Nora and Laura's Alaskan Adventures: Goings-on!

Here's an update on life in Alaska:

I’ve loved getting out and about! Last weekend I hiked up Bird Ridge with some friends. The trailhead is south of town on the Glenn Highway. Quite a steep trail! But the views at the top were well worth the climb – I’ll include the pictures here.

Since I last wrote REAP hosted a Wind Diesel Forum at the Anchorage Museum. Speakers included Steve Drouilhet from Sustainable Automation, Inc., Martha Dabot from TDX Power, James F. Manwell from UMass Amherst, and James Jensen from AEA. It was a good opportunity for me to learn about wind-diesel hybrid systems (systems that switch between diesel power generation and intermittent wind generation), a technology that is particularly pertinent to Alaska, where remote communities are in need of cheaper methods of power generation that use less diesel fuel (which is expensive to transport). I learned about the challenges of wind/diesel – varying load, varying wind speeds, different types of storage (battery, pump, etc.), creating a control system that smoothes out these fluctuations, and dealing with the limitations of diesel generators.

Something interesting that my boss is involved with: IRP (Railbelt Integrated Resource Plan). At this point, this project exists only conversationally and in the form of a business model, but it aims to integrate the 6 regional utilities under one body. Seventy percent of Alaska’s population lives along the area in question. Chris Rose is on an advisory committee to the state that is aiming to create a 30-year plan for future generation and transmission in the railbelt. Current legislation addressing the IRP, if it passes, is merely permissive, not mandatory, and only the Governor has the power to force the matter. The business plan I mentioned, commissioned a few years ago by Representative Rokenburg, details one body in charge of building generators and transmission and 6 “distribution coops,” the current 6 utilities.

And finally – I rode the Chugach Explorer during its dedication! It was a great ride for several reasons. One, it was a stunning day in the Chugach National Forest, complete with black bear and bald eagle sightings; two, I was riding with such public figures as Senator Begich, the new Mayor Sullivan of Anchorage, Mayor Rupright of Wasilla, and various members of the railroad, the forest service, and the conservation community. The ride marked a partnership between the railroad and the forest service, but each speech included a reference to “the potential of commuter rail,” which was encouraging. When I finally managed to tear my face away from the windows, I spoke with Bruce Carr, Director of Strategic Planning at the ARRC (the railroad) about my marketing document project. He seemed on board and willing to help.

As for the fair – I finished up the poster and sent it to the printer and am plugging content into the program. We’ve been getting merchandise like tees and water bottles ordered. Jenny, the Yale intern (and my new running buddy) is working hard collecting donations and items for the silent auction, and Jonathan (Americorps VISTA) is getting various exhibits prepared (like phantom load, wall insulations cross sections, and more!). I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that the weather on August 1^st is as perfect as it has been so far this summer.

Ok that’s all for now folks!

Oh I forgot one thing! Last Friday I went to a bluegrass festival in Sutton, north of Anchorage. It was great, and purely Alaskan - disguised from tourists by a "Picker's Retreat - Family Fun" Sign along the side of the road (I infiltrated). :P

Here’s a link to the study I mentioned:

http://www.akenergyauthority.org/REGAFiles/9-12-08_AlaskaRailbeltREGAStudy_MasterFinalReport.pdf

Also, be sure to check out REAP's great new website!

http://alaskarenewableenergy.org

or: REalaska.org