Alaska in Focus, with REAP Executive Director Chris Rose (Ep. 42)

More Power To You

In this episode of the podcast we focus on Alaska's unique energy landscape. Our guest is Chris Rose, Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project, or REAP. We begin with an overview of energy in Alaska today, then delve into the unique way Alaska's grid operates without oversight from FERC—the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission—and how reforming the grid's system-wide governance can improve efficiency and reliability and reduce costs. We look into the reasons behind the growth of renewable energy despite the lack of a statewide Renewable Portfolio Standard, including how Alaska's high energy costs can make new technologies more economical than in the lower 48 states, and we highlight an innovative flywheel energy storage system on Kodiak Island. We close with a discussion about how the national climate change conversation is playing out in Alaska, and look ahead by contemplating what Alaska's energy landscape may look like ten years from now.

Show references include:

• E&E News: On Kodiak Island, flywheels are in and diesel is 99.8% out by Margaret Kriz Hobson, June 10, 2016
• Midnight Oil, an 8-part podcast series from Alaska Public Media
• Climate Action for Alaska Leadership Team
• Island Institute in Rockland, Maine
• Cold Climate Housing Research Center
• Alaska Center for Energy and Power

Recorded: May 9, 2018.

Published: June 5, 2018.

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