HomeMy WebLinkAboutTNCLttrofSupportMr, Butch White, Grants Administrator 4 November 2009
Renewable Energy Fund, Round III
Alaska Energy Authority
813 W. Northern Lights Boulevard
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
RE: ORMAT'S application for Mt. Spurr geothermal exploration support.
Dear Mr. White:
This letter is in support of ORMAT's application fora $2,million grant from the Alaska Rerewable Energy
Fund. Their development of a 50-10OMW geothermal plant on Mt. Spu'rr's geothermal leases would be
an excellgnt demonstration of true renewable energy electric generation for Alaska.
As you know, Alaska must build up to 1000MWs of new Railbelt electric generation in the next twenty -
years to meet increased demand and replace its aging existing power stations. -The State of Alaska, as w
well as local governments a6d Railbelt utilities, have indicated they will strive to get 50% of their power
from renewable resources. It is also likely the federal government will require 'Renewable Portfolio
standards in the near future. This ORMAT.project helps meet all these demands, as well as being a large
development project that will provide jobs 'and contracting opportunities for decades.
ORMAT has maintained an open, productive dialogue with Tyonek, whose lands and Village are directly
impacted by this project. ORMAT management has met with the Tyonek Native Corporation Board and
Native Village of Tyonek Council to explain their project and to hear Tyonek's concerns; we also were
given a tour of a similar ORMAT geothermal power plant in Reno. ORMAT'martagement conducted
hearings in the Village of Tyonek to explain their project and listen to concerns. ORMAT and TNC have
also negotiated a Cooperative Agreement to respect Tyonek's needs while protecting Tyonek's
traditions and values over the life of this.project. We urge the AEA to grant QRMAT the $2 million they
have requested to encourage ORMAT's further investment in the high.exploration costs inherent in a
project of tl�is nature.
Sincerely yours,
TYONEK NATIVE CORPORATION
Michaelene Stephan
President
5uildinge Dur ruture Jo's.;etller