Characterization of the Tanana River at Nenana, Alaska, to Determine the Important Factors Affecting Site Selection, Deployment, and Operation of Hydrokinetic Devices to Generate Power.

Prepared by: J. B. Johnson, H. Toniolo, A. C. Seitz, J. Schmid, P. Duvoy

Alaska Center for Energy and Power, Alaska Hydrokinetic Energy Research Center

On May 28^th, 2013, the waters of the Yukon River choked to a close due to an ice jam resulting in the catastrophic flooding of the Alaskan Village of Galena. More than 300 people were evacuated and 225 homes and public buildings were affected with an initial estimate rising above $10 million in damages.

Last Thursday, June 13^th a contingency of energy  experts, including ACEP’s Senior Researcher, Tom Johnson, traveled from Fairbanks to Galena to assess the damage and provide technical expertise   to those engaged in rebuilding.   Tom Johnson visited the Galena Powerhouse and was impressed by the clean-up and recovery efforts of its Operators. “The only evidence of a flood inside the Powerhouse”, Tom said, “was the 2 foot watermark on the wall. The powerhouse employees did a great job quickly reestablishing power to the Village of Galena, providing this crucial lifeline to village residents as quickly as possible.”

UAF – Coopertive Extension Service also organized a public  forum  to provide critical information needed during re- construction.   At this community meeting it became clear residents were in dire need of manual laborers to clear rotten drywall, soaked cabinetry and insulation from homes in preparation for rebuilding. Tom Johnson (ACEP), Art Nash (UAF – CES) and Rob Jordan ( ACHP) rolled up their sleeves   and got to work clearing debris from one of the village school teacher’s home.   Team “Mop-up” worked well past midnight in their efforts. “There’s still a lot of work to be done for the people of Galena to get their homes and infrastructure ready for the coming winter.   They need all the help they can get.” commented ACEP’s, Tom Johnson.

For more details on the Galena Flood:

www.uafcesenergy/wordpress.com

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/06/17/galena-alaska-struggles-rebuild-after-yukon-river-ice-jam-causes-devastating-flood-149945

http://www.ktva.com/home/top-stories/Galena-Residents-Begin-Cleanup-211640451.html

ACEP Researchers visited Yakutat last week to work with the community on long term energy planning using an Energy Scenarios Planning process. ACEP researchers in biomass, power systems integration, diesel powerhouse efficiency, wave energy, economists, and others  met with tribal and community leaders to consider Yakutat's future and how to create energy solutions that would support long term success.  This is a pilot project to determine if ACEP expertise and research can assist community energy planning efforts and lay the groundwork for future programs like Regional Planning Efforts by the Alaska Energy Authority and the federal START program, run by the Office of Indian Energy.  The process was well received by the Yakutat community. 'A million words of thanks from the community of Yakutat for your help in our renewable energy work, and for the overall development of the community. Your staff are so genuine and respectful, in addition to being a diverse group of people with real world experience and the desire to apply knowledge to true progress.' Ian Fisk, Renewable Energy Planner, Yakutat.

On Fridays from 12:00 - 1:00, ACEP staff and interns participate in a brown bag lunch and learn. If you are interested in attending this lecture, contact Marcia Cassino at (907) 474-5402.