Revolutionizing Energy: Alaska’s Hydrokinetic Potential
For decades, achieving energy independence has been a goal of U.S. policy, yet solutions have often eluded us. From offshore drilling to expansive solar farms, the next breakthrough may lie beneath frozen rivers in Alaska.
Recent research from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) reveals that even when rivers like the Yukon freeze over, they continue to flow beneath the surface, offering a significant, untapped energy source. This hydrokinetic energy relies on specially designed turbines, known as Reactive Reversible Blade Turbines (RRBTs), which can generate power without harming ecosystems or requiring heavy infrastructure.
These turbines are currently being tested on Alaska’s Tanana River with funding from a $1.5 million Department of Energy grant. The research aims to provide reliable energy solutions for remote and indigenous communities that often depend on costly diesel generators.
What does the potential of over 1,100 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity per year mean? It equates to enough power to sustain 100 million homes for an entire year, roughly 30% of the U.S.’s total electricity consumption, and surpasses the combined yearly output of all solar panels installed in the U.S.
The project is spearheaded by a coalition of public researchers and engineers, including UAF, Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP), and tech support from Creek Tides Energy. Hydrokinetics is already being utilized effectively in countries like Scotland and Canada, making Alaska a prime candidate for this innovative energy solution.
As we navigate the complexities of energy independence, maybe it’s time to consider the power flowing beneath our feet—potentially transforming the U.S. energy landscape once and for all.
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Photo credit eladelantado.com
