A recent analysis conducted by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests that offshore wind holds promise for decarbonizing energy production and enhancing energy security in Alaska's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The study, titled “Feasibility Study for Renewable Energy Technologies in Alaska Offshore Waters,” was commissioned by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to assess the viability of various ocean energy projects, including wind, wave, and tidal resources.
Elise DeGeorge, a senior project leader at NREL and co-author of the report, underscores the significance of incorporating just and equitable approaches in ocean energy development efforts. The study, which evaluates ocean renewable energy opportunities in Alaska over the next 10–20 years, highlights the state's vast natural resources and the potential for offshore renewable energy generation, particularly in areas near population centers.
Givey Kochanowski, director of BOEM's Alaska OCS Region, acknowledges Alaska's rich offshore renewable energy potential, citing significant wind and tidal energy resources in areas like Cook Inlet near Anchorage. Kochanowski expresses BOEM's willingness to collaborate with interested parties to explore opportunities for tapping into these resources.
According to the report, Alaska's Outer Continental Shelf has the potential to generate 3,800 gigawatts of electricity from wind, wave, and tidal resources. However, practical constraints such as distance to customers and potential conflicts with other ocean users and wildlife limit the feasible development of these resources. Currently, Alaska relies on renewable sources for about 30% of its electricity, primarily hydropower, with the remainder sourced from fossil fuels, particularly in rural areas where reliance on diesel generation is common.
The researchers conducted case studies of hypothetical utility-scale projects, including offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy, as well as the production of clean hydrogen from ocean renewable energy. While offshore wind emerges as a viable option, the study also explores the potential of wave energy, albeit with a longer time to commercialization.
Key findings from the study include calculations of the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for offshore wind and tidal energy projects. Offshore wind scenarios, both floating and fixed-bottom turbines, were considered, with projections indicating potential external markets for clean hydrogen to enhance project feasibility. The lowest LCOE was observed for fixed-bottom turbines in Lower Cook Inlet, at $83 per megawatt-hour.
Despite the significant potential of tidal energy in areas like Cook Inlet, the LCOE for tidal arrays remains higher than offshore wind, at $280 per megawatt-hour. NREL researchers are collaborating with the Alaska Center for Energy and Power to develop a roadmap for tidal energy projects in Cook Inlet.
The report recommends continued involvement from BOEM in existing working groups focused on tidal energy and clean hydrogen, underscoring the importance of ongoing collaboration and strategic planning in advancing Alaska's renewable energy goals.
