The Alaska Wind Working Group (AWWG) works to improve and expand Alaska’s wind systems by providing a platform for information sharing and collaboration with people both inside and outside of Alaska. We have facilitated the AWWG since 2005, bringing together state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals interested in identifying specific concerns and barriers to wind development in Alaska.
Hybrid wind systems are allowing communities to reduce dependence on diesel fuel and stabilize energy costs.
Alaska is looked to as a world leader in the development and use of wind-diesel hybrid systems. There are now more than 30 communities in the state using wind power to generate a portion of their electricity and, in some cases, also heat for their residents. In Kodiak, Alaska, 99.9% of the power is renewably generated, with 20% coming from wind and about 80% from hydropower. These hybrid wind systems are allowing communities to reduce their dependence on imported diesel fuel and help stabilize energy costs. Most of the wind power systems are located in small, remote communities with limited financial and human capacity, not unlike communities in many other parts of the world.
The AWWG has been around since 2005 and is open to anyone interested in furthering the successful development of the wind industry. Each year, we convene meetings and information-sharing opportunities, as well as an annual wind-diesel workshop to bring together interested Alaskans and experts from outside the state. These convenings are an opportunity to hear updates on projects and research, share lessons learned and encourage collaboration that furthers the goal of improving and expanding efficient, cost-effective wind power development in Alaska.
To view the slide decks and video recording of the 2021 Alaska Energy Workshop, click HERE.
The AWWG’s work benefits Alaskan communities, and has attracted global interest. Around the world approximately one billion people have no electricity at all, and another estimated 700 million people rely on diesel to generate their power. Many of those communities are looking at how Alaskan communities have integrated wind and other renewables into small, diesel grids through advanced control systems and energy storage. Some are installing their own systems and sharing their lessons learned and successes with Alaska. These type of collaborations are also supported by the Islanded Grid Resource Center.
visit islanded grid resource centerClick below to review the materials and meeting recordings of past Wind Working Group Meetings:
The December 13, 2022 Alaska Wind Working Group meeting featured a presentation about wind LiDAR deployment in Shishmaref as well as updates on the Department of Energy’s ETIPP program, the Renewable Energy…
learn moreThe April 6, 2022 Alaska Wind Working Group meeting featured presentations about the Kotzebue and Kongiganak wind farms, updates on the state’s renewable portfolio standard legislation and regulatory policy, and…
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