HomeMy WebLinkAboutLETTER OF SUPPORT - KPB - REF Rd 15 Cook Inlet Oil Platform Wind ProjectBinklev Street, Soldotna, Alaska 99669 • (907) 714-2150 • (907) 714-2377 Fax
13 December 2022
Curtis Thayer, Executive Director
Alaska Energy Authority
813 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99503
Re: Support for HEA's Application for Offshore Wind Exploration at Hilcorp's Platforms in
Middle Ground Shoal
Dear Mr. Thayer,
The Kenai Peninsula Borough fully supports Homer Electric Association, Inc. (HEA) in its grant
application to the Alaska Energy Authority's Renewable Energy Fund for the purpose of
studying the possibility of locating an offshore wind turbine at a Middle Ground Shoal (MGS)
platform. The grant will provide for structural analysis of the platforms and electrical
engineering plan for installation, as well as other important considerations relevant to evaluating
the feasibility, cost, and permitting requirements associated with the project.
While Cook Inlet gas is plentiful, it is nonetheless a finite resource, making it worthwhile to
support alternative energy sources such as offshore wind exploration. The sustainability
implications are significant, as the project would extend the life of an existing asset, and existing
off -shore oil and gas support industry could be utilized for their maintenance. Finally, the data
set gathered during this reconnaissance -level effort will contribute to the State's knowledge base
for wind projects and other renewable energy opportunities in the future.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough fully supports HEA's grant application. Thank you for giving this
grant application your strongest consideration.
Sincerely,
Mike Navarre
Mayor