Alaska Officials Advocate for Funding in Hydropower and Geothermal Energy

As Alaska grapples with rising energy costs and uncertainty in fuel markets, a group of former state lawmakers is advocating for a significant shift toward reliable, locally built power sources. This call to action highlights the urgency and potential of harnessing Alaska’s abundant energy resources to meet the needs of its residents.

In an opinion piece from the Anchorage Daily News, former legislators including Lesil McGuire, Gene Therriault, Beth Kerttula, Charisse Millett, and Harry Crawford emphasize that while Alaska is rich in energy resources, it has historically struggled to convert these assets into dependable and affordable electricity swiftly. Their proposal focuses on developing local energy projects now, rather than relying on external markets.

Despite reductions in federal incentives for wind and solar, the authors highlight existing support for hydropower, pumped storage, and geothermal development—integrations that fit well with Alaska’s geography and workforce capabilities.

Hydropower Momentum Builds

The article underscores recent actions by the Chugach Electric Association, which has filed preliminary permit applications to explore four new hydropower projects. Their aim is to begin construction before a Dec. 31, 2033, deadline to benefit from remaining federal incentives. The authors argue that these projects could significantly reduce the reliance on imported natural gas for electricity generation.

Alaska showcases the reliability of hydropower through its current infrastructures. Juneau, for instance, relies almost entirely on hydroelectric power, achieving some of the lowest and most stable electric rates in the state. Similarly, Cordova has dramatically cut diesel use with its hydro system, providing consistent power even under challenging weather conditions.

The article also highlights the Bradley Lake hydroelectric project near Homer, which has long been a cornerstone of Railbelt power generation. Its consistent and low-cost electricity has made it indispensable, with potential expansions underway to enhance its capacity. The proposed Dixon Diversion, for instance, would increase Bradley Lake’s capacity by 50%, thus introducing additional dispatchable and affordable power to the grid.

Kodiak serves as another benchmark for success. By prioritizing hydropower and gradually incorporating wind energy and storage solutions, Kodiak has displaced millions of gallons of diesel fuel and stabilized energy costs for its residents.

The authors insist that hydropower is particularly effective in cold climates, island systems, and coastal areas, all of which are prevalent in Alaska. Once established, hydropower facilities can produce energy for generations with minimal operational risks and no fuel costs.

Geothermal Potential and Workforce Strength

In addition to hydropower, the opinion piece brings attention to Alaska’s significant geothermal opportunities. Sitting along the Pacific Ring of Fire and hosting 97 known thermal springs, the state has immense geothermal potential. Although the current geothermal electricity generation in Alaska is limited, recent technological advancements—including enhanced geothermal systems—have made it feasible to extract substantial heat from deep underground.

The authors believe that the state’s oil and gas workforce could smoothly transition its drilling expertise toward geothermal development, given the favorable conditions. They highlight that few regions possess the blend of drilling experience, cold-weather construction knowledge, and complicated energy infrastructure that Alaska has. Drawing comparisons with Iceland, where hydro and geothermal energy contribute to a thriving, low-cost electricity economy, they make a compelling case for a similar trajectory in Alaska.

Diversification Regardless of Gas Pipeline

The authors stress that advancing hydropower and geothermal projects does not depend on the uncertain future of a long-speculated natural gas pipeline. By diversifying energy sources, Alaska can build a more resilient grid and mitigate the risks associated with fuel price volatility. The steady, dependable output from hydro and geothermal systems could also provide the stability needed to integrate additional wind and solar resources as they become available.

Framing the discourse around the longstanding tradition of resourcefulness and infrastructure development in Alaska, the authors call for policymakers to prioritize energy projects capable of delivering sustainable, locally produced energy while federal support is still accessible.

With a combined 70 years of experience in the Alaska Legislature, the authors now serve as bipartisan senior advisers to New Energy Alaska, a coalition dedicated to advancing clean energy initiatives across the state.

Originally reported by Lesil McGuire, Gene Therriault, Beth Kerttula, Charisse Millett, and Harry Crawford in ADN.