As Alaska’s largest source of renewable energy, hydropower supplies more than 20 percent of the state’s electrical energy in an average water year. There are nearly fifty operating utility-scale hydroelectric projects in Alaska. The majority of Alaska’s existing hydro projects are located in the southeast and southcentral regions of Alaska.
The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) focuses its hydroelectric program activities on providing technical assistance through staff and contractors for hydroelectric feasibility assessment and development. AEA manages public funding for developing conventional hydropower projects, including funding for studies, permitting, final design, and project construction.
AEA is a statewide resource for hydroelectric technical assistance by:
In addition to facilitating development and construction of small hydro projects throughout Alaska, AEA is an active participant in large hydro infrastructure management. AEA owns the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project, which is the largest hydroelectric project in Alaska.