NREL in Alaska

Summary

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is actively involved in numerous projects across Alaska to address energy resilience, decarbonization, and sustainable building in extreme climates. Key initiatives include studies showing that an 80% Renewable Portfolio Standard for Railbelt utilities is achievable and could save $426-$506 million in fuel costs. NREL is also developing a roadmap for tidal energy, aiming for 100MW by 2035 from Cook Inlet's 18 GW potential, while also addressing a 75 MW bottleneck in the Kenai Intertie. Additionally, NREL is supporting the deployment of cold climate heat pumps, which led to 75 homes installing units in Juneau, and is advancing climate-resilient housing designs that can reduce energy costs by 80% and construction costs by 40%. As of 2023, NREL's "Healthy Homes" program has remediated 275 homes in 8 rural Alaskan villages.

Key Facts

Source Document

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