Abstract
The purpose of this project was to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to determine the potential sustainability of wind and/or small hydroelectric power plants on Southeast Alaska native village lands. The long-term objective is to supply all or a portion of the villages' electricity from local, renewable energy sources in order to reduce costs, provide local employment, and reduce power outages. An additional objective was for the villages to gain an understanding of the requirements, costs, and benefits of developing and operating wind or small hydroelectric power plants.
Scope of work for this project
Wind energy: Prescreening of potential sites; field surveys by a wildlife biologist, meteorologist, and wind power development specialist to select best potential sites; installation of anemometry, and analysis of wind data to determine if the wind is sufficient for economic viability of a wind power station. If one or more sites were identified that appeared to be economically viable, a business plan would be prepared.
Small hydro: Analysis of past and current studies of the potential small hydro sites to determine if changing conditions such as technology improvements or materials cost changes, indicate that one or more projects may now be economic. Includes preliminary analyses of environmental, permitting, and economic considerations.