Alaska Wind-Diesel

HOMER Energy will be working with the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to analyze wind-diesel systems for remote native communities. Until recently these communities have relied entirely on diesel for their energy needs, but fuel costs are rising rapidly. In 2009 diesel prices reported by rural utilities averaged $4 to $5 per gallon with some communities paying more than $7, including delivery costs. The HOMER software is being widely used in Alaska to realize wind energy’s promise of free fuel, predictable energy prices and lower energy costs overall.

St. Paul Wind Project, Alaska

Wind-diesel energy systems have been operating for more than ten years in rural Alaska. Back then, engineers had little experience with wind turbines in Alaska’s sub-zero temperatures and semi-continuous permafrost. New wind projects are far more successful, benefitting from the latest turbine technology, Arctic adaptations and accumulated experience in construction and maintenance of wind farms. Now the Alaska Energy Authority is investing $20 million to $30 million a year building rural wind-diesel systems via the Alaska Renewable Energy Fund. While ten projects are under construction, another two-dozen are in feasibility studies. There are more than 150 other communities that are totally reliant on diesel, many of which could benefit from wind-diesel power systems.

HOMER wind-diesel schematic