Briefing Paper

Energy: Energy costs are a hardship for residents, limit natural resource development and constrain economic growth. While Alaska has abundant fossil fuel and renewable resources, the state lacks applied research necessary to determine how these resources can and should be developed and managed to support the state's residents and economy.

The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) is where the rubber meets the road in developing sustainable energy solutions for Alaska communities. It serves as a testing ground for emerging technologies, particularly in rural Alaska, where diesel fuel and power failures come at a high cost.  ACEP is conducting applied research into gas hydrates, heavy oil, coal, geo-thermal, wind/diesel and other projects. ACEP also is investigating improvements in diesel engine efficiency and helping electric utilities make better use of alternative energy resources.

ACEP works across the state, including rural communities. In collaboration with the university's Cooperative Extension Service, research results are quickly put into the hands of consumers.  ACEP draws from UA expertise in all areas that impact energy, such as engineering, geology and geophysics, as well as agriculture, natural resources management and economics. For example, the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) is partnering with ACEP to address the economic elements of energy research.

Engineering: UA's requst for increased engineering funding primarily will go toward hiring faculty to meet student demand. The demand is fueled by Alaskan employers, both private and public. The Board of Regents has directed UA to double the current number of engineering graduates from less than 100 to a goal of 180-200 per year, which is still short of industry's projected annual demand of 400 new and replacement hires each year.

Climate Change:  UA is requesting funding in support of the legislative Climate Impact Assessment Commission, as well as support for research for climate impact on Alaska’s transportation systems.  Additional funding is requested for long-term monitoring of social, economic and biological impact of climate change in Alaska.

Bottom Line: UA's energy, engineering and climate change requests reflect state demand. 

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For Information Contact:        
Pete Kelly, Director, State Relations                   
450-8006/463-3086