University launches expanded energy research center

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: 907-474-7902
04/04/08

The University of Alaska Fairbanks recently launched the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, a new research unit to investigate energy options for the state.

"The time is right for an organization like the Alaska Center for Energy and Power to address a variety of state needs for applied energy research," said Dan White, director of the UAF’s Institute of Northern Engineering, which will house the center.

ACEP organizational director Gwen Holdmann said the center will research both renewable energy resources and how energy fits into the state’s economic development picture. Its focus will be applied research and it will form partnerships with businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state.

The center’s interdisciplinary research will focus on three areas, Holdmann said. Researchers will look for ways to reduce energy costs in rural Alaska, she said, and will also investigate large-scale energy resources to power energy-intensive industries. The center’s third focus will be on fossil fuels and new developments in things like heavy oils, gas hydrates and carbon sequestration. Holdmann also said the center could offer training and educational opportunities to businesses and the public, such as seminars on energy and energy technology.

The center is currently meeting with business, government and community representatives to identify research needs and is seeking state, federal and private funding. It is already involved in several projects in areas such as waste heat and diesel efficiency, energy storage devices, biomass crops, natural methane seeps and geothermal development.

CONTACT: Gwen Holdmann, ACEP organizational director, at 907-474-5402 or via e-mail at gwen.holdmann@uaf.edu. Dan White, INE director, at 907-474-6222 or via e-mail at ffdmw@uaf.edu. Marmian Grimes, UAF public information officer, at 907-474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@uaf.edu.

Download information about The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (PDF 62K)