Alaska can lead the United States in renewable energy

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A strategically developed energy infrastructure can change the face of our nation for the better. Catastrophic grid failures in the Lower 48. Attacks on the pipeline infrastructure of our nations that have caused gas prices to soar. The lack of cheap energy production for too many rural communities that still rely on expensive diesel to heat their homes and power their schools. Weaknesses in transmission lines and distribution systems. Authorization and location of obstacles to the distribution of cost-effective and functionally viable renewable energy sources. These are all signs that the US energy infrastructure is lagging behind.

I challenge our lawmakers here at home and in Washington, DC, to recognize the traditional limitations of the energy infrastructure in our system and to look to communities like Cordova and many others in Alaska as examples of what can be achieved if we build a clean and safe base. energy of the future, resilient and economically advantageous.

Cordoba is a successful case of harnessing natural resources to provide renewable energy, to power our community and the fish fishermen, processors and companies that harvest our world-class salmon despite the challenges of the energy grid. In the high seafood season, for example, Cordoba’s energy demand reaches almost three times its winter peak. However, through the development of hydroelectric power and innovative next generation microgrid technologies, we are now able to meet Cordoba’s energy needs at a fraction of the cost while being stewards of the land and water we rely on for our means of subsistence. In addition to developing renewable energy, Cordova Electric has invested in our largest natural resource: Alaska.

Through the development of the Cordovas Power Creek hydroelectric project, a $ 24 million investment split equally between the Department of Energys Indian Energy Fund and the State of Alaska, we were able to save more than $ 40 million from use alone. of diesel fuel over the past 20 years. The creation of low-cost renewable energy in Cordoba has attracted more than $ 40 million in investments in the private sector fisheries sector, including two fish oil plants and the expansion of onshore processing to replace offshore processing. . When you add up the increases in tax revenue from raw fish alone from roughly $ half a million a year to more than $ 1.1 million a year today, the state of Alaska has more than recovered its investment in the Power project. Creek, not to mention the ancillary business economy that was created. As abundant renewable energy became available onshore to replace the use of onshore diesel fuel, it replaced the extensive consumer-side use of diesel by offshore processors, substantially doubling the compensation of diesel fuel use . Cordova refers to this as environmental doubling. This is the essence of Benefit Electrification, the migration to cheaper renewable electricity platforms to replace traditional fossil fuel platforms for transportation (electric cars, boats and planes) and heating (air and water heat pumps ).

Additionally, Cordova is now home to one of the largest grid modernization projects in the country, a treasure of the Department of Energy, and has made significant progress in implementing battery energy storage. These technologies have not only been good for the environment, but they have more than paid for themselves, resulting in saving more than 60,000 gallons of diesel per year. Today, Cordoba is proud to say that our energy rates for our small businesses and residents are lower than in 2004, despite recent economic growth and development.

These are just some of the technological and environmental success stories that come from intelligent and innovation-driven energy systems in Cordoba. But even greater is the holistic impact these investments have had on the community as a whole. As a result of the shared work of our community, Cordova is now recognized as one of the leading communities for the safety and growth of a young family with blue ribbon schools and growing incomes.

Many of these successes were captured in the testimony I gave prior to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine innovation in action microgrids and hybrid energy systems on the eve of long-awaited legislation on energy. infrastructure under President Donald Trump. There I specifically outlined how targeted infrastructure investments and holistic thinking in the education, recreation, and business sectors can lead to streams of added value for a community and its residents. Now, after many years of foresight, we were seeing that shared costs can translate into exponentially greater shared benefits. Our workforce development efforts are another element of our holistic goal of producing multiple streams of value around infrastructure development.

If a remote community like ours, accessible only by plane or boat, can make clean and renewable energy technology outperform energy projects and improve quality of life, there is untold potential given the support. and necessary investments from our state and federal partners. These are all success stories that can be replicated with the right attention and investment. These projects are receiving international recognition for their success and impact on the Córdoba community, and it is time to recognize these achievements here at home.

Our Congressional leaders, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, have long told the story of Alaska’s clean energy in the halls of Congress. As can be seen from their support for the Energy Act of 2020, the recent EPW surface transport law and recent negotiations on federal infrastructure legislation, it is clear that our non-governmental delegation recognizes that renewable energy is a key of American critical infrastructures. Their continued defense has been critical to Cordoba’s success and is key to ensuring that an efficient renewable energy infrastructure continues to bring the benefits of renewable energy technologies to more Alaska residents.

Clay Koplin is CEO of the Cordoba energy cooperative and mayor of the city of Cordoba.

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