Exploring energy security and the diesel fuel life cycle

October 3, 2024

Alaska faces numerous challenges, including harsh weather, climate change and evolving investment opportunities in renewable technology. Energy security is critical for communities, the state and private businesses.

ACEP summer intern Abby McCallum, under the mentorship of ACEP’s Magnus de Witt, embarked on a research project to explore the impact of the diesel fuel life cycle on community livelihoods and resilience in Alaska.

McCallum worked on system modeling and livelihood assessments to evaluate the vulnerabilities, stresses and adaptive capacities of communities reliant on diesel as a primary energy source. She developed tools to help stakeholders understand the effects of various capital assets — human, physical, financial, natural and social — on energy security and community behaviors.

McCallum focused on six communities as they moved through Alaska's diesel fuel life cycle: Prudhoe Bay, Valdez, Kodiak, Nuiqsut, Arctic Village and Bethel. All six of these communities represent different stages of diesel fuel, from the drilling of crude oil to its refinement into diesel, and to different types of shipping methods commonly employed: air, barge and road.

McCallum's research led to the creation of a livelihood index that assessed how capital assets affect resilient livelihoods. Her work provides a framework for stakeholders to develop comprehensive intervention strategies, empowering communities to become more resilient and energy secure.

The internship opened her eyes to a disconnect between the micro-level of community living and the macro-level of the diesel fuel life cycle.

“This internship allowed me to use and create a new framework to assess how diesel fuel impacts community resilience strategy and vice-versa,” she said.

Originally from Missouri and pursuing a dual degree in international studies and environmental science at American University in Washington, D.C., McCallum has a keen interest in community resilience and infrastructure development.

The internship experience broadened her perspective on community resilience and adaptability and allowed her to see the unique urban challenges and community living experiences in the Alaskan context.

An example of community development challenges in D.C. is how to deal with excess heat, whereas in Alaska, housing solutions are aimed at keeping the heat in their homes.

“Working at ACEP has allowed me to learn about new types of housing, income generation, community governance, and so much more,” McCallum said. “Learning from community members and colleagues at ACEP has expanded my horizons within the fields of planning, environmental management and energy.”

McCallum’s internship experience with ACEP not only advanced her understanding of energy security and community resilience in Alaska but also enriched her academic and professional journey. Her research and the frameworks she developed will contribute to the ongoing efforts to create sustainable and resilient communities in Alaska and beyond.

This internship is funded by the Office of Naval Research through the ACEP Undergraduate Summer Internship program. View the final presentation for this project on ACEP’s YouTube Channel. For more information on this project, please contact Magnus de Witt at mdewitt9@alaska.edu.