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AEA seeks enviro firms for hydropower
The Alaska Energy Authority has issued a request for proposals, seeking firms who can provide environmental services as part of an AEA study into the feasibility of large hydropower projects in Alaska. The planned environmental work will be funded from a 2010 state appropriation of $10 million for AEA to investigate the feasibility of new hydropower systems for the Alaska Railbelt, and to carry out some initial planning, design and permit reviews for candidate systems.
50% target The Alaska Legislature has set a target of using renewable energy sources to generate 50 percent of the state’s power by 2025. Prime possibilities for large hydropower systems are previously considered projects at Lake Chakachamna, near Mount Spurr west of Anchorage, and on the Susitna River south of the Alaska Range.
The request for proposals envisages a budget of up to $5 million for the environmental work, which will include activities such as reviewing previous studies; environmental field work; permit acquisition; developing and updating environmental inventories; mapping; hydrology; and the review of cultural resources. However, AEA says that, depending on future appropriations, the environmental work associated with hydropower development could cost as much as $20 million.
Initial contracts will be awarded for two years, starting in December.
—Alan Bailey
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