Aleutian Pribilof Islands Wind Energy Feasibility Study

• Main Author: Wright, Bruce A.
• Other Authors: USDOE Tribal Energy
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association 2012
• Subjects: Feasibility Studies; Endangered Species; Turbulence; 17 Wind Energy; Power Plants; Communities; Training; Economics; Alaska; Turbines; Communications; Energy Accounting; Diesel Fuels; Wind Energy; Feasibility Study; Aleutian Islands; Pribilof Islands; Avian Study; Wind Power; Energy Conservation; Interest Groups; Power Density; 33 Advanced Propulsion Systems; Electricity; Wind Turbines Wind Energy; Shear; Adak; Avian Studies
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2172/1037321; http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc832417/

Under this project, the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA) conducted wind feasibility studies for Adak, False Pass, Nikolski, Sand Point and St. George. The DOE funds were also be used to continue APIA's role as project coordinator, to expand the communication network quality between all participants and with other wind interest groups in the state and to provide continued education and training opportunities for regional participants. This DOE project began 09/01/2005. We completed the economic and technical feasibility studies for Adak. These were funded by the Alaska Energy Authority. Both wind and hydro appear to be viable renewable energy options for Adak. In False Pass the wind resource is generally good but the site has high turbulence. This would require special care with turbine selection and operations. False Pass may be more suitable for a tidal project. APIA is funded to complete a False Pass tidal feasibility study in 2012. Nikolski has superb potential for wind power development with Class 7 wind power density, moderate wind shear, bi-directional winds and low turbulence. APIA secured nearly $1M from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Assistance to Rural Communities with Extremely High Energy Costs to install a 65kW wind turbine. The measured average power density and wind speed at Sand Point measured at 20m (66ft), are 424 W/m2 and 6.7 m/s (14.9 mph) respectively. Two 500kW Vestas turbines were installed and when fully integrated in 2012 are expected to provide a cost effective and clean source of electricity, reduce overall diesel fuel consumption estimated at 130,000 gallons/year and decrease air emissions associated with the consumption of diesel fuel. St. George Island has a Class 7 wind resource, which is superior for wind power development. The current strategy, led by Alaska Energy Authority, is to upgrade the St. George electrical distribution system and power plant. Avian studies in Nikolski and Sand Point have allowed for proper wind turbine siting without killing birds, especially endangered species and bald eagles. APIA continues coordinating and looking for funding opportunities for regional renewable energy projects. An important goal for APIA has been, and will continue to be, to involve community members with renewable energy projects and energy conservation efforts.