Alaska's vast abundance of free-flowing rivers presents a unique opportunity to harness hydrokinetic energy—electricity generated from the natural movement of water without the need for dams or large infrastructure. This renewable energy resource offers a promising solution for more than 200 rural Alaskan communities that currently rely on expensive diesel imports for power generation.
A Statewide Assessment of Hydrokinetic Energy Resources in Alaskan Rivers (SHEAR) is being conducted by DGGS. This assessment is aimed at sparking long-term investment in this sustainable energy resource. Through GIS analysis, we are maximizing opportunities for rural communities and industries to take advantage of this free and abundant energy resource.
We are coordinating a Channel Mapping Project (CMP) to systematically and efficiently map the bathymetry (depth) of rivers, as well as their velocities, using sonar, lidar, and ground-penetrating radar systems. These maps are essential to predict turbine performance, and are useful in a variety of engineering applications, including channel migration and flood hazard mitigation.
Matthew C. Scragg
Hydrologist
Email: matthew.scragg@alaska.gov
