The UAF BBC is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Togiak Refuge to determine the feasibility of residential solar thermal systems for Bristol Bay.  In 2010, USFW had two systems designed and installed.  A larger system at their hangar provides domestic hot water as well as heat to their in-floor hydronic heating system.  The other system provides domestic hot water to a Dillingham residence.  The sustainable energy team has provided technical assistance and is currently collecting energy data.  There may be additional systems installed by USFW in the future.  Eventually, we plan to analyze the data and publish our results.

We're currently working with several entities to collect wind energy data on 3 wind turbines recently installed in Dillingham.  This includes a Proven 15 kW owned by Choggiung Limited, our local Native corporation, installed at the Dillingham Courthouse in 2010; and two Skystream 3.7's installed at local residences.  We plan to provide technical assistance and collect data on two additional Skystreams to be installed in the near future.  We are available to provide technical assistance to individuals or entities interested in investing in wind energy.

We're the Bristol Bay region facilitators of the Wind for Schools Program and a local resource for teachers and school administrators interested in incorporating energy education into their curriculum.  Sponsored by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP), Wind for Schools has been in Alaska since 2009.  The program aims to install wind turbines on school grounds to bring energy lessons into the classroom and the community.  If you're located in the Bristol Bay region and you'd like to see Wind for Schools in your community please contact us for more information.  

In 2010 we were awarded a grant through USDA's Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program to assist local, small businesses in the Dillingham census area with their energy issues.  By providing free commercial energy audits and technical assistance, numerous businesses were able to become more energy efficient and  less dependant on fossil fuels for their energy needs.  Energy efficient, small businesses in rural Alaska means more jobs!

Tidal energy is a topic BBESL has been pursuing the past three years.  Using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP); an instrument used to measure the velocity of water currents.  The data collected indicate tidal currents throughout Nushagak Bay are strong enough to turn a turbine and produce electricity.  A velocity of greater than 3-4 knots is necessary for useable electrical generation.  We have observed currents up to 5 knots at some locations. 

Often, we give tours at the Bristol Bay Campus where we guide visitors to our many sustainable energy-related, educational tools.  Our visitors consist of a wide variety of demographics.  Occasionally, we provide extended field trips for local, K-12 students with lectures and discussions on energy.   If you're ever in Dillingham and have an interest in sustainable energy, feel free to visit and see what we have to offer.

Since January of 2010, we've been hosting a free, monthly Sustainabiltiy Film Series.  These films focus on the wide range of sustainabilty-related subjects although occasionaly they are energy-specific.  Having a night at the movies provides the community with free entertainment and exposure to environmental education topics.  Some examples of films we've played include Energy Crossroads, Eating Alaska, The Vanishing of the Bees and Garbage Warrior.  Community input and feedback on film selections is encouraged and conversations usually follow the show.

In 2010, we organized and hosted the Dillingham Solar Tour in conjunction with the Alaska Solar Tour and the National Solar Tour which is the world's largest grass roots solar event.  The tour consisted of site visits to 5 local residences and businesses which had encorporated renewable energy and energy efficiency into their buildings.  The tour is a great way for local residents to see what their neighbors are doing to produce their own energy and become more energy efficient. 

The Alaska Solar Tour returns to Dillingham Saturday, October 1st from 2:00-5:00pm.

Many of our courses can be used as dual credit courses with the local high schools.  This is arranged through the particular students' high school and has provided many students with the opportunity to get a jump start on their college education and to gain valuable credits towards high school graduation.  For example, our Construction Trades and Technology (CTT) students have earned as many as 13.5 college credits in one summer!  If you're interested in earning dual credit you must check with your high school since policies vary between school districts.