HomeMy WebLinkAboutElim Hydroelectic Project Findings and Recommendations 1983Alaska Power Authority
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FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
~;',~ Hydroe 1 ectri c Project
The Power Authority received funding in 1980 for reconnaissance
studies in 29 western Alaska villages. E1im was one of those
communities included in the studies to determine energy require-
ments and alternate energy sources.
E1im is located on the south shore of the Seward Peninsula on
Norton Sound and has a population of approximately 220. Commercial
fishing is the mainstay of the village's economy. The community is
dependent on diesel fuel for electricity and uses wood and fuel oil
for space heating.
Under the direction of the Alaska Power Authority (APA), a "Recon-
naissance Study of Energy Requirements for Kaltag, Savoonga, White
Mountain, and E1im" was produced by Holden and Associates in June
1981. The results of the economic analysis indicated that continu-
ation of diesel generation with improved diesel conversion effi-
ciency was the plan of choice; development of waste heat recovery
was proposed, along with increased utilization of E1im l s wood
resources for space heating. Further investigation of selected
nearby hydro sites was also recommended.
In 1982, field studies of two potential hydroelectric sites,
Peterson Creek and Quiktalik Creek, were conducted by Dow1 Engi-
neers. Quikta1ik Creek and Peterson Creek are located 1.5 and 5
miles from E1im respectively. These sites were chosen for further
study from a group screened for power, head and stream flow by the
Alaska Corps of Engineers in 1981. In 1979, the Alaska Power
Administration had also identified Peterson Creek as a potentially
viable hydroelectric project to serve Elim and possibly nearby
Moses Point. Both sites are run-of-river with minimal or no
storage at the diversion weir. The primary problem with hydro
projects in the Elim area is the flat stream gradients that require
long, relatively large diameter penstocks to develop enough head
and, therefore, enough power. In Dowl IS report, the hydroelectric
scenarios proved to have the highest present worth cost. Quiktalik
Creek was eliminated on the basis of its estimated high project
construction costs.
Peterson Creek Hydroelectric Project was envisioned as a 68 KW
project produci ng 200,000 KWH per year. Peterson Creek I s hydro-
electric potential was based upon an estimated average annual flow
of 2.8 cubic feet per second (cfs). This figure was base upon
recorded stream flows of the Snake Ri ver and Cra ter Creek nea r
Nome, the closest known gages with similar meterologica1 exposure.
Peterson Creek was found to be marginally uneconomic, with a
benefit/cost ratio of 0.95 based on an estimated construction cost
of 2.2 million dollars.
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For supplementary hydrology data, gages were placed at Peterson
Creek and stream flow data was collected from June 1984 through
September 1985. Results were compiled and analyzed, and determined
to be statistically insignificant but supported previous study
findings that Peterson Creek was uneconomical. Ninety percent of
the stream flow occurs from May through October at a mean annual
flow of 3.1 cfs. Thi sis an i nsuffi c i ent amount of wa ter to
produce enough power for the village to replace diesel generation
and its associated costs, and to meet the debt service of the new
construction.
The recorrrnendation for the village of Elim is to continue diesel
generation as the source of electrical energy. System efficiency
is increased by the waste heat recovery system installed by the
Power Authority in 1983.
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Bibliography
Small Hydroelectric Inventory of Villages Served by Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative, USDOE, Alaska Power Administration, 1979
Regiona 1 Inventory and Reconnai ssance Study for Sma 11 Hydropower
Projects in Northwest Alaska, Department of Army, Alaska District
Corps of Engineers, Anchorage, 1981.
Reconnaissance Study of Energy Requirements and Alternatives for
Elim, Kaltag, Savoonga and White Mountain, for Alaska Power Author-
ity by Holden and Associates, Juneau, 1981.
Pre-Reconnaissance Report, Elim Hydroelectric Project, for Alaska
Power Authority by Dowl Engineers, Anchorage, 1982.
Beri ng St ra it Energy Reconna i ssance for Beri ng Stra it REAA School
District by Fryer: Pressley: .E11 iott, Anchorage, 1980.
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