Tuesday, Dec 11 2012 9:09PM

A new wind turbine invention may help lower energy costs for rural Alaskans.

Alaskans frequently use alternative technology, such as turbines and windmills, to lower energy costs for rural residents. Now, the state may consider adopting airborne windmills to help drive down expenses, according to the Alaska Dispatch.

The state extended a $740,000 grant through its Emerging Energy Technology Grant Fund to Altaeros Energies, a Boston-based company, to pilot its floating wind turbine invention in the area, the Dispatch reports. The program aims to lower high energy costs for its residents and business.

Currently, most rural communities rely heavily on diesel fuel to power towns and cities, but the high fuel prices can make covering utilities difficult in areas where the cost of living is high and affordable housing assistance is scarce. The pilot program will be carried out in remote areas, military sectors, construction sites and oil and gas fields in Alaska, the news source notes.

Alternative energy projects are becoming more common in Alaska, as residents currently face the highest energy costs in the country, and the cold winters make paying for heat and hot water challenging for residents. Several utility companies in the region are already relying upon wind turbines and other piloted projects to significantly lower costs for several dozen communities.

For more information, check out this resource: The Alaska Dispatch