Content area
Full Text
Power generation resources from an increased number of wind turbines to small-scale nuclear reactors could play an important role in Alaska's energy future.
A 245-page report, "Alaska Energy: A first step toward energy independence," released earlier in January, is described as a guide for Alaskan communities on using local energy resources. It was prepared by the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Center for Energy and Power at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
"We Alaskans live in a magnificent state that has many blessings when it comes to energy, but also some curses," the report stated. "Alaskans live in a state with abundant energy resources, but are hampered by long distances and low usages."
Areas with low demand are not traditionally considered candidates for nuclear power, but at least one Alaska community has been pursuing that option for several years.
"The community of Galena has been working with Toshiba on obtaining a reactor for a number of years, and several other Alaskan communities have expressed interest in this technology," the report noted. Galena is interested in a 10-MW reactor system, the 4S, designed by Toshiba to provide power and heat to the community. The city has passed a resolution supporting installation of the reactor.
The Yukon River Intertribal Watershed...