Advancing Sustainable Energy in Rural Alaska through the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project

Introduction

Rural communities across Alaska are actively seeking innovative approaches to enhance the reliability, affordability, and sustainability of their energy systems. The Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP), now in its fifth year, aims to facilitate this critical transition in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

ETIPP and Local Collaboration

The ETIPP program provides technical assistance to communities nationwide to support the shift towards sustainable and affordable energy solutions. In Alaska, this initiative is implemented through the Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering energy resilience and sustainability in rural areas.

• Role of REAP: REAP collaborates closely with rural communities to strategically advance energy resilience and affordability.
• Community Empowerment: Unlike other programs, REAP ensures that communities retain control over their energy planning and decision-making processes, promoting inclusive and participatory development consistent with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Community Engagement and Planning

REAP is currently engaged with several Alaskan communities, including Kotzebue, Scammon Bay, Kotlik, Juneau, and the Organized Village of Saxman. Each community pursues unique pathways toward sustainable energy futures based on their existing resources and specific challenges.

1. Assessment: Communities evaluate their current renewable energy assets and identify challenges.
2. Planning: The energy planning process typically spans six to eight months, emphasizing informed decision-making aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action.
3. Implementation: Project completion may take up to two years, reflecting a commitment to long-term sustainable development.

Funding and Application Process

Once communities select their preferred energy solutions, REAP assists in securing funding sources, including grants, to support project implementation. The program is accessible to any rural Alaska community that applies through a tribe or community organization, fostering inclusivity and local ownership.

• Application Deadline: July 25 for the latest ETIPP cohort.
• Application Access: Applications are available on the ETIPP website.

Conclusion

The collaboration between ETIPP and REAP exemplifies a strategic approach to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals by empowering rural Alaskan communities to develop sustainable, affordable, and resilient energy systems. This initiative not only addresses energy challenges but also promotes community-led development and environmental stewardship.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article focuses on making energy more reliable, affordable, and sustainable in rural Alaska communities.
   • It highlights efforts to transition to sustainable energy systems through the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) and the Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP).
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses community energy planning and resilience, emphasizing the role of local communities in decision-making about their energy futures.
   • This aligns with building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • By promoting renewable energy and sustainable energy projects, the article implicitly supports climate action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 7 Targets
   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.b: By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, and resilience to disasters.
3. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators Related to SDG 7
   • Proportion of population with access to electricity in rural communities (implied by the focus on energy reliability and affordability).
   • Share of renewable energy in total energy consumption (implied by the emphasis on renewable energy projects and microgrids).
   • Number of communities adopting sustainable energy systems (implied by the community energy planning and project implementation process).
2. Indicators Related to SDG 11
   • Number of communities with integrated energy resilience and sustainability plans (implied by the community-driven planning process).
3. Indicators Related to SDG 13
   • Number of communities implementing climate-resilient energy solutions (implied by the focus on energy resilience and sustainable energy projects).
   • Capacity building activities or technical assistance provided to communities (implied by the role of REAP and ETIPP in supporting communities).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: knom.org