They’re Back!

6-8pm, September 8 • Anchorage Museum Auditorium • 625 C Street

It’s true. After taking a short summer hiatus, the REAP Monthly forums at the Anchorage Museum are back. And we’re kicking off Sept. 8 by delving into the land of biodiesel, specifically taking a look at the state’s newest and only large-scale biodiesel plant which just opened in June and is already churning out biodiesel made from used cooking oil collected from places like the Peanut Farm, Lucky Wishbone and McDonalds. So that means your fry grease is now powering the garbage trucks around town!

Find out all about it with our presenter Jeff Jessen of Alaska Green Waste Solutions who will discuss the plant’s operation, plans for using an estimated 200,000 plus gallons a year of biodiesel and the benefits of biodiesel economically and environmentally. More information at 929-7770 or s.nowers@REalaska.org.

Want to listen online? Register HERE (it’s free!)

Free Energy Audits for Local Businesses

Are you a local small business that wants to reduce your energy costs?  Sign up for a free seminar being offered by the USDA and Homer Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advocates Taz Tally, Bill Steyer and Christina Whiting.   USDA Granting Officer Chad Stovall will provide information about energy efficiency audits, how to obtain a free energy audit, and the USDA grant and loan programs that are available to help pay for your energy efficiency upgrades.  Two presentations will be given on Friday, September 10th at the Homer Chamber of Commerce, one from 9am-10:30am and one from 1pm-2:30pm.  Space is limited and pre-registration for these free seminars is encouraged.  To reserve your spot or for more information, contact Taz Tally at taztally@me.com or 235-3793.

AEA Seeks Qualified Applicants for Round IV Renewable Energy Fund Grants

(Anchorage) -The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) is soliciting competitive grant applications from qualified applicants for renewable energy projects to be funded by the Alaska State Legislature.  The Round IV application period opens July 21.  AEA must receive Round IV applications no later than 5:00 PM Wednesday, September 15, 2010.

In 2008, the Alaska Legislature established the Renewable Energy Fund and authorized AEA to administer procedures for awarding the grants and distributing grant funds.  AEA received more than 350 Round I, II and III applications, which were thoroughly evaluated in accordance with criteria set forth in the legislation.  Following AEA’s recommendations, the Legislature approved 129 Round I, Round II and Round III renewable energy projects totaling $150 million.

AEA is seeking to recommend projects based on applications that clearly demonstrate a public benefit from the proposed project.  From Round IV applications received, AEA will make project recommendations to the Legislature for FY2012 funding.

Starting July 21, a new link to the Round IV web page will be available from AEA’s home page, www.akenergyauthority.org.  The link will access the Request for Application, application forms and all supporting information.  Applicants may also contact Renewable Energy Fund Grants Administrator Butch White by e-mail at re_fund@aidea.org, or telephone (907) 771-3048.

This year marks the second Renewable Energy Fund construction season.  Seven projects across Alaska are completed and twenty additional projects are scheduled for completion this year.  For the first $125 million appropriated in Rounds I and II, 97 grants to successful applicants are in place.  AEA expects to have Round III grants in place in early July.  Funds are disbursed to grantees as work proceeds and invoices are submitted to the Authority.

6th annual Alaska Renewable Energy Fair

August 7, 11am – 9pm   •   Memorial Block, Anchorage Park Strip

Thanks to all our sponsors and vendors and volunteers who made this year’s fair a great success. We had a great turnout despite the rain. Performances by local musicians kept the crowd hopping and youngsters (and some not so young) enjoyed the face painting, obstacle course and free hula hooping. The crowds also got to check out the many informational booths, displays of hybrid and electric-powered vehicles and motorcycles, and packed the lineup of workshops from tidal and wind power to do-it-yourself biodiesel and eating local food. (See the photos from the fair on our Flickr page)

We look forward to seeing everyone next year – Aug. 6, 2011. Save the date!

Business of Clean Energy in Alaska conference

2010 Conference program (.pdf)

The Business of Clean Energy in Alaska conference held on June 17-18 was focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency with presentations on what is being done now in the state, future opportunities, and the policies and financing are required to make that future a reality. See KTUU’s story on the first day of the conference here

Panels this year covered existing renewable energy and energy efficiency programs from around the country, described Alaska’s unique leadership opportunities and talked about the technologies, policies and financing required to make a shift toward clean energy. An free exhibitor  hall was held adjacent to the panel discussions.

Alaska can become a leader in the clean energy industry and lay a solid economic foundation for the future by diversifying with our many renewable sources of energy.

New laws point Alaska toward a brighter energy future

Highlights include statewide energy policy, goal for 50% renewable electricity by 2025,  creation of $250 million revolving loan fund for energy efficiency, and new Emerging Energy Technology Fund

On June 16 – one day before the start of the Business of Clean Energy in Alaska conference – Gov. Sean Parnell signed into law two energy bills passed by the legislature that will provide long-term, far-reaching benefits for communities around the state, and help secure a more sustainable energy future for Alaska – Senate Bill 220 (the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act) and House Bill 306 (establishing a statewide energy policy).

Alaskans pay some of the highest energy prices in the country – more than five times the national average in some communities – and face an uncertain energy future with oil revenues and production on the wane.

“This legislation is a big step in the right direction,” said Chris Rose, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Alaska Project and a member of a citizen stakeholder group that helped craft HB 306. “By using renewable energy to diversify our energy sources, and by using the energy we’ve already generated more efficiently, we make our communities more attractive places to live and invest.” Read more