Summary
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe, IRA, located in Kenai, Alaska, will conduct a renewable energy feasibility study to develop solar and wind energy resources for tribal operations and for future tribal housing, and will examine local conditions for energy development for sale to local energy providers. The long-term benefits to the tribe include increased economic self-sufficiency, lowered utility costs for tribal services and homeowners, and increased protection of natural resources in keeping with tribal values.
Project Description
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe, IRA, will conduct a renewable energy feasibility study to develop solar and wind energy resources for tribal operations and for future tribal housing, and will examine local conditions for energy development for sale to local energy providers. The long-term benefits to the tribe include increased economic self-sufficiency, lowered utility costs for tribal services and homeowners, and increased protection of natural resources in keeping with tribal values.
This project will be undertaken in conjunction with planning the construction of buildings to house centralized tribal services, in keeping with the tribe's mission, "to foster the governmental, social, cultural, and economic well-being of its members and their families… ." This project will develop sustainable energy, which will increase tribal economic self-reliance and contribute to the preservation of environmental resources, such as wildlife and fish habitats which support subsistence.
Objective
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe, IRA, proposes to conduct a renewable energy feasibility study with the primary goal of developing solar and wind energy resources for tribal operations including a preschool, health clinic, mental health center, housing offices, greenhouses, and tribal headquarters. A secondary goal will be to develop renewable energy plans for future tribal housing, and a third priority will be to examine whether or not conditions exist under which energy could be developed for sale to local energy providers.
Scope
The tribe will:
Assess the available wind energy resources on tribal land.
Assess solar energy resources on tribal land.
Characterize and quantify thermal and electrical loads for tribal facilities/homes.
Assess the feasibility of energy export to local utilities.
Identify appropriate renewable energy technologies to meet tribal needs.
Develop and analyze cost estimates and long term economic benefits for renewable energy technologies (economic analysis).
Complete an environmental assessment of the technologies chosen by the tribe.
Assess the direct and indirect benefits of selected renewable energy technologies including social and cultural benefits.
Develop an implementation plan including preliminary system designs, staff training plans, long-term operational and maintenance plans, and business planning.
Project Location
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe, IRA, is located in Kenai, Alaska, and its service area includes the Central Kenai Peninsula from Ninilchik to Sterling and from Nikiski to Soldotna, with a population base of 29,728. Tribal members are spread throughout the Kenai Peninsula.
Project Status
This project is complete. See the final report.
The project was competitively selected under the Tribal Energy Program's FY2003 solicitation, "Renewable Energy Development on Tribal Lands," and started April 2004. For additional information, see the October 2005 presentation.
<p><strong>Tribe/Awardee</strong><br />Kenaitze Indian Tribe</p><p><strong>Location</strong><br />Kenai, AK</p><p><strong>Project Title</strong><br />Kenaitze Indian Tribe, IRA, Renewable Energy Resource Development Feasibility</p><p><strong>Type of Application</strong><br />Feasibility</p><p><strong>DOE Grant Number</strong><br />DE-FC36-04GO14020</p><p><strong>Project Amounts</strong><br />DOE: $45,769<br />Awardee: $3,679<br />Total: $49,448</p><p><strong>Project Status</strong><br />Complete</p><p><strong>Project Period of Performance</strong><br />Start: April 2004<br />End: December 2005</p>