Energy crisis demands visionary leaders

The moment was almost comic.

It was October 2007. Sitting in front of me was the head of a Railbelt utility — completely unconcerned about the impending energy crisis.

Perhaps I hadn’t heard him right. I rephrased the question. “You’re saying that we don’t have an idea about how much gas we have left in Cook Inlet?”

Well, he said, we might have 10 years left.

“Don’t we get almost all of our energy from Cook Inlet gas?”

Yes.

“So … what are we going to do after that time?”

Oh, came his airy reply, we’ll figure something out.

Huh? We’ll figure something out? That’s your grand visionary strategy? God help us all.

Unfortunately, that nonchalant attitude was fairly prevalent among four of the five interviewed Railbelt utilities. Perhaps the managers had been spoiled by their 20-year run of low cost natural gas. Or perhaps they just weren’t into that whole future/vision thing.

I don’t know.

What I do know is that, two years later, we are now in a full-fledged energy crisis.

Last week, it was announced that, due to low Cook Inlet gas supplies (and pressure), you and I will have to ration our energy usage during this winter’s cold snaps. If we don’t, it’s light’s out.

On a good note, there are many ways to save energy (and money). Tips include turning the heat down to 65 degrees, using LED lights, microwaves over ovens and fewer wash loads of dishes and clothes.

As you can imagine, rationing may produce soggy chicken dinners, dish pyramids in your sink and very, um, efficient use of your undergarments.

But, it’s better than the alternative: rolling blackouts.

So, let’s all make an effort to conserve.

Conservation alone, however, will not solve this problem. Cook Inlet is not gaining any more gas. By 2017, Southcentral’s projected demand for Cook Inlet gas will be twice as much as its supply. This crisis, therefore, is only going to get worse.

In order solve this problem, we need two things: new energy and visionary leadership.

Let’s take a quick look at some of Alaska’s energy options.

Wind

Although it cannot be used as a baseload fuel (i.e., you can’t rely on it), wind energy could massively relieve pressure on gas supplies. Wind energy has already decreased energy costs in certain Bush villages that used to be dependent on expensive diesel.

Geothermal

Although costs for a generation and transmission line are quite high, Mount Spurr has the potential to produce 50 megawatts of renewable energy.

Coal

Coal is plentiful in Alaska. However, it releases toxins, such as mercury, into the local waterways. Mercury harms the fish and, by extension, hurts those who eat the fish. Coal plants would also eliminate the possibility of a gas line to Southcentral Alaska. With coal as competition, there simply would not be a big enough market for North Slope gas.

Gas

If we want to continue our gas usage, it will have to come from the North Slope. We must, however, be aware of the side effects. 1) Any gas that comes from the North Slope will be far more expensive than Cook Inlet gas. 2) A gas line will only produce gas for a generation. After that, we will be in the same old scenario. Out of gas, out of energy.

Hydro

Hydro electricity — from Lake Chackachamna or the Susitna — will not run out (apocalyptic scenarios notwithstanding). A Susitna dam alone would cover the electric needs of the entire Railbelt.

Capital costs for a dam are high. The Susitna project would cost between $8 billion and $13 billion. However, after the dam matures, Susitna’s costs would be supernaturally low: 1 cent per kilowatt. And the energy would be here for our children’s children

As you can see, we have the energy. What we need now is the visionary leadership. We need leaders who will boldly work for energy; energy that is clean, reliable, and remains for generations to come. We, the people of Alaska, must pressure — even demand — such leadership from our public officials.

We need to tell our leaders that hour for talk for mere talk is over. The time for action is now.

Darin Markwardt is a resident of Palmer.