Background
Alaska’s energy system is still dominated by oil and gas, with petroleum historically supplying most electricity. Since 2010, renewable generation has expanded, but the petroleum industry continues to shape state policy, federal influence, and voter expectations. The Alaska Energy Infrastructure (AEI) project addresses this challenge by advancing common-sense renewable energy solutions that lower costs, create jobs, and build long-term resilience.
AEI emphasizes that investing in renewables will reduce household energy expenses, strengthen local job markets, and protect key industries such as fishing and tourism from the impacts of climate change. These gains extend beyond energy: lower costs improve quality of life while stabilizing revenue streams for education, healthcare, and housing. AEI will evaluate sustainable living practices and provide data driven insights to address systemic environmental challenges.
By grounding proposals in data and tailoring projects to the needs of Alaska’s diverse regions, AEI presents renewable energy as the practical path to energy independence and economic prosperity. Shifting from dependence on out-of-state petroleum profits to resilient, locally driven infrastructure ensures a more sustainable future for Alaskan communities.
Just as Alaska once achieved long-term energy security through oil and gas, it now faces the opportunity—and responsibility—to build new energy infrastructure that ensures the same level of resilience for future generations.
The Alaskan Energy Infrastructure (AEI) project is a statewide initiative—spanning urban, remote, and energy-challenged communities—designed to accelerate the transition to long-lasting, renewable energy infrastructure. In a state covering over 375 million acres and home to approximately 740,000 residents across more than 200 diverse communities, achieving energy stability in Alaska presents unique challenges. Many communities remain disconnected from centralized energy grids and face severe climate adaptation pressures. As such, the development of stable energy systems must be adaptable, collaborative, and grounded in data.
In the face of the current climate crisis, advancing sustainable living — particularly in Alaska — has never been more urgent. The Alaska Energy Infrastructure (AEI) project will investigate sustainable living solutions tailored to each community. Through design and execution of the AEI project, stakeholder feedback will be gathered, to foster cross-community collaboration, and develop evidence-based policy alternatives to drive meaningful change.
To assess the transition to sustainable living, the Alaska Energy Infrastructure (AEI) project will conduct population surveys across all of Alaska’s boroughs and census areas. The surveys are informed by experts, advocates, executive interviews, and research of what is possible in each area.
Simultaneously, Alaska Energy Regeneration Network (AERN) will share findings in real time by fostering a network of engaged individuals and organizations. Beginning this fall AEI will begin to engage online, with community bulletins, and in print media to engage to inform Alaskans and generate support.
Finally, the Alaska Energy Infrastructure 2025 Report (AEI 2025 Report) and its policy alternatives will be published on the AERN, this webpage, as well as distributed amongst stakeholders by December 2025. The report will help inform the public and environmental advocacy groups about policy alternatives ahead of the 2026 legislative sessions.
Alaska’s energy system is still dominated by oil and gas, with petroleum historically supplying most electricity. Since 2010, renewable generation has expanded, but the petroleum industry continues to shape state policy, federal influence, and voter expectations. The Alaska Energy Infrastructure (AEI) project addresses this challenge by advancing common-sense renewable energy solutions that lower costs, create jobs, and build long-term resilience.
AEI emphasizes that investing in renewables will reduce household energy expenses, strengthen local job markets, and protect key industries such as fishing and tourism from the impacts of climate change. These gains extend beyond energy: lower costs improve quality of life while stabilizing revenue streams for education, healthcare, and housing. AEI will evaluate sustainable living practices and provide data driven insights to address systemic environmental challenges.
By grounding proposals in data and tailoring projects to the needs of Alaska’s diverse regions, AEI presents renewable energy as the practical path to energy independence and economic prosperity. Shifting from dependence on out-of-state petroleum profits to resilient, locally driven infrastructure ensures a more sustainable future for Alaskan communities.
Just as Alaska once achieved long-term energy security through oil and gas, it now faces the opportunity—and responsibility—to build new energy infrastructure that ensures the same level of resilience for future generations.
AERN
Assess the past, present, and future of renewable energy infrastructure and energy communities across Alaska, while fostering collaboration and engagement through the Alaska Energy Regeneration Network (AERN).
AEI 2025 Report
Develop and disseminate the Alaska Energy Infrastructure 2025 Report (AEI 2025 Report) to provide stakeholders and policymakers with actionable insights and comprehensive context on renewable energy infrastructure across Alaska, supporting informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Legislation
Utilize insights from the AEI 2025 Report, the AERN, and extensive engagement with Alaskans to inform and shape evidence-based policy approaches in preparation for the 2026 legislative session.
Indigenous Stewardship and Community Driven Design
Science policy is grounded in transparency and ethical principles. The AEI Project will uphold the Caltech Honor Code while honoring the sovereignty and knowledge of Alaska Native communities, ensuring their voices are central to all decision-making. By integrating Indigenous perspectives, AEI seeks to c reate energy solutions that are culturally informed, equitable, and sustainable. These guiding principles have fostered a deep respect for the cyclical nature of life and will ensure that AEI’s recommendations are both ethical and compassionate.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging with community leaders, energy policy experts, and leveraging in-depth research, data will be collected for the AEI 2025 Report and used to inform targeted surveys. Population-based input from all 30 of Alaska’s boroughs and census areas will assess current attitudes and levels of support for diversifying the energy grid through renewable infrastructure in each community. Through this comprehensive stakeholder engagement, AEI will identify existing practices, gaps, and critical needs related to heating and lighting across the state. This inclusive approach ensures that policy recommendations are grounded in real-world experiences and reflect the priorities of all Alaskans.
Alaska Energy Regeneration Network (AERN)
The Alaska Regeneration Energy Network (AERN), combining digital and in-person engagement, will unite communities, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to advance Alaska’s energy infrastructure. By sharing real-time findings and fostering targeted collaboration, AERN enables evidence-based decision-making and coordinated action across the state. This network amplifies diverse voices, ensuring that energy strategies are inclusive, practical, and resilient. Through these efforts, AERN will help drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable, equitable, and reliable energy future for all Alaskans.
The Alaska Energy Infrastructure 2025 Report (AEI 2025 Report)
The Alaska Energy Infrastructure 2025 Report (AEI 2025 Report) will combine gathered data from assessments, interviews, and research to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of energy infrastructure in Alaska. The AEI 2025 Report will provide the critical data needed to craft responsive, region-specific energy solutions. By highlighting current challenges, opportunities, and best practices across the state, the report will serve as a foundation for informed policymaking and strategic investment. Furthermore, it will ensure that the perspectives of local communities, including Alaska Native villages, are central to shaping a resilient and equitable energy future.
Policy Advocacy
Findings will be communicated via social media, community updates, local journalism, community bulletins, and events. The Alaska Energy Infrastructure 2025 Report will deliver policy-ready insights to legislators and advocacy organizations, helping shape long-term energy infrastructure implementation in 2026. The Alaska Regeneration Energy Network (AERN) will facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, uniting communities, researchers, and advocacy groups to coordinate legislative efforts and advance evidence-based energy policies.
Executive Director Ariel Hasse-Zamudio
Born and raised in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Valley, I have always dedicated myself to public service, and sustainable living. My passion for science and civic engagement has been bolstered by hands-on leadership experiences including starting a non-profit, spearheading research in the laboratory, and harvest fishing with my family. I graduated with a B.S. in Physics from Caltech and a lot of research experience. It was at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory where a co-worker explained that he had worked on the s ame solar cells on the market decades ago. I began to follow the question: why then are there not solar cells on rooftops across America? I discovered the huge role policy plays in implementing scientific innovation and ultimately the improvement of our homes. Through work with various organizations across the country, I have created AEI to participate in the political processes involved in bringing large societal change to Alaska. My work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to Alaska’s people, landscapes, and future.