Hydro power replaces diesel at Lagoon in 2015
Hydro power replaces diesel at Lagoon in 2015 This long-anticipated hydroelectric energy project on Chignik Lagoon’s Packer Creek is currently operational. “They are running 100 percent hydro these days, ” said Nathan Hill, the manager in the Lake and Peninsula Borough, on June 19. “There are still some punchlist items that need to be done… but they are off diesel right now. ”
The $5 million-dollar hydroelectric project is usually a relatively simple run-of-the-river system, meaning there is absolutely no dam or reservoir. Hill explains that water is taken out over the rest a steep slope, piped with a lower elevation where it runs by having a turbine, then flows back into your creek.
The $5 million-dollar hydroelectric project is usually a relatively simple run-of-the-river system, meaning there is absolutely no dam or reservoir. Hill explains that water is taken out over the rest a steep slope, piped with a lower elevation where it runs by having a turbine, then flows back into your creek.
The unit provides 174 kilowatts regarding electricity, sufficient for the needs approximately 70 year-round residents of Chignik Lagoon. Users might not see a drop in electricity rates straight away, but Hill says reducing diesel engine use should save on energy costs ultimately.
“With the cost of diesel engine, prices rise and fall, and we have no control over it, ” stated Hill. “But with alternative energy, the goal is to anyway stabilize the cost of energy in order that it doesn’t spike. ”
In an earlier interview with KDLG, Hill noted that this Packer Creek hydro project is among a growing tally of alternative energy projects that this Lake and Peninsula Borough provides supported. The Tazimina hydroelectric task provides energy to Iliamna, Newhalen, and also Nondalton; wood-fired boilers are managing in Kohkanok and Igiugig, and there have been wind studies in Egegik and also Levelock.
“We’re looking forward to be able to helping communities decrease their addiction on fossil fuels, ” stated Hill. The hydro project on Packer Creek has been funded with $4 million dollars in the Alaska Energy Authority, as effectively as $800, 000 and $$250, 000 contributions in the borough and the village regarding Chignik Lagoon, respectively.
The project broke ground inside the spring of 2014. Hill says the city plans to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony around mid-August.
“With the cost of diesel engine, prices rise and fall, and we have no control over it, ” stated Hill. “But with alternative energy, the goal is to anyway stabilize the cost of energy in order that it doesn’t spike. ”
In an earlier interview with KDLG, Hill noted that this Packer Creek hydro project is among a growing tally of alternative energy projects that this Lake and Peninsula Borough provides supported. The Tazimina hydroelectric task provides energy to Iliamna, Newhalen, and also Nondalton; wood-fired boilers are managing in Kohkanok and Igiugig, and there have been wind studies in Egegik and also Levelock.
“We’re looking forward to be able to helping communities decrease their addiction on fossil fuels, ” stated Hill. The hydro project on Packer Creek has been funded with $4 million dollars in the Alaska Energy Authority, as effectively as $800, 000 and $$250, 000 contributions in the borough and the village regarding Chignik Lagoon, respectively.
The project broke ground inside the spring of 2014. Hill says the city plans to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony around mid-August.