Galena Village, dba Louden Tribal Council – 2022 Project

NOTE: Project pages are being updated regularly to reflect changes, if any; however, some of the information may be dated.

Project Description

Background

The Louden Tribe, a federally recognized Alaska Native Tribal government is the project recipient. Galena has a stand-alone diesel genset-powered electric grid owned and operated by the City. The unsubsidized residential rate for electricity in Galena is typically at least four times the current national average, generated by diesel gensets requiring more than 370,000 gallons annually. Fuel can only be delivered by barge when the river is not frozen (mid-May to early October), allowing less than five months to purchase and store the entire year’s supply of fuel. Although the community performed energy efficiency upgrades, removal and replacement of transformers, power plant upgrades for automated switchgear, improved diesel generator controls, and higher-efficiency engines, the community is still heavily impacted by fuel costs. This project will significantly reduce those costs. The Louden Tribe’s long-term energy vision is aligned with the community’s primary goal to reduce the high cost of energy in Galena, Alaska.

Project Objectives

The primary objective of this project is to construct a high-penetration solar PV array in Galena, Alaska and integrate it into the PCS and BESS to significantly reduce electric costs (while also increasing energy security). Measurable objectives include: 1) on-site generation of approximately 1,313,328 kWh of energy/year and sale of this power by an IPP, keeping energy revenues in the community, 2) provide more than 25% of the annual electric power for 186 residences and 21 Tribal community facilities, 3) create an estimated 8 seasonal full-time jobs during construction, a permanent 0.25 FTE operation and maintenance position, and additional part-time jobs for IPP management, and 4) reduce annual diesel fuel costs by nearly $450,000. This project supports the community’s long-term energy vision and goals by supplementing past energy projects with an energy solution that will reduce the high cost of energy in Galena.

Project Scope

The implementation approach will be a collaboration between the Louden Tribe, City of Galena, and other partners. The scope of work under this project will include 1) development of requests for proposals resulting in the selection of contractors to provide procurement and construction services for the solar PV system construction, 2) negotiation of a power purchase agreement with the City and the formation of the IPP with community and regional stakeholders, and 3) system performance and monitoring activities to validate expected results. The solar PV Contractor will provide procurement and construction services for the solar PV array and lead the system commissioning and operator training activities.

The City of Galena plant operator will document energy savings over time once the solar PV system is installed and integrated with the PCS and BESS. A qualified partner consulting firm will provide technical and owner’s representative services as needed for the duration of the project.

The solar PV contractor and microgrid controller contractor will be selected based on their experience installing similar projects in rural Alaska and on their understanding of the technical challenges and issues needed to facilitate cost-effective implementation. The combined project management expertise of the Louden Tribe and the City of Galena will provide oversight to the contractors to ensure no conflicts of interest arise and to assure streamlined implementation.

Project Location

Galena sits on the north bank of the Yukon River, 270 miles west of Fairbanks and accessible only by boat (in summer) or air. Galena was established in 1918 near an old Athabascan fish camp; the traditional village of Louden is located 14 miles upriver.