This project seeks to install a 943 KWH battery energy storage system-as well as solar PV, a new wind turbine, and electric thermal storage (ETS) heating units-to kokhanok, alaska's microgrid

Like many villages in remote alaska, kokhanok village is only accessible by barge and plane, kokhanok uses diesel to also supplement other power sources. However, the village of 170 residents, primarily alutiiq, dena'INA, and YUP'IK indigenous peoples, wants to transition to 100% renewable energy. Adding this range of clean energy sources and storage will be a big step toward achieving this goal. This project will significantly increase the microgrid's reliability and resilience, while vastly reducing residents' dependence on diesel. Based on energy use analysis, the village expects to displace 70% or more of its fossil fuel use within the first two years of the project's operations, with any future diesel used primarily to charge the battery. In addition to showcasing clean energy strides, this project will demonstrate the replicability and scalability of an islanded microgrid anchored by a large-capacity battery. Kokhanok expects its electricity needs to increase over time due to population growth and the use of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and more. By anticipating this demand, the system's scalable design can integrate everything from customer-owned solar PV to larger-scale, clean energy technology-with all components commercially and readily available. The kokhanok village council plans to work with the lake & peninsula borough to educate sister tribal communities on their efforts and results. Additionally, the project will install ETS heating units into 10 low-income and elder residents' homes. ETS units are powered by excess renewable energy, and this will reduce each home's annual diesel-heating costs by approximately $850 to $1,000.