James Cilwik
HCOL 2000I
Dr. Bindu Panikkar
Midterm Paper
Introduction to Renewable Energy in the Arctic and Final Project Proposal.
The Arctic, a vast and often inhospitable tundra, holds significant amounts of
undeveloped land in the northern reaches of our planet. Despite its bitter cold and harsh weather,
humans have inhabited the Arctic for thousands of years, relying on the sea and a few hardy land
animals for sustenance. Previously perceived as a snowy wasteland, the discovery of oil and rare
earth metals has led to increased industrial developments in the area. As the threat of climate
change looms over the Earth, the northern stretches of our planet are experiencing
disproportionately rapid warming, challenging the livelihoods of indigenous communities.
Addressing the environmental concerns in the Arctic requires a reduction in the carbon footprint
of these communities, a step explored in this paper. These communities are embarking on a
journey to adopt renewable energy sources.
Diesel fuel has long been the preferred power-generating method in the Arctic due to its
reliability in harsh conditions. However, this reliance on diesel comes with drawbacks, such as
high transportation costs, carbon emissions that exacerbate climate change, and vulnerability to
disruptions in fuel delivery. Currently, 80% of Arctic communities depend on diesel for their
energy needs. The shift to renewable energy sources presents an opportunity for these
communities to achieve energy independence, reduce costs, and contribute to climate change
mitigation. As money is often more influential than goodwill in the world, highlighting the
financial incentives for alternatives to oil and gas is necessary. Iceland serves as an exemplary
model of a northern nation that transitioned to renewables for economic reasons. Investing
heavily in geothermal energy, Iceland now relies on this energy form for the majority of its
energy production, avoiding fluctuations in oil prices. As oil becomes scarcer, becoming oil-
independent emerges as a strategic economic decision.
Various forms of renewable energy, including wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, tidal, and
nuclear, are being considered in the Arctic. Each method poses economic and technical
challenges. Hydro and tidal plants, for instance, may be distant from population centers,
necessitating challenging infrastructure development. They also are presented challenges from
the icy Arctic waters which can impede power generation. Wind power faces challenges from ice
which buildup on turbine blades, and expensive maintenance. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs),
offer high energy production with nearly no carbon emissions. While nuclear fuel isn’t currently
renewable, there are trace concentrations of uranium in seawater, and extensive research is being
done on effective extraction methods. While SMR’s have a high power-generating potential,
concerns about radiation exposure, environmental contamination, and waste disposal methods
require careful consideration and public confidence. Given the entrenched use of diesel fuel and
the existing infrastructure, a complete transition to renewable energy in the Arctic will likely be a
gradual process. This process will be dependent on geography, weather, and energy needs and
will vary by region.
As a focus for the final project, the progress toward renewable energy in Northern
Alaskan communities will be analyzed. The Railbelt, encompassing a relatively small area in the
southern part of the state, currently enjoys the advantage of comparatively cheap power, priced
under $0.20/kWh. However, the situation is starkly different for Northern Alaskan communities,
as they remain disconnected from the Railbelt and heavily reliant on diesel generators.
Consequently, these remote communities face significantly higher power prices, escalating to
around $0.50/kWh. The isolation from the main power grid compounds their challenges,
emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable and cost-effective energy alternatives.
Interestingly, even with the challenges presented by the climate and geography, northern Alaska
holds substantial potential for various renewable energy sources. Alaska is believed to have the
highest hydroelectric power potential and significant biomass energy production potential from
seaweed. Wind and solar options have also proven viable in the region. While past decade
investments have predominantly been in hydroelectric and wind power, there is a need for a
comprehensive approach. Renewable energy methods will need to complement diesel generators
until the grid becomes robust enough for a complete shift. Storing excess energy in large
batteries can enhance grid stability, facilitating a smoother transition to renewable energy.
Investments in the renewable energy sector, a suitable workforce, and a robust grid are crucial
for implementing and maintaining renewable energy developments.
The final project will delve into prevailing methods of energy generation in Northern
Alaska, examining their impact on the indigenous people and the climate. The history of energy
extraction and generation in the Alaskan Arctic will be explored, along with an analysis of
completed or ongoing renewable energy projects. The paper will conclude with
recommendations for effective energy production methods that meet the needs of Northern
Alaskan residents and align with sustainability goals.
The Arctic's transition to renewable energy is a complex yet necessary journey. The
unique challenges posed by the harsh climate and geographical isolation of Arctic communities
require innovative solutions that balance economic viability, environmental sustainability, and
the well-being of indigenous populations. As the world grapples with the urgency of mitigating
climate change, the Arctic stands as a crucial battleground where the choices made today will
impact the future of the region and the planet at large. This paper and its proposed final project
aim to contribute valuable insights to this ongoing discourse, shedding light on the possibilities,
challenges, and potential solutions in the pursuit of a sustainable and renewable energy future in
the Arctic.
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Alaska’s Renewable Energy Economy. (2021).
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