HomeMy WebLinkAboutAlaska Energy Authority Completes Battle Creek Diversion Project at Bradley Lake Hydro Press Release 08-27-2020-H
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Brandy M. Dixon
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2020
AEA Completes Battle Creek Diversion Project at Bradley Lake Hydro
Milestone accomplishment increases annual energy output of state’s largest hydroelectric facility
(Anchorage) – On Wednesday, August 25, the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) held a ribbon
cutting ceremony at the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project near Homer to celebrate its
completion of the West Fork Upper Battle Creek Diversion project. The project diverts runoff from
Battle Creek into Bradley Lake expanding the state’s largest hydroelectric facility.
Construction of the $47 million project began in May 2018. It includes three miles of road, a
concrete diversion dam, and a five foot diameter pipeline under the road to carry water from its
source to Bradley Lake. By diverting Battle Creek water into the lake, the Bradley Lake
Hydroelectric Facility will see an increase of about 10 percent in its energy production capacity.
Once operational, the project will produce 37,000 megawatts hours of energy annually, which
equates to providing power for 5,000 homes.
“For those of us who believe that hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source, this project
will increase the use of renewable energy in our state. This use of renewable energy aligns well
with our state’s aspirational goal to achieve a higher percentage of renewable energy in our
future,” said AEA Board Chair Dana Pruhs.
“Hydroelectric power is Alaska's largest source of renewable energy, supplying nearly a quarter
of the state’s electricity in an average water year,” said AEA Executive Director Curtis W. Thayer.
“The diversion of water from Battle Creek to behind the Bradley Lake dam will allow even more
energy at lower cost to be produced and delivered to ratepayers, reducing the cost of energy in
Alaska.”
Managed by AEA and paid for by Railbelt utility customers, this project is the largest
improvement to the state-owned Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Facility since it began commercial
operation in September 1991.
The Alaska Energy Authority is a public corporation of the state. Its mission is to reduce the cost
of energy in Alaska.
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