At the crossroads of technology, policy, and society: energy transitions in rural Alaska

Abstract

The future of energy in remote and rural communities is shaped by a complex interplay of technology, policy, and social structures. This dissertation explores why some regions--despite facing similar economic, geographic, and environmental constraints--have successfully developed renewable energy systems while others have struggled. Focusing on rural Alaska, this research examines the factors that drive or inhibit local energy transitions, considering historical institutionalism, governance structures, policy interventions, and economic incentives. Through a mixed-methods approach including case studies, qualitative comparative analysis, and statistical methods, this dissertation examines how energy subsidies and the pooling of resources--whether through shared infrastructure, cooperative utilities, or other forms of regional collaboration-- shape energy costs, innovation, and renewable energy adoption in isolated communities. The findings highlight the pooling of resources as a key driver of successful energy transitions and offer insights applicable to other Arctic and remote regions. By bridging engineering, policy, and social science, this work challenges dominant narratives that view energy transitions as purely technological or economic shifts and argues that sustainable energy futures emerge from balancing past wisdom and innovation. Informed by diverse perspectives including those of communities, utilities, and Alaska's Indigenous knowledge systems, this dissertation reframes the approach to energy transitions, emphasizing the integration of historical wisdom, policy adaptation, and local agency. Rather than discarding old systems for new ones, integrating historical knowledge with modern solutions is key to building resilient, affordable, and community-driven energy systems. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions in academia, policymaking, and practical decision­ making, offering insights relevant to scholars, practitioners, and leaders working on rural and Arctic energy transitions.