Alternative Energy A Focus In Oil Producing States

Here is a surprising bit of news. Efforts are underway in two major oil-producing states to establish renewable energy sources to supply a part of the overall energy needs of the state. Believe it or not, alternative energy is emerging in both Alaska and Louisiana, two of the largest producers of petroleum in the United States. In fact, the State of Alaska has the largest petroleum and natural gas deposits in the USA.

First, let's look at what Alaska is doing. The source of renewable energy in Alaska is wind energy. And why not? Large sections of Alaska are on the ocean, receiving strong and often reliable breezes from the water. Large expanses of Alaska are also flat, allowing wind to sweep steadily over large tracts of land. Alaska is also relatively unpopulated, reducing the problems coming from citizens who don't like the appearance of wind turbines.

Currently 20 communities in Alaska are using wind power for at least a part of their electricity needs. Other wind-based energy projects in the Last Frontier are under development.

As an example, the city of Kodiak, Alaska now generates 9% of its total electricity needs from wind. The installation of three wind turbines installed in 2009 has resulted is a reduction in the use of diesel fuel in Kodiak by more than 900,000 gallons, saving $2.3 million annually for the local utility.

Hot on the heels of Alaska's push into renewable energy is a recent announcement by the state of Louisiana that alternatives to petroleum are part of its energy future as well. The State of Louisiana, long known for producing oil and petrochemicals, has announced approval by its Public Service Commission of a pilot program with the stated goal of generating 350 megawatts of power annually from renewable sources. The longer-term objective is for the state to supply 2% of overall energy needs from alternative, renewable sources.

The sources of that renewable energy are initially conceived to be from a mix of technologies that would include geothermal, solar, wind, and biomass conversion.

That casts a wide net and leaves a lot of details still to be determined. Unlike Alaska's more concrete moves into wind energy, the fact is that the program in Louisiana is essentially devoid of details. The state would initiate projects through a process of requesting proposals from potential suppliers, and it appears that pretty much anything is open for consideration. I like the broad-mindedness, but the lack of a thought-through direction is a reason for concern. Some effort to create a strategy would help focus the proposals and avoid a lot of financial boondoggles.

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