Environmental Protection Agency invests $20 million in rural solar program to be led by 5 communities, ANTHC, and Kawerak, Inc.
January 7, 2025
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $20 million investment to address energy and climate challenges in five communities in the Bering Straits region.
The grant funding will support development and installation of community-scale solar arrays and battery energy storage systems in the communities of Brevig Mission, Elim, Koyuk, Savoonga, and Teller.
Design and construction of the new systems will be led by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), and the project will ultimately lead to ratepayers receiving utility relief payments for household water and sewer bills. Regional support and workforce development to maintain the systems once they are built will be provided by Kawerak, Inc.
“This grant will help provide cleaner energy for communities across the Bering Strait region, while reducing the amount they have to spend to bring in diesel fuel,” Senator Lisa Murkowski said. “I congratulate ANTHC and Kawerak on their successful application and thank the EPA for making this investment in Alaska communities.”
“Community members have seen success with solar energy while at whale camp on a small scale. We are excited to grow energy options in Savoonga with community solar on a larger scale,” said Sylvia Toolie, Mayor of Savoonga.
Anahma Shannon, Environmental Program Director for Kawerak, Inc., said, “Kawerak is pleased to collaborate with ANTHC on the EPA Community Change award to bring more jobs and technical training to our region. This demonstration project will positively impact our local economy and provide a template for other rural communities so they can similarly benefit.”
Dustin Madden, who leads ANTHC’s Rural Energy Program, said, “I’m excited to be supporting these communities on this project that uses renewable energy systems to help ensure that access to clean water is affordable for local families. Our role is simply to provide technical expertise and project management to Alaska Native communities though, and the real recognition should go to the leadership of the Tribes, Municipalities, and Village Corporations who have championed this project through energy plans and feasibility studies for years.”