August 31, 2009
The Denali Education Center unveiled its new solar water heating system this week. The system includes 1,300 square feet of flat-panel thermal collectors and is expected to save up to $9,000 a year in energy costs. Congrats to REAP members ABS Alaskan Inc., which did the design and installation, and to Golden Valley Electric Association which owns the system. The Anchorage Daily News and Fairbanks Daily News-Miner were among those carrying stories on the new system. The Denali Education Center also has information about the project on its website.
August 31, 2009
Lots of talk in the press today about Europe’s new restrictions on the sale of incandescent bulbs. The restrictions, which go into effect today, have been met with varying degrees of enthusiasm. This story from the New York Times Green Inc. blog notes other countries are ahead of Europe. Australia already has a ban, and Cuba has entirely shifted to compact fluorescent bulbs. The United States is in line to phase out incandescents in 2012, the story notes.
August 28, 2009
The Alaska Journal of Commerce’s Rob Stapleton had a nice profile today on REAP member Bernie Karl. Bernie is the owner of Chena Hot Springs resort and has pioneered the use of geothermal energy at the resort, located 56 miles east of Fairbanks.
August 28, 2009
Kate Galbraith of the New York Times’ Green Blog Inc. reports on how prices for solar panels are dropping in a story entitled More Sun for Less. The biggest factor driving the lower prices is an increase in production of polysilicon, which goes into most types of panels and which had been in short supply.
To read the full story, go here
August 28, 2009
APRN is among the news outlets reporting on efforts by Anchorage to have a plan in place to handle a potential energy crisis this winter in Southcentral Alaska. In each of the past two winters, the Railbelt has come close to having too little pressure in the natural gas pipelines, which could result in a loss of heat and electricity for residents.
To hear the story, go here
August 28, 2009
APRN reports on state approval of a deal to sell the Healy coal plant to Golden Valley Electric Association. Price is $50 million plus a $45 million loan to get the plant up and running. The plant will start producing power in two years and will lower energy prices in the area, a utility spokeswoman said.
To hear the report, go here
August 27, 2009
KTUU reporter Rhonda McBride produced this report
CHENA HOT SPRINGS, Alaska — Chena Hot Springs is a hot spot in America — and not just for its waters, but also for its innovation. A test project at Chena could help bring affordable electricity to rural Alaska and help oil companies produce green energy. Alaska’s oil and gas producers have expertise that can help the state’s emerging geothermal industry. There’s a synergy between the two that holds great promise for Alaska and the nation.
Read more
August 25, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $51 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Alaska, Guam and New Jersey. Under DOE’s State Energy Program, states and territories have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce carbon pollution. The $14 million is the first half of the $28.6 million in energy stimulus funding that the legislature agreed to accept in August when they voted 45-14 to override former Gov. Sarah Palin’s veto of the funding.
Read more
August 25, 2009
A new report on energy efficiency from the consulting firm McKinsey found that the United States could save $1.2 trillion through 2020, by investing $520 billion in improvements like sealing leaky building ducts and replacing inefficient household appliances with new, energy-saving models.
Read more
September 1, 2009
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Net Zero energy homes. Passive Haus, a home that does not need a heating system. Photovoltaic systems that produce enough rooftop electricity to power 15 homes. Karl T. Schmid, architect, passive haus builder and designer of several net zero energy homes will be in Alaska September 1, 2009. He will make a presentation in the AHFC Board Room, from 1-3 pm. If you are interested in exploring these issues for Alaska, plan on attending.
The AHFC Board Room is in the AHFC headquarters, 4300 Boniface Parkway, Anchorage. Please reply to swaterman@ahfc.state.ak.us if you are interested in attending, to ensure we have enough space for all.
