Energy is flowing in the Northwest Arctic Borough
Michell Wilber presents at the Northwest Arctic Borough Energy Steering Committee meeting in May.
June 05, 2025
ACEP Grid Edge research members Michelle Wilber and Mohammad Heidari Kapourchali attended the Energy Steering Committee meeting in Kotzebue in May. Wilber is ACEP Grid Edge research lead and Heidari Kapourchali is an ACEP affiliated researcher and UAA assistant professor of electrical engineering.
This was an excellent recurring opportunity to talk to energy champions from each of the region's 11 communities and to hear updates on energy projects and conditions in the region.
While some projects are on hold due to funding constraints, work is moving forward on plans to install heat pumps and add solar photovoltaics to communities.
Mohammad Heidari Kapourchali and Michelle Wilber in front of Kotzebue Electric Association Headquarters in Kotzebue, Alaska.
Wilber gave an overview of ACEP work with collaborators in the region including electric vehicle, diesel-free heating, grid resiliency, channel marine energy resource and energy transitions research as well as learning networks, workforce development and educational activities. Wilber and Heidari Kapourchali also met with community collaborators including the Kotzebue Electric Association.
“Having the opportunity to attend these bi-annual meetings is wonderful,” Wilber said. “We get a better understanding of the requests and needs of partners in the region.”
The trip was made possible by the Sloan Foundation through the “Integrated renewable energy community microgrid transitions and energy sovereignty in remote communities in Alaska” project.