DECD0000119

This project proposes to construct a 500 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array, a 540 kWh battery energy storage system, and a microgrid controller in the remote Dillingham region of Southwest Alaska.

Rural YUP'IK villages face unique challenges, including isolation from major road systems and power grids.

However, they experience extended daylight hours and abundant sunlight during the summer months, making solar PV technology an ideal choice.

The clean energy generated will displace fuel consumption at an existing diesel power plant that serves the Native Alaskan communities of New Stuyahok and Ekwok by an estimated 24%.

By reducing reliance on imported fuels and integrating clean energy, this project will increase microgrid resiliency.

Reducing diesel consumption will also improve air quality and reduce the volume of fuel transported on the Nushagak River, significantly lowering the potential for accidental spills that could impact critical salmon ecosystems.

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS PROJECT ARE TO: 1. CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, AND OPERATE A 500-KW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) ARRAY AND A 540-KWH BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM, AND A MICROGRID CONTROLLER AND 0.04 MILES OF 480V DISTRIBUTION FOR OVERALL INTEGRATION AND OPTIMIZATION TO SUPPLEMENT THE EXISTING SYSTEM THAT SERVES THE REMOTE ALASKA NATIVE COMMUNITIES OF NEW STUYAHOK AND EKWOK. 2.COMMUNITY BENEFITS: REDUCE ELECTRICITY RATES BY APPROXIMATELY $0.09/KWH FOR NON-SUBSIDIZED MEMBERS AT 2023 PRICES, AND CONTRIBUTE TO DECREASED ENERGY BURDEN, FOR JUSTICE40-IDENTIFIED DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES; REDUCE EMISSIONS OF HEALTH-HARMING POLLUTANTS AND CO2 (BY APPROXIMATELY 357 METRIC TONS/YEAR) RELATED TO FOSSIL FUEL CONSUMPTION; AND INCREASE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE BY REDUCING RELIANCE ON IMPORTED FUELS.

81.255 - Clean Energy Demonstrations

Department of Energy (DOE)

New Stuyahok, Alaska United States

City-Wide

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) Fixed Award Grant Program (DE-FOA-0003045)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 302% from $1,079,531 to $4,340,079.