Shungnak Power Plant

In 2020, a major overhaul of the Shungnak power plant was completed. Three engines with marine manifolds, three generators, and automated switchgear were installed. The installation not only improves the diesel efficiency and provides for additional heat recovery, but also makes it possible to integrate renewable energy generation.

The automated switchgear helps dispatch the new gensets to work in conjunction with power created by a solar array and battery installed by Northwest Arctic Borough. The new programable logic controllers and high-speed communications allow the power stored in the battery to supplement the power created by the diesel generators, and solar array, working as a hybrid system. Alaska Village Electric Cooperative received funding through the Rural Utility Service High Energy Cost Grant program for this project.

AVEC was also awarded funding from the Denali Commission and Alaska Energy Authority for community tank farm refurbishment and upgrades.  The tanks are set in the containment and the project is on schedule.

More information about this project can be found in the September 2020 edition of Ruralite.

See related article about the solar array being installed in the May 2021 edition of Ruralite.