NANA
Regional Energy Projects :
A Bright Future for Northwest Alaska
NANA ’ s public benefit company , Atautchikun , is making remarkable strides in sustainable energy solutions , paving the way for a resilient and prosperous future for the shareholders and residents of Alaska ’ s Northwest Arctic . Recent collaborations with the Northwest Arctic Borough ( NAB ) and Kotzebue Electric Association ( KEA ) have led to groundbreaking energy projects across our region : |
Deering and Buckland : Home to Alaska ’ s first combined wind and solar systems , capable of operating in “ diesel generatoroff ” mode , these communities are at the forefront of renewable energy integration . KEA ’ s 1.1 megawatts ( MW ) solar system installation , completed over the summers of 2020 and 2023 , now stands as the largest solar array in rural Alaska . |
Shungnak , Kobuk and Noatak : These villages have become the first Independent Power Producers in rural Alaska , selling renewable energy to the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative ( AVEC ) through newly implemented solar and battery storage systems . |
Ambler and Kobuk : Biomass heating systems are now in place , significantly reducing reliance on traditional fuels . Additionally , 70 solar energy heat pumps have been installed in Ambler , further boosting energy efficiency . |
We continue to expand our energy initiatives with several ongoing efforts , including the Noatak solar and battery project , four community solar battery engineering projects , Selawik solar expansion , Selawik solar / battery project and Deering diesel generator replacement . |
Newly Awarded and Future Projects
We are excited to share updates on several newly awarded projects currently in the negotiation phase with the Department of Energy ’ s ( DOE ):
The NW Arctic Regional Solar PV , Battery Storage , Heat Pumps and MVDC Intertie , a $ 54.8M project with a $ 68.5M total cost , including a $ 13M cost share .
Ambler : This OCED project will implement 234 kilowatt ( kW ) of Solar PV , a 500 kW Power Conversion System , 384 kilowatthours ( kWh ) of battery energy storage , an electric boiler , and a microgrid supervisory controller . Additionally , KEA , will install a 4-megawatt battery to enhance energy storage capacity .
In addition to these projects , the Selawik Solar Project has been awarded $ 2M by the USDA to install a community solar array and energy storage batteries in Selawik . Kuna , NANA ’ s architecture and engineering firm , completed the solar array and battery design , with equipment procurement underway . The State of Alaska recently awarded an additional $ 1.2 million to expand Selawik ’ s solar array , with construction scheduled for 2025 .
The Ambler Solar / Energy Storage Project received a $ 2.7M award from DOE to install solar arrays and energy storage batteries . This project will integrate solar and battery storage into Ambler ' s existing diesel system , with construction scheduled for 2024-2025 .
Atautchikun recently received the Grid Resilience Formula Funding award from DOE . This regional project aims to reduce power outages and improve the overall grid for Ambler , Buckland , Kiana , Kivalina , Kobuk , Noorvik , Noatak , Selawik and Shungnak , with Deering and Kotzebue participating independently .
The Solar Design Project saw NAB receiving $ 590,000 from the State of Alaska to design community solar arrays and energy storage batteries for Ambler , Kiana , Noorvik and Selawik . Kuna has identified potential sites in each village , and the design and permitting phases are complete . Final activities include developing an independent power producer business plan , conducting an economic benefits analysis and creating the Northwest Arctic regional design standards .
Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement
The Regional Northwest Arctic Energy Steering Committee , in partnership with NANA and Northwest Arctic Borough , remains instrumental in driving these initiatives . A recent meeting in Kotzebue and an upcoming session in October 2024 are crucial for maximizing the impacts of these projects .
We are soliciting accelerated support to address pressing challenges , including deep energy efficiency retrofits , powerplant upgrades and large-scale renewable energy projects . Workforce development remains a priority , alongside efforts to streamline grant applications and address energy needs for the Kivalina relocation . Our team recognizes that overcoming infrastructure challenges is crucial for expanding renewable energy across the region .
Atautchikun is dedicated to working with our regional partners to solve these challenges and seize opportunities to enhance energy sustainability in the Northwest Arctic .
6 The Hunter | 2024 September