Factors Influencing Success of Wind-Diesel Hybrid Systems in Remote Alaska Communities: Results of an Informal Survey

Abstract

In 2008 the Alaska State Legislature created and funded the Renewable Energy Fund. As a result of this available funding, the number of wind-diesel hybrid power systems is increasing dramatically in rural Alaska. Development, integration, and operation of complex wind technologies in remote, rural communities are challenging. With multiple communities in Alaska installing and operating these systems, it is important to understand the factors that influence successful completion, operation and long-term maintenance of projects (Fay, Schwoerer and Keith 2010; Colt, Goldsmith and Wiita 2003). As of fall 2011, over $107 million has been spent constructing wind projects in 27 communities (Alaska Energy Authority 2011). The majority of these systems were built since 2008 and utilized $50.8 million in appropriations from the REF by the Alaska legislature (Fay, Crimp and Villalobos-Melendez 2011) This report summarizes the findings of an informal survey conducted on the most important characteristics of a successful wind-diesel hybrid power project in small remote rural communities. The survey was done to help guide socioeconomic research in Alaska on community capacity under a U.S. Department of Energy project entitled “Making Wind Work for Alaska: Supporting the Development of Sustainable, Resilient, Cost-Effective Wind-Diesel Systems for Isolated Communities”.