Alaska Energy Authority awarded $206.5 M grant to build HVDC submarine cable
The project, expected to be completed in eight years, will include multiple BESS throughout the Railbelt electrical grid.
Image for illustration purposes.
USA, Alaska: The project, expected to be completed in eight years, will include multiple BESS throughout the Railbelt electrical grid.
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola announced a $206.5 million grant awarded to the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to build a HVDC submarine cable between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage, thereby adding redundancy to the Alaska Railbelt electrical grid system during disruptive events.
“From elevating the Railbelt’s grid resiliency and reliability, to providing greater Power Cost Equalization assistance to rural electric utilities, all Alaskans will see their energy costs lowered when this project reaches completion,” said Sen. Murkowski.
“I look forward to AEA breaking ground on this important project that will have the potential to significantly expand hydroelectric power and other renewables, modernize our state’s electrical grid, help lower the cost of energy for thousands of Alaskans, and go a long way toward keeping our lights and heat on when we need it most,” said Sen. Sullivan.
The project cost will be $413 million with 100% matching funds required for the grant. It is expected to be completed in eight years and will include multiple BESS throughout the Railbelt electrical grid. The federal funds for the grant, which is administered by the Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO), were secured by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
“Alaska is an energy powerhouse, from tidal to wind to LNG and more. We shouldn’t have to import expensive outside energy when we have so many affordable options at our fingertips, and now we have the chance to make our energy grid truly work for Alaskans. This $206.5 million award, with another $206.5 million in matching funds, represents a sea change in Alaska’s energy grid,” said Rep. Peltola.
Source: T&D World
#Alaska#Alaska Energy Authority#HVDC cable#submarine cable#USA