Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Alaska-Russia Arctic Energy and Rural Power Summit  (Alaska-Russia Arctic Energy and Rural Power Summit)

Outline
The Arctic Energy Office (AEO) of the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Department of Energy will sponsor and lead an Alaska-Russia summit on energy development and rural power as it relates to the arctic regions that both Alaska and Russia, especially the Russia Far East(RFE), have in common. The format of the summit is envisioned to include presentations of papers on significant research, panel discussions on major areas of concern, a poster session of new technology and an industry display of products and services, all consistent with the functional areas of interest of the summit. Common energy concerns for these two regions can be summarized in the following three functional areas: Oil, Gas and Coal Development, Rural Power Needs and Spill Response and Remediation. Oil, Gas and Coal Development, while a commercial activity, is of significant interest to the energy and security needs of both countries. The arctic environment presents special needs and concerns where research into new approaches to development and sources of hydrocarbons will have significant impact in meeting the nations and worlds energy needs. Examples of current research include; tundra travel, ice roads, natural gas from coal seams, and gas hydrates, CO2 sequestration, global warming and its impact in the arctic on construction, travel and the development of oil and gas fields. Rural and extreme remote power needs are a key interest to the State of Alaska and the RFE, especially as it relates to the replacement of traditional fuel sources and the lowering the cost of expensive electricity generation. Quality of life in these rural villages is dictated by the cost and availability of electricity. Current areas of research and investigation in this area include: Economics of a standalone nuclear reactor, natural gas from coal bed methane for village power, remote sensing to allow for optimization of diesel generation, alternate energy sources including fuel cells, wind and wind-diesel combinations, and hydro power from both tidal and river current sources. Non-technical areas for discussion could include cultural and sociological impacts of new technologies in native villages. The Arctic environment is an extremely sensitive environment. It is easily disturbed and takes many years to recover from an incident. These incidents run the spectrum to damage of tundra from human traffic, disturbance of wildlife or from oil spills – both onshore and offshore. The continued development of oil, gas and coal in the arctic will be limited by the ability of industry to minimize damage, respond to events such as an oil spill and remediate the area to bring it back to its original condition. Possible areas of research in this functional area include broken ice oil recovery, impact of gravel pads on the water table, remote sensing, and the evaluation of the impact on localized warming including the impact on permafrost as well as the tundra.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
There are significant common areas of research and needs as it relates to high latitude rural power and commercial oil and gas development between Alaska and the Russia Far East. This summit will provide a structure for those discussions to take place and research shared.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Working with FEBRAS (Far Eastern branch of Russian academy of sciences), University of Calgary, University of Khabarovsk, to coordinate presentation of papers, and joint research topics.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Not Applicable to Program

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
None

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
National agency
Own support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

This project will be managed by the Arctic Energy Office of the Department of Energy.

How will the project be organised and managed?

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The development of a summit “brand” that would be easily recognized and provide a common identifier for all material that would be part of the outreach program. This material could include an interactive bilingual website, brochures, and newsletters appropriate for all levels of outreach; elementary – university educational institutes, local governments, villages, etc. Additionally the summit could also include the funding of high school and undergraduate research in the areas of arctic energy and power – this might be an effective outreach between universities and bush communities.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Initial funding of this project will be managed by the Arctic Energy Office. Research projects will have a minimum of 20% industry cost share.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The benefits of sponsoring and leading this summit are threefold. The first benefit is the strengthening of the University of Alaska’s Arctic energy efforts. This strength would come not only from specific research, but also in developing an interest in the subject in the state high schools and village communities. Additionally, it is envisioned that ties between the University of Alaska and its Russian counterparts in Vladivostok and Khabarovsk would also be developed through joint research projects. The Russia Far East and the State of Alaska have many common problems both in the continued development of their respective oil, gas and coal industry; but also in developing solutions for power and energy in remote areas. This summit will assist in the development of common solutions for common problems. And at the same time strengthen the relationship between the US/Alaska and the Russia Far East. Ultimately a singular benefit of this program will be the continued strengthening and development in Alaska of a new knowledge based export product in delivering solutions for non-traditional rural power in the extreme remote areas. This industry will be exportable not only to other remote arctic areas, but remote areas in general regardless of there location.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr James Hemsath
PO Box 750172
539 Duckering Building - University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
99775-0172
USA

Tel: 907-452-2672
Mobile: 907.590.1904
Fax: 907.452.3345
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation