbines would be barely visible from Anchorage.
- We need the support of our congressional delegation and state legislature to kick start the project.
Contact your Politicians and Local Utility
Another way to take action is to send an email or call the following people with a simple message: I support wind energy at Fire Island!
Senator Lisa Murkowski
Chugach Electric Association Board President
Municipal Light and Power
And don’t forget your legislator! Find your Legislator here.
Contact ACE at ace@akcenter.org for more information.
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