Beneficial and Equitable Electrification (BEE)

We investigate the potential of electric building heating to offset harmful emissions or high-priced heating fuels while providing services to the electric grid through the use of thermal storage or heat pumps. Our interests include the technical aspects of integrating electric heating with another heating source and with the electrical grid, strategies to lower costs for the homeowner and the utility, and support for decarbonization efforts and renewable integration. We strive to learn about social acceptance, user experience, as well as the technological limitations of air source heat pumps in very cold climates.

We work to understand the costs and benefits of EVs in the energy transition in cold climates, both to users and to the electric grid, by collecting data from commercially available EVs in Alaska, including trucks and buses. We also investigate unique barriers to electrified transportation in rural Alaska communities and what is needed to ensure the transition is equitable and beneficial to all.

Alaska boasts a vibrant coastline served by fishers, ferries and cargo ships. Decarbonizing these industries poses unique challenges. We measure energy demands for fishing vessels and evaluate decarbonization pathways for ferries. We also develop pilot projects to bring novel low emission technologies to marine industries.