USING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY AT JUNEAU ICEFIELD RESEARCH PROGRAM CAMPS

The Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP) has been using fossil fuels to operate remote field camps in Southeast Alaska for almost 70 years. Several issues have resulted from limited research being done to explore sustainable energy generation at these camps. Previously, alternative technologies have been considered economically unviable due to the short, 8-week, duration of time spent at each camp annually. By analyzing energy consumption and environmental conditions, I evaluated the potential for solar and wind technologies to replace the diesel and gas generators that are currently being used to provide electricity at the camps. In the future, this study can serve as a reference for other geographically isolated or economically stressed locations to determine the feasibility of implementing alternative energy solutions. The results of this research will be used to propel JIRP into a green future by providing a platform that can be used to communicate with potential donors about the program’s interest in sustainable development.