HomeMy WebLinkAboutLETTER OF SUPPORT - 1.5.23 Offshore Wind Exploration Middle Ground ShoalTHE STATE
01ALASKA
GOVERNOR MIKE DUNLEAVY
Curtis Thayer, Executive Director
Alaska Energy Authority
813 W Northern Lights Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99503 Department of Natural Resources OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1400 Anchorage, AK 99501-3561 Main: 907.269.8431 Fax: 907.269.8918 January 5, 2023
Re: Support for HEA's Application for Offshore Wind Exploration at Hilcorp's Platforms in Middle
Ground Shoal
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is supportive of Homer Electric Association, Inc.
(HEA)'s efforts to evaluate offshore wind energy potential in Cook Inlet to potentially support
diverse and robust energy supplies for the broader Railbelt region. DNR appreciates Hilcorp Alaska,
LLC's (Hilcorp) willingness to support this endeavor by making available several of its offshore
platforms to support testing and characterization of this resource. The Department views this as an
appropriate and beneficial use of this existing infrastructure. We share this letter to provide our
general support for the project and confirm that DNR is available to work with HEA, Hilcorp, AEA,
or any other entity to advance this project at subsequent stages if the assessment and
characterization work is successful. In sum, DNR believes this study is an appropriate use of the
infrastructure relative to the leases, supports efforts to characterize the wind resource, and is
available to work through any authorizations needed at the feasibility or future stages for the
project.
The Cook Inlet region would benefit from diversification of energy sources, and additional
generation capacity. Both HEA and Hilcorp bring valuable expertise and resources to this
evaluation project, and we appreciate their initiative and leadership in this effort.
DNR does not rank or endorse this project relative to other potential grant applicants or projects
but shares its support for beneficial use of existing infrastructure. DNR views this as an appropriate
option to pursue for platforms on state lands and subject to state leases. We support this study and
further progress on the project, including, if consistent with Alaska Energy Authority's metrics and
processes, grant support.
�� Akis Gialopsos
Acting Commissioner
Alaska Department of Natural Resources