Wednesday, Oct 12 2011 3:55PM

Alaska State Senator Kevin Meyer recently wrote an opinion editorial in the Anchorage Daily News in which he pointed out the state is seeing a major commitment to the Renewable Energy Fund (REF), currently in its third construction season.

Some Alaska residents pay the highest cost per kilowatt in the nation, according to Meyer. The REF's support has contributed to the completion of more than ten projects, with 14 scheduled to finish in 2011, he stated.

Projects include hydroelectric plants, wind energy facilities, and a seawater heat pump system. The state government has set a goal of using 50 percent renewable energy using biomass, geothermal, hydro, ocean/river flow and solar systems, taking advantage of efficient heat recovery and transmission, Meyer added.

Among the projects being considered is the proposed Watana hydroelectric generation facility. Located on the Susitna River, the facility would be situated between Fairbanks and Anchorage. The capacity of the power plant would be 600 MW, and projected average annual generation is 2,600 GWhrs.

Projects such as this, Meyer said, could substantially decrease energy costs statewide, which is why the state government has supported REF strongly. Approximately $150 million has already been allocated to more than 120 grants, awarded to successful applications for clean energy projects.

For further reference, check out this source: Anchorage Daily News