Results: Calendar of Events
December 14, 2009
Interesting Energy Information Administration report about future energy trends. Here’s the press release sent out today:
EIA Energy Outlook Projects Moderate Growth in U.S. Energy Consumption
WASHINGTON, DC – The Annual Energy Outlook 2010 (AEO2010 ) reference case released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) presents updated projections for U.S. energy consumption and production through 2035.
“Our projections show that existing policies that stress energy efficiency and alternative fuels, together with higher energy prices, curb energy consumption growth and shift the energy mix toward renewable fuels,” said EIA Administrator Richard Newell. “However, assuming no new policies, fossil fuels would still provide about 78 percent of all the energy used in 2035.”
These reference case projections do not include the effects of potential future policies that have not yet become law, and only include technologies that are commercially available or can reasonably be expected to become commercially available over roughly the next decade. Some of the key findings are:
Moderate Energy Consumption Growth and Greater Use of Renewables: Total primary energy consumption grows by 14 percent between 2008 and 2035, as the fossil fuel share of total U.S. energy consumption falls from 84 percent to 78 percent (Figure 1 ).
Declining Reliance on Imported Liquid Fuels : Total U.S. consumption of liquid fuels, including both fossil liquids and biofuels, grows from 19 million barrels per day in 2008 to 22 million barrels per day in 2035. Biofuels account for all of the growth, as consumption of petroleum-based liquids is essentially flat. As a result, reliance on imported oil declines significantly over the next 25 years (Figure 2 ).
Shale Gas Drives Growth in Natural Gas Production and Reduces Reliance on Imported Gas : Total domestic natural gas production grows from 20.6 trillion cubic feet in 2008 to 23.3 trillion cubic feet in 2035. With technology improvements and rising natural gas prices, natural gas production from shale grows to 6 trillion cubic feet in 2035, more than offsetting declines in conventional production (Figure 3 ). Continue reading ‘EIA Energy Outlook Projects Greater Use of Renewables, and Reduced Oil and Natural Gas Imports’
December 14, 2009
From Margaret Bauman at the Alaska Journal of Commerce: Energy is the lifeline of any economy, and key to filling that need is a predictable, reasonably priced source of renewable energy sources, says the director of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project. Worldwide demand for energy will double by 2050, according to a forecast from the International Energy Agency, and with the supply of non-renewable hydrocarbons being finite, renewable energy is a hedge and can make a dent in the state’s energy problems, said Chris Rose, executive director of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project. Read more
December 14, 2009
The Anchorage Daily News wrote this editorial on the state’s recently released Regional Integrated Resource Plan: Before Sarah Palin resigned, she set an ambitious energy goal for the state: By the year 2025, Alaska aims to get half of our electricity from renewable sources. We’ve got a good head start: We’re almost halfway to the goal, thanks to hydropower, especially in Southeast and Kodiak.
Here in the Railbelt, we’re far behind, with three dams that supply about 10 percent of our power. But we have plenty of options to do our part in meeting the 50 percent target, according to a draft study for the Alaska Energy Authority. The study looks at how the Railbelt can meet electricity demands as the supply of cheap natural gas shrinks and aging equipment needs to be replaced. Read more
*REAP recently hosted a forum on this study. To read more about it and hear a presentation on the plan, click here
January 9, 2009
2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Presented by Alaska Center for Appropriate Technology
Location: Agate Inn, Wasilla
(map and directions at www.agateinn.com/map.htm)
Register early at http://www.acat.org — $20 non-members, $10 members of ACAT
LED lighting is the most energy efficient lighting available.
Learn how to convert T-8, T-10 or T-12 4’ fluorescent fixtures to LED
Bring your fixture to convert
Wire and connectors provided
LED bulbs available for purchase during workshop
Learn about different types of LED lights, temperature range, color rendition
For more information, call 907-376-2294 or Email: harvey@agateinn.com
December 9, 2009
This press release was sent out by Sen. Mark Begich’s office today. A .pdf copy of the bill is included at the end of this post. The bill they’ve introduced would directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement a research program designed to collect, monitor, and distribute environmental data to assist development of renewable energy, particularly related to ocean energy. Examples of this would be tidal data for use in choosing locations for wave energy infrastructure or time series wind data for siting wind turbines. The bill would authorize $100 million for program implementation, with up to half this amount eligible to states and educational institutions to carry out renewable energy environmental research.
Legislation to Spur Green Technology Innovation, Create Jobs
Saying it would help reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and create jobs and new technology that will benefit Alaska, U. S. Senators Mark Begich (D-AK) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) today introduced the Renewable Energy Environmental Research Act of 2009.
“Renewable energy has tremendous potential in Alaska,” Sen. Begich said. “In addition to creating jobs, this bill fills a gap in existing climate-energy legislation, helps speed up a transition to domestic low-carbon energy, and encourages scientific advancement.” Continue reading ‘Begich, Snowe Bill would authorize up to $100M for Renewable Energy Research’
December 8, 2009
Editor’s Note: Jim Strandberg, of the AK Energy Authority, will talk about this report at REAP’s Monthly Forum Dec. 9 from 6-8p.m. at the Anchorage Museum. Click HERE for more info.
From Chris Eshleman of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: A draft plan on statewide electrical generation suggests big savings are to be found if six electrical utilities in Fairbanks and Southcentral consolidate. The draft plan, a Regional Integrated Resource Plan produced by a Kansas-based international consultant, reports households and businesses will save money if one centralized utility followed its plan for replacing aging transmission lines and power plants and helping guide residents toward energy efficient practices. Read more
December 8, 2009
Happy Holidays!
From all of us at Renewable Energy Alaska Project, we wish our members, families and friends a happy holiday season!
Dec. 9 Southcentral Energy Forum: Come join the discussion on how to power Southcentral Alaska for the next 50 years. Jim Strandberg, of the Alaska Energy Authority, will talk about the various options and the state’s just released Regional Integrated Resources Plan. The plan analyzes the long-term (50-year) impact of the various options from building an in-state gas line to tapping renewable resources like geothermal and hydroelectric.
6-8 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum auditorium.…MORE
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Dec. 11 House Energy committee hearing on the House Draft Energy Policy and House Draft Omnibus Energy Bill: These measures are all about energy, energy, energy… like setting a renewable energy goal for Alaska, creating a state Department of Energy, and creating a fund to support testing, research, and development of emerging energy technologies. This is your chance to weigh in before the session starts….MORE
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| Live from Copenhagen: REAP Executive Director Chris Rose is among the Alaskans attending the climate conference in Copenhagen (Dec. 7 – Dec. 18). Look for his updates on our website at www.REalaska.org and on our blog at realaska.wordpress.com |
| 2010 Business of Clean Energy in Alaska Conference: REAP is in the process of organizing our 2010 Business of Clean Energy in Alaska conference.This year’s conference will pick up where the 2009 conference left off, offering a more Alaska-centric focus on business and policy development of energy efficiency and renewable energy within the state. We are currently compiling the program for the 2010 conference and will be taking suggestions for keynote speakers and panels through the end of the year. For more information, call (907) 929-7770 or click here |
| Legislative Session: Alaska has the opportunity to be a “first mover” in the commercialization of technologies like biomass gasification, tidal, and energy storage technologies, given our abundant resources and unique needs. However, to make progress in these areas, Alaska must begin a concerted effort to support research and development like many other states, provinces and countries around the world are doing. An ‘Emerging Energy Technology Development Fund’ could give Alaska an advantage when competing with other states for federal funding programs for green industry and job development that are being launched by President Obama’s administration.Senate Bill 150 would establish an emerging energy technology fund that would be administered by the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, a research branch of the University of Alaska. MORE |
Project Developments and News: Many projects have been put in place this year in various regions of Alaska. Please let REAP know of projects going on in your area.Wind: Kodiak – Three 1.5-megawatt wind turbines installed in July 2009 on Pillar Mountain. The turbines, coupled with a hydropower facility, allow the utility, at times, to be 100% renewable-energy powered. The project is expected to save the utility an estimated $2 million a year by reducing diesel use by about 1 million gallons.
Wind: Hooper Bay – Three 100-kilowatt turbines installed by Alaska Village Electric Cooperative in 2008, commissioned in 2009. The turbines are expected to generate about 600,000 kilowatt hours/year, allowing the utility to forgo the purchase of an estimated 44,500 gallons of diesel fuel a year. |
| REAP’s 5th Anniversary Party Recap: REAP’s 5th Anniversary Party and Fundraiser held November 20th was a great success. Held in downtown Anchorage at Snow City Café, the event drew an estimated 250 people over the course of three hours. It provided both a chance for REAP supporters to mingle and meet each other, and an auspicious start to the Holiday season. “Capriccio String Trio” performed classical music throughout the night while attendees enjoyed delicious food prepared by Snow City staff and listened to various REAP members explain why they support the organization. The event also proved to be a successful fundraiser for REAP. Thanks to all who attended and donated to support our mission of increasing the production of renewable energy in Alaska! |
Membership Renewal
Want to be part of a growing renewable energy movement? Keep track of current RE news in Alaska and elsewhere? Get the inside scoop on the Annual Renewable Energy Fair and Business of Clean Energy in Alaska conference? Consider joining REAP today, ONLINE, to help us increase the production of renewable energy in the state of Alaska! Renewable Energy Alaska Project is a 501(c)3 organization so your contribution is tax deductible! Join or renew today.. MORE
January 13, 2010
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Renewable Energy Policy Proposals for Alaska
Chris Rose, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Alaska Project, will talk about the rising use of renewable power in Alaska and pending legislation to secure more clean energy for our state. Come be a part of the discussion from 6-8 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum auditorium. For more information, call 929-7770 or email s.nowers@REalaska.org
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum Auditorium
December 11, 2009
10:00 am
House Energy Special Committee Hearing on the House Draft Energy Policy and House Draft Omnibus Energy Bill at 10 a.m. in Rm. #220 at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office.
The House Energy Omnibus legislation brings together the elements of several energy bills that were introduced last session and covers a broad range of energy issues from the creation of a state Department of Energy to creating an Emerging Energy Technology Fund to support testing, research, and development of emerging energy technologies.
The State Energy Policy legislation was created by the House Energy Stakeholders Group, a diverse group of Alaskans with years of experience in energy issues who volunteered their time to help the legislature craft an overall energy policy for the state. It would set an overall energy policy for the state that includes a goal for renewable energy use.
House Draft Omnibus Energy Bill(.pdf)
Who: House Special Committee on Energy
What: Public Hearing on Omnibus Energy and State Energy Policy bills
When: Friday, December 11, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Anchorage LIO, 716 W 4th Ave., #220
December 7, 2009
Alaska has the opportunity to be a “first mover” in the commercialization of technologies like biomass gasification, tidal, and energy storage technologies, given our abundant resources and unique needs. However, to make progress in these areas Alaska must begin a concerted effort to support research and development like many other states, provinces and countries around the world are doing. An ‘Emerging Energy Technology Development Fund’ could give Alaska an advantage when competing with other states for federal funding programs for green industry and job development that are being launched by President Obama’s administration.
Senate Bill 150 would establish an emerging energy technology fund that would be administered by the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, a research branch of the University of Alaska. The fund, which would be financed by appropriations from the state legislature, federal appropriations, and contributions from other sources, would be available to utilities, independent power producers, local and tribal governments, Alaskan businesses, and non-profits. In order to receive grants or loans from the fund, the benefiting project would need to be for the research, development, or demonstration of a new energy or conservation technology or for the improvement of an existing technology, with the reasonable expectation that the technology would be commercially viable within 5 years.
Alaska can be a world leader in renewable energy. Call or email your legislator today to voice your opinion on this important issue.
