Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The state of Alaska faces unique energy challenges, from generating electricity in freezing cold temperatures to securing local energy supplies against inclement weather. EERE’s technical assistance programs and resources meet Alaskan communities where they are, ensuring they have all the information they need to plan their clean energy futures. This past week, it was an honor to visit Alaska collaborate with their government, communities, and energy utilities. I got to moderate and participate in engaging discussions about the present and future of clean energy at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, leveraging how our technical assistance programs like the Clean Energy to Communities program and the expertise of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have helped Alaskan communities evaluate their energy needs. During the first in-person gathering of the Arctic Energy Ambassadors, we talked about their region’s energy landscape, and I was able to hear their needs, priorities, and regional progress directly from the source. This is why we meet with state leaders, community leaders, and our utilities across the nation. We want to hear what you need for your clean energy transition, and we want to provide you with the support and resources to make it happen. The trip was also an opportunity to reflect on the progress of EERE’s wide range of work in the state. I visited our NREL campus in Fairbanks, Alaska, where Bruno C. Grunau, P.E. and his team showed us how the Housing Solutions for Every Climate concept is developing and deploying energy-efficient, healthy buildings and energy systems in extreme climates. From air source heat pump technologies to building insulation and adjustable foundations, these research projects show our dedication to making energy-efficient housing accessible, no matter the climate I also got to meet with the Igiugig Village Council leaders, where we discussed how the village used funding from our Water Power Technologies Office to pilot a device that captures power from river currents. It was inspiring to see how the Council’s president, AlexAnna Salmon, and everyone in the village works together every day to provide for their community and to see where EERE technical assistance and funding can support a future where energy truly is reliable and affordable for all Americans, no matter where they live. I’d like to personally thank everyone I met on this trip, from the leaders and utilities committed to keeping the lights (and heat!) on in the communities they serve, to people across the state giving voice to the communities they live in and fighting for their future. You are all incredible leaders. And a special thanks to Erin Whitney and the Arctic Energy Office, U.S. Dept. of Energy for making all of this work possible. I look forward to continued collaboration with you and with Alaskans across the state! https://lnkd.in/eQqHSjZp
Thank you for taking the time to visit Alaska last month, and to share your insights and connections from the visit. We were thrilled to host you there and to have incredible local leaders like AlexAnna Salmon and Karl Hill in Igiugig and Bruno C. Grunau, P.E. and his team at NREL Alaska be able to share their work with you and the other DOE guests.
Wonderful video! ORPC is proud to partner with Igiugig on their energy transition.