Alaskan Energy Infrastructure
The Alaskan Energy Infrastructure (AEI) Project is dedicated to advancing sustainable, community-driven renewable energy solutions across the state. These solutions are designed to be widely accessible while also accounting for the unique circumstances of each region—from the Southeast to the North Slope, the Railbelt, and every Alaskan community in between. Through guided stakeholder feedback, the leadership of committed NGOs, and the work of dedicated advocates, AEI will build a comprehensive understanding of Alaska’s renewable energy potential. The project will culminate in a report prior to December 2025 with policy suggestions to build legislation for Alaska’s 2026 session.
Land Acknowledgement
We are privileged to live and work in Southeast Alaska on the unceded land of the Tlingit Áak’w Kwáan on Lingít Aaní, also known as Juneau and Douglas. We acknowledge that Lingít Peoples have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial and are grateful for their care. We recognize the injustices that sought to displace the Áakʼw Ḵwáan and honor their sovereign relationships to their lands, languages, ancestors, and future generations. By listening to our elders and learning from their stories, we are guided in working toward healing, justice, and a healthier world for generations to come.
Navigating the Alaska Energy Infrastructure (AEI) Project
To start at square one visit [Renewable Energy] for insight and helpful sources to learn more about this technology and how it works in our homes.Then check out [Background] page to find out AEI’s role in Alaska’s infrastructure future. Follow-up on the [Alaskan Energy Policy] page to learn how infrastructure is made and who takes part. To understand the policy of politics in Alaska, please visit the page and consider the many ways we can all participate in building sustainable infrastructure if we use our voice. Through survey results, data collaboration, and analysis AEI will create a report by December 2025 which will be shared on the [Alaskan Renewables] tab. In the meantime on that page you will find potential, on-going, and existing infrastructure projects across the state. AEI will deliver actionable policy to the 2026 legislative session. Found by signing up for the [AERN], potential policy and solutions will be discussed. Lastly, feel free to contact us at any time on the [Contact] page. I am always available to brainstorm new opportunities for Alaskans. Please follow on other platforms for easier accessibility.
News
Follow the news outlets for information on Energy Infrasturcture in Alaska
Solar Energy
Solar energy captures light (photons) from the sun and converts those photons into electrons. Solar panels convert sunlight to electricity in a grid pattern, the larger the area of the panel or panels, the more energy is captured for use. This solar array in Shungnak, Alaska is designed to optimize energy capture during long daylight hours.
Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric power harnesses the directed flow of water (such as in a dam) to rotate turbines that generate an electric current. Technological diversions can even have underground rerouting that minimizes ecosystem impact. Salmon Creek Dam represents early 20th-century innovation in hydroelectric energy. Today, it provides 20% of Juneau’s total energy consumption.
Wind Power
Windmills have been in use for centuries to power grain mills. Modern wind technology employs turbines that capture the kinetic energy of air currents with spinning blades to generate electricity. Offshore wind in particular has the potential to capture almost 80 TWH/yr, almost 15 times more than current consumption of 5.2 TWH/yr. In Southcentral Alaska, on Fire Island (Natul’iv in Dena’ina Athabascan) an 11 turbine system provides energy for over 7000 homes.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy uses heat generated deep underground to heat water into steam, powering generators that produce electricity. Geothermal heat can also be directly used for heating and cooling buildings. Chena Hot springs generates a total capacity of 680 kW that runs on 165 degrees Fahrenheit water, the lowest temperature for an operating geothermal power plant in the world.
Biomass
Biomass encompasses a number of processes that convert organic matter, such as plants and animal waste, into usable energy sources like heat, electricity, or fuel. These various methods include burning, bacterial decay, and chemical conversion processes. The municipality of Anchorage converts landfill waste into methane which is combusted into up to 7 MW of electricity.
Wave and Tidal Energy
Wave energy utilizes the motion of ocean waves, while tidal energy utilizes the rise and fall of tides and tidal currents. Both technologies employ mechanical movement other mechanisms to convert the mechanical energy of the water into electricity. The American Tidal Energy Project will develop a system that will provide up to 5 MW of electricity.