Dunleavy establishes Office of Energy Innovation

Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed Administrative Order No. 340 last week, creating the Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) to address the evolving energy needs of Alaska.

According to a press release, the order comes amid recent destabilizing global events that have illustrated the importance of energy independence, along with recognition of the positive economic impacts that come from domestic energy production.

The OEI will operate within the Office of the Governor. It was created to develop policies to support the centralization of the state’s efforts to provide safe, sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy resources for all Alaskans.

The OEI has been formed with the purpose of developing policies that enable Alaska to capitalize on its vast energy potential to lower cost of energy and enhance the stability of energy delivered to Alaskans; to collaborate with public and private institutions to develop pragmatic, market-driven solutions; to assist all communities in accessing innovative technology and necessary funding to secure low cost reliable energy; and support efforts that enhance Alaska’s role in a national clean energy future through the development of a strong and responsible critical minerals mining program and the investment in emerging energy technologies.

In the statement, Governor Dunleavy said:

“Alaska is an energy giant in all its forms. We’ll continue to be an oil and gas giant, but we are all in for every form of energy – wind, solar, hydro, tidal, geothermal, micro-nuclear, and hydrogen. The Office of Energy Innovation will coordinate this pursuit of sustainable, dependable, and affordable energy.”

He went on to say that Alaska has been at the forefront of several developments recently, including the Alaska Electric Authority’s electric vehicle charging station plan and the recent release of Request for Proposal for the Eielson Air Force Base micro-reactor pilot program, which is critical next step in furthering the development and deployment of reliable and clean energy technology for the Air Force.

Governor Dunleavy announced the Office of Energy Innovation at Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) in Anchorage

DNR Acting Commissioner Akis Gialopsos, who was among attendees gave remarks.

“Alaskans need energy supplies that are stable and secure,” said Gialopsos. “A coordinated effort under Governor Dunleavy’s Office is a tremendous step forward that focuses agencies’ efforts on Alaska becoming a leader in both carbon capture, utilization, and storage and building the critical minerals of this state and nation.”

Curtis W. Thayer, AEA Executive Director also spoke of the State’s energy office’s commitment that all have the ability to access safe, reliable, and affordable energy.

“This Administrative Order builds on and reaffirms the work that the State of Alaska has already undertaken with our partners here today, and will contribute to economic growth and job creation, as we accelerate our transition to a clean energy economy.”

“Alaska has tremendous capacity to produce clean and affordable hydrogen in the form of ammonia to meet the growing demand from Alaskans and world markets. The Alaska LNG project can deliver North Slope natural gas to re-start existing and jump start future ammonia production in Nikiski,” said Frank Richards, AGDC President, adding:

“Governor Dunleavy’s new Office of Energy Innovation will foster vital collaboration between numerous Alaska stakeholders to craft a versatile and innovative energy future for Alaska and the nations around the world who look to us for energy abundance and security.”

“We stand at the crossroads of a pivotal moment for the future of energy in the State,” said Tony Izzo, CEO of Matanuska Electric Association. “MEA is united with the other interconnected Railbelt utilities in our commitment to work with the Governor, legislature and other stakeholders to be a catalyst for a secure, clean and diverse energy mix that can drive economic growth and a vibrant Alaska.”

Meanwhile, Gwen Holdmann, UAF Associate Vice Chancellor remarked, “I am excited to see the Dunleavy administration pull together numerous ongoing and independent activities related to energy planning that impact the future of Alaska. Energy security and planning is an issue that impacts all Alaskans, whether as individuals dependent on a reliable source of energy for electricity and to heat our homes, or as a means to power our state’s economy today, and well into the future.”

“This is an exciting time for energy and the Office of Energy Innovation will make sure we don’t miss a single opportunity to support Alaska’s energy independence,” said Governor Dunleavy.

The A.O. takes effect immediately and will utilize existing personnel and resources within the Office of the Governor.