HomeMy WebLinkAboutUAA School of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering 907-786-1951 3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508-4614 October 6, 2008 Bob Gross Vice-President Operations Alaska Green Energy, LLC 1150 S. Colony Way, #333 Palmer, AK 99645 Subject: UAA collaboration with Alaska Green Energy, LLC The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) School of Engineering greatly appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with Alaska Green Energy, LLC, on proposals to the Alaska Energy Authority for development of energy projects in Girdwood, A laska, and elsewhere. UAA collaboration as a co-proposer and grant sub-awardee will provide an excellent opportunity for the School of Engineering to advance its missions for higher education and university research. We are able to provide specialized technical assistance with planning, design, and operation of energy projects through involvement of our faculty and students. The UAA School of Engineering administers undergraduate engineering degree programs to 900 students in civil, mechanical, electrical and computer systems engineering, all with emphasis on cold regions applications and Alaska needs. The School also administers graduate programs in Civil and Arctic Engineering, Applied Environmental Science and Technology, and Project Management. Graduate certificate programs are offered in Port and Coastal Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, and Environmental Regulations and Permitting. Final Regents approval of these last two certificate programs is anticipated by December 2008. Concepts and technical design aspects of renewable energy are emphasized in many of the upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in these degree programs. Several courses include group projects that investigate wind, tide, or hydroelectric power generation with community involvement at specific Alaskan sites. Faculty research is increasingly directed toward sustainability and renewable application of Alaska’s natural resources. The School is currently exploring feasibility of a renewable energy and sustainable technology education and research center in Girdwood, Alaska, following well-received investigations in the vicinity by students and faculty. The School is presently designing renewable energy specialization tracks in its existing degree programs and is recruiting new faculty members with expertise in hydroelectric, wind, and tidal power.
The opportunity to collaborate with Alaska Green Energy on hydroelectric power generation at California Creek, Virgin Creek, and other potential hydropower sources in the Girdwood area extends past efforts of faculty and students in Girdwood Valley. Development of Combined Heat and Power Unit using CBM gas for application in rural Alaska also applies our expertise and experience in productive ways for our university education and research goals. Operation of these prospective energy developments provides further opportunity for involvement of faculty and students in the practical side of energy production in a rapidly changing world. We hope that the proposals for Alaska Energy Authority grants are successful and look forward to the UAA collaborations that they include. Sincerely, Orson P. Smith, PE, Ph.D. Professor and Chair