Stranded Renewable Energy Resources of Alaska: A Preliminary Overview of Opportunities and Challenges to Development

Prepared for:

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Prepared by: The Alaska Center for Energy and Power,

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Alaska is home to significant renewable energy resources. Geothermal, wind, tidal, wave, hydro and even solar and biomass resources have the theoretical potential to not only meet the majority of Alaska’s in-state energy needs, but also provide tremendous economic and strategic opportunities for the State and the Nation. Despite the many opportunities for developing these resources, there are also significant barriers. Foremost among these challenges is the fact that many of Alaska’s renewable energy resources are stranded.