June 21, 2011
It’s true. Read this report from Rich Seifert of the University of Alaska’s Cooperative Extension Service on three beautiful and fascinating homes in Fairbanks that are using masonry stoves, extra insulation, passive design and more techniques to reduce their energy use. There’s lots to read here and great pictures. Download the [...] Read More
June 21, 2011
The Alaska Center for Energy and Power in conjunction with the Cold Climate Housing Research Center just released a report entitled “Ground Source Heat Pumps in Cold Climates” that covers the current state of the Alaska industry, a review of literature, preliminary economic assessment and recommendations for future research. [...] Read More
June 17, 2011
By Tim Bradner of Alaska Journal of Commerce: Chugach Electric Association’s board has given approval for the electric co-op to purchase wind power from Cook Inlet Region Inc.’s proposed Fire Island wind project, a commitment that will allow the Anchorage-based Alaska Native corporation to proceed with construction. For the near-term, electricity generated [...] Read More
June 17, 2011
Robert Woolsey, KCAW-Radio:SITKA, ALASKA (2011-06-16) As communities brace to see which of this year’s state capital projects survive the governor’s veto pen, a proposed energy development on Chichagof Island is already generating controversy. Pegmatite Mountain is a geothermal site on the island. While it’s not yet known how much hot water there is, and how [...] Read More
June 16, 2011
Anchorage Daily News editorial on Fire Island Wind: If there’s a lesson in the Fire Island wind project in progress, it’s that renewable energy won’t be a snap. Right now it looks like CIRI’s showcase project just off the western tip of Anchorage is a go, but at one-third of its original design. The Native regional [...] Read More
June 15, 2011
These GE turbines on Kodiak Island are the same kind that will be used on Fire Island. Exciting news today about Fire Island Wind Project in Anchorage: Chugach Electric Association is expected to sign a Power Purchase Agreement today to buy power from the project (See story below). This wind power will cost us more [...] Read More
June 14, 2011
Trend is welcomed by speakers from rural Alaska by Margaret Bauman of Alaska Newspapers mbauman@alaskanewspapers.com Talk about a makeover that makes a body feel good and puts cash in the pocket! Struggling construction economy or not, the momentum for green buildings is growing, because they are good for people and good for business, says Jerry Yodelson, an advocate of [...] Read More
June 14, 2011
By Joe Viechnicki of KFSK: A new report released this month outlines 33 recommendations for creating new jobs in the forest products, seafood, visitor and renewable energy industries in Southeast Alaska. The recommendations were developed by four groups of industry, government and stakeholder representatives, called “cluster groups.” The report is [...] Read More
June 8, 2011
By Jill Burke of Alaska Dispatch: A tiny island near the tip of Alaska’s southwestern boundary isn’t the place most Americans are likely to call to mind when they think of innovative housing. But wee Atka, a faraway place that marks the end of the Aleutian chain on the United States map like [...] Read More
June 7, 2011
Published in the Cordova Times By Jennifer Gibbins: Once diverted from Humpback Creek, water flows through a massive penstock running parallel to the creek before crossing over it, 100 feet above the canyon floor. (Alaska Newspapers, Jennifer Gibbins) Water flows from the tailrace into the plant where three turbines convert the energy to electricity. Close to [...] Read More
