Published: Jun. 26, 2024 at 7:35 PM AKDTFAIRBANKS, Alaska - Like a late-career star athlete, Golden Valley Electric Association’s existing Battery Energy Storage System is set to transition from record breaker to second string.
Of the $100 million, $60 million will qualify for loan forgiveness due in large part to support from Doyon, Limited — an Interior Alaska’s Native Corporation — according to GVEA. The utility intends the new system to fulfill a similar purpose but also help store energy generated by renewables, given the inevitable fluctuations in supply from renewable sources like wind and solar.
“It’s not intended to replace our existing BESS. Our existing BESS is reaching its end of life. We have yet to determine if we will be making necessary upgrades to it or not,” Bradish said.