In the remote heart of Alaska, the village of Galena is undergoing a significant transformation towards clean energy, a shift that is anticipated to enhance savings, strengthen community resilience, and create employment opportunities. This initiative is a move away from reliance on costly imported diesel fuel, a major source of greenhouse gas emissions when combusted.
About a decade ago, Galena began utilizing locally sourced timber to power a biomass facility. This plant provides heating for the area’s active boarding school, reducing the annual diesel consumption by approximately 100,000 gallons (around 380,000 liters).
The Louden Tribe in the area is actively promoting the collection of driftwood from the Yukon River. This wood not only serves as firewood but is also used in the construction of eco-friendly homes for tribe members. Additionally, the installation of a 1.5-megawatt solar farm is underway, which will enable the village to disengage its diesel generators on sunny days during the summer, relying entirely on clean, renewable energy. Surplus energy generated will be stored in batteries for future use, cutting down diesel use by another 100,000 gallons each year.
Conversations with Galena inhabitants reveal insights into the community’s renewable energy endeavors. Below are reflections from several locals:
Tim Kalke, 46, General Manager at Sustainable Energy for Galena Alaska
Jade Thurmond, 20, Galena Resident and Solar Farm Worker
Jake Pogrebinsky, 54, Sawmill Operator for Louden Tribe and Driftwood Harvester
Brad Scotton, 54, Member of Galena City Council
Will Kramer, 29, Applied Mechanics Instructor at Galena Interior Learning Academy
Phil Koontz, 74, Retired Environmental Engineer for the Louden Tribe
Aaren Sommer, 19, Galena Resident and Solar Panel Installer
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Reported from Los Angeles by Pineda.
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Morgan Ellis is an investigative journalist passionate about environmental policy and corporate accountability. With a background in climate science and years of reporting for nonprofit media, Morgan brings depth, clarity, and purpose to every story.
