IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v15y2022i13p4655-d847574.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Harvesting Local Energy: A Case Study of Community-Led Bioenergy Development in Galena, Alaska

Author

Listed:
  • Vikas Menghwani

    (Department of Geography and Planning, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada)

  • Chad Walker

    (School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada)

  • Tim Kalke

    (School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada)

  • Bram Noble

    (Department of Geography and Planning, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada)

  • Greg Poelzer

    (School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada)

Abstract

Community-led bioenergy projects show great promise to address a range of issues for remote and Indigenous Arctic communities that typically rely on diesel for meeting their energy demands. However, there is very little research devoted to better understanding what makes individual projects successful. In this study, we analyze the case of the Galena Bioenergy Project (Alaska)—a biomass heating project that uses locally sourced woody biomass to help meet the heating demands of a large educational campus. Using project documents and other publicly available reports, we evaluate the project’s success using three indicators: operational, environmental, and community level socio-economic benefits. We find that the project shows signs of success in all three respects. It has a reliable fuel supply chain for operations, makes contributions towards greenhouse gas reductions by replacing diesel and has improved energy and economic security for the community. We also examine enabling factors behind the project’s success and identify the following factors as crucial: community-level input and support, state level financial support, access to forest biomass with no competing use, predictable demand and committed leadership. Our findings have important implications for other remote communities across the Boreal zone—especially those with nearby forest resources. Our examination of this case study ultimately highlights potential pathways for long-term success and, more specifically, shows how biomass resources might be best utilized through community-led initiatives to sustainably support energy security in Arctic communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Vikas Menghwani & Chad Walker & Tim Kalke & Bram Noble & Greg Poelzer, 2022. "Harvesting Local Energy: A Case Study of Community-Led Bioenergy Development in Galena, Alaska," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:13:p:4655-:d:847574
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/13/4655/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/13/4655/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Blumer, Yann B. & Stauffacher, Michael & Lang, Daniel J. & Hayashi, Kiyotada & Uchida, Susumu, 2013. "Non-technical success factors for bioenergy projects—Learning from a multiple case study in Japan," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 386-395.
    2. Blair, M. Jean & Mabee, Warren E., 2020. "Evaluation of technology, economics and emissions impacts of community-scale bioenergy systems for a forest-based community in Ontario," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 715-730.
    3. Dall-Orsoletta, Alaize & Romero, Fernando & Ferreira, Paula, 2022. "Open and collaborative innovation for the energy transition: An exploratory study," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    4. Thompson, Shirley & Duggirala, Bhanu, 2009. "The feasibility of renewable energies at an off-grid community in Canada," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(9), pages 2740-2745, December.
    5. Evans, Annette & Strezov, Vladimir & Evans, Tim J., 2010. "Sustainability considerations for electricity generation from biomass," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(5), pages 1419-1427, June.
    6. Vaillancourt, Kathleen & Bahn, Olivier & Levasseur, Annie, 2019. "The role of bioenergy in low-carbon energy transition scenarios: A case study for Quebec (Canada)," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 24-34.
    7. Hodges, Donald G. & Chapagain, Binod & Watcharaanantapong, Pattarawan & Poudyal, Neelam C. & Kline, Keith L. & Dale, Virginia H., 2019. "Opportunities and attitudes of private forest landowners in supplying woody biomass for renewable energy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
    8. Gordon Walker & Sue Hunter & Patrick Devine-Wright & Bob Evans & Helen Fay, 2007. "Harnessing Community Energies: Explaining and Evaluating Community-Based Localism in Renewable Energy Policy in the UK," Global Environmental Politics, MIT Press, vol. 7(2), pages 64-82, May.
    9. Coady, Joe & Duquette, Jean, 2021. "Quantifying the impacts of biomass driven combined heat and power grids in northern rural and remote communities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    10. Walker, Gordon & Devine-Wright, Patrick, 2008. "Community renewable energy: What should it mean," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 497-500, February.
    11. Jennifer Buss & Nicolas Mansuy & Sebnem Madrali, 2021. "De-Risking Wood-Based Bioenergy Development in Remote and Indigenous Communities in Canada," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-16, May.
    12. Berka, Anna L. & Creamer, Emily, 2018. "Taking stock of the local impacts of community owned renewable energy: A review and research agenda," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3400-3419.
    13. Nicolas Mansuy & Diana Staley & Leila Taheriazad, 2020. "Woody Biomass Mobilization for Bioenergy in a Constrained Landscape: A Case Study from Cold Lake First Nations in Alberta, Canada," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-18, November.
    14. Cambero, Claudia & Hans Alexandre, Mariane & Sowlati, Taraneh, 2015. "Life cycle greenhouse gas analysis of bioenergy generation alternatives using forest and wood residues in remote locations: A case study in British Columbia, Canada," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 105(PA), pages 59-72.
    15. Walker, Gordon & Devine-Wright, Patrick & Hunter, Sue & High, Helen & Evans, Bob, 2010. "Trust and community: Exploring the meanings, contexts and dynamics of community renewable energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(6), pages 2655-2663, June.
    16. Yılmaz, Sebnem & Selim, Hasan, 2013. "A review on the methods for biomass to energy conversion systems design," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 420-430.
    17. Lauri, Pekka & Havlík, Petr & Kindermann, Georg & Forsell, Nicklas & Böttcher, Hannes & Obersteiner, Michael, 2014. "Woody biomass energy potential in 2050," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 19-31.
    18. He, Lixia & English, Burton C. & De La Torre Ugarte, Daniel G. & Hodges, Donald G., 2014. "Woody biomass potential for energy feedstock in United States," Journal of Forest Economics, Elsevier, vol. 20(2), pages 174-191.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Radtke, Jörg & Ohlhorst, Dörte, 2021. "Community Energy in Germany – Bowling Alone in Elite Clubs?," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    2. Vikas Menghwani & Rory Wheat & Bobbie Balicki & Greg Poelzer & Bram Noble & Nicolas Mansuy, 2023. "Bioenergy for Community Energy Security in Canada: Challenges in the Business Ecosystem," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-15, February.
    3. Radtke, Jörg & Bohn, Nino S., 2023. "Mind the gap: Community member perceptions of shortcomings in diversity and inclusivity of local energy projects in Germany," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    4. Busch, Henner & Ruggiero, Salvatore & Isakovic, Aljosa & Hansen, Teis, 2021. "Policy challenges to community energy in the EU: A systematic review of the scientific literature," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    5. Grashof, Katherina, 2019. "Are auctions likely to deter community wind projects? And would this be problematic?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 20-32.
    6. van der Waal, Esther C., 2020. "Local impact of community renewable energy: A case study of an Orcadian community-led wind scheme," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    7. Klein, Sharon J.W. & Coffey, Stephanie, 2016. "Building a sustainable energy future, one community at a time," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 867-880.
    8. Berka, Anna L. & Creamer, Emily, 2018. "Taking stock of the local impacts of community owned renewable energy: A review and research agenda," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3400-3419.
    9. Haji Bashi, Mazaher & De Tommasi, Luciano & Le Cam, Andreea & Relaño, Lorena Sánchez & Lyons, Padraig & Mundó, Joana & Pandelieva-Dimova, Ivanka & Schapp, Henrik & Loth-Babut, Karolina & Egger, Christ, 2023. "A review and mapping exercise of energy community regulatory challenges in European member states based on a survey of collective energy actors," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    10. Hoicka, Christina E. & MacArthur, Julie L., 2018. "From tip to toes: Mapping community energy models in Canada and New Zealand," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 162-174.
    11. Koga, H. & Bouzarovski, S. & Petrova, S., 2025. "Unsettling mainstream academic debates on community-based energy governance: Exploring the Japanese experience," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    12. Brummer, Vasco, 2018. "Community energy – benefits and barriers: A comparative literature review of Community Energy in the UK, Germany and the USA, the benefits it provides for society and the barriers it faces," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 187-196.
    13. Ki, Jaehong & Yun, Sun-Jin, 2024. "Local versus outsider developers: Impact on development duration and its’ implications for community acceptance of solar PV plants in South Korea," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    14. Emily Prehoda & Richelle Winkler & Chelsea Schelly, 2019. "Putting Research to Action: Integrating Collaborative Governance and Community-Engaged Research for Community Solar," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-24, January.
    15. Boon, Frank Pieter & Dieperink, Carel, 2014. "Local civil society based renewable energy organisations in the Netherlands: Exploring the factors that stimulate their emergence and development," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 297-307.
    16. Wu, Wenchao & Hasegawa, Tomoko & Fujimori, Shinichiro & Takahashi, Kiyoshi & Oshiro, Ken, 2020. "Assessment of bioenergy potential and associated costs in Japan for the 21st century," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 308-321.
    17. Julie L. MacArthur, 2017. "Trade, Tarsands and Treaties: The Political Economy Context of Community Energy in Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-20, March.
    18. Mignon, Ingrid & Rüdinger, Andreas, 2016. "The impact of systemic factors on the deployment of cooperative projects within renewable electricity production – An international comparison," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 478-488.
    19. Baxter, Jamie & Ellis, Geraint & Wilson, Sara & McAteer, Ben, 2024. "Community-based wind energy development does not work? Empirical evidence from residents in Canada and Ireland," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    20. Ruggiero, S. & Busch, H. & Hansen, T. & Isakovic, A., 2021. "Context and agency in urban community energy initiatives: An analysis of six case studies from the Baltic Sea Region," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 148(PA).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:13:p:4655-:d:847574. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.