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Alaska is a hotbed of energy storage-related technology advances.
For example, the Homer Electric Association’s Battery Energy Storage System is expected to begin operating in the fall of 2021. This $398 million project consisting of 37 modular batteries will be capable of storing 93 MWh of electrical power. The cooperative says the battery system will increase grid stability, electric power reliability, and system efficiency. And, the system will ultimately lower greenhouse gas production because it will allow the cooperative to use non-dispatchable renewable energy instead of burning diesel fuel.
Meanwhile, Cordova Electric Cooperative is pioneering the integration of a Lithium ion (Li-ion) energy storage system into a hydropower microgrid. The system will have 1 MWh of energy storage capacity, enabling Cordova to make the most of its renewable energy and control costs while reducing reliance in imported diesel. In remote towns like Cordova, resilience and reliability are even more critical, and since the town is not connected to another grid or even a broader transportation network, installing a storage system is more logistically difficult than typical jobs.
Executives from these two cooperatives will be featured speakers at the National Hydropower Association (NHA) Alaska Regional Meeting on Monday, August 16, in Anchorage, Alaska. Clay Koplin, CEO of Cordova Electric Cooperative, and Bob Day, manager of Bradley Lake for Homer Electric Association, have agreed to share in-depth insight about how their respective energy storage projects have affected their hydro facilities, why they’ve chosen certain technologies, their funding sources, and how they are maximizing return on investment.
The day’s agenda – available HERE – covers a wide range of topics, including effects of climate change, community involvement and collaboration in developing new projects, and operational excellence.
Representatives of the Kootznoowoo Tribe, the Nushagak Cooperative, and the Alaska Energy Authority will be on hand to provide updates on expansion and other work at specific hydro projects throughout the state.
Another feature of the day will be a joint presentation by AlexAnna Salmon, president of the Igiugig Village Council, and Merrick Jacinsky, ORPC, describing the cooperation between the community and the technology developer to install the RivGen hydrokinectic device in the Kvichak River at the village of Igiugig, Alaska.
In addition to Igiugig, ORPC is looking to develop a tidal energy project at East Foreland, Cook Inlet in Alaska. Once built, ORPC would sell the power to Homer Electric Association. ORPC has submitted a preliminary permit application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to study the site.
And, attendees will hear updates from National Hydropower Association board members and staff regarding the most recent legislative actions on Capitol Hill, including the introduction of the Maintaining Baseload Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2021 by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, as well as movement toward licensing and regulatory reform.
Registration remains open, with discounted rates for employees who work for NHA member organizations.
NHA is working collaboratively with the Alaska Power Association (APA) to hold the August 16 meeting. APA Executive Director Crytal Enkvist will be in Anchorage to welcome attendees. APA, the statewide trade association representing electric utilities that supply power to more than a half-million Alaskans, is holding its 70th Annual Meeting in Homer, Alaska, August 17-20, immediately following the NHA event.
The NHA Alaska Regional Meeting is supported by 14 national sponsors and 2 regional sponsors. The content for the meeting was developed by a volunteer steering committee comprised of APA, sponsor representatives, and several Alaskan utilities.
