This past week I toured Terra Energy Corporation’s West Susitna coal project with Congressman Nick Begich, fellow legislators, and local business leaders. What I saw reinforced a truth we can’t afford to ignore: Alaska does not have enough power to meet the needs of our people and our industries. If we want to grow, we need more energy, not less.
Terra’s project is an example of how we can get there. It’s not the old image of coal. This is a modern minemouth generation facility, designed from the ground up with carbon capture.
At full build-out, it could produce baseload electricity at lower cost than importing LNG, while using Alaska’s own resources and workers. That’s the kind of innovation we need to lower rates for families and attract new industries – like data centers – which thrive on our cool climate and international location.
And let me be clear: Terra’s project doesn’t compete with Usibeli in Healy. And it doesn’t compete with Alaska LNG. It complements them. Usibeli has powered Interior Alaska reliably for decades and will continue to do so. LNG exports will be critical for opening international markets. Terra’s project fits into the mix by providing stable, affordable in-state power. Sometimes it will make sense to export LNG while burning coal at home. Other times it may be the opposite. It’s not either/or. The point is more.
Right now, Alaska is constrained by how much energy we can produce. Mines like Estelle and Whistler in the Mat-Su, with nearly 20 million combined ounces of gold and new antimony potential, recently embargoed by China, need power and road access. Value-added industries like smelting, mineral processing, and advanced manufacturing all need electricity and heat. We already have space for these projects at Port Mackenzie, along with most of the railway extension completed to support them.
Alaska has always been an energy state. But for too long, we’ve been debating which project “wins” instead of asking how many we can move forward at once.
The same is true for projects statewide, from the Palmer project near Haines to Bokan’s rare earths on Prince of Wales, to the Ambler copper belt in the Brooks Range. Every one of them faces the same bottleneck: energy.
That’s why infrastructure projects like the West Susitna Access Road are so important. DOT is advancing the public segment for families and recreation, while AIDEA is pursuing the industrial corridor to carry power and fiber. Together, they unlock the western Mat-Su, not just for mining, but for all the industries and jobs that follow.
I worked earlier this year on the “Unlocking Alaska’s Mineral Potential” report in response to Executive Order 14241, which laid out how projects across the state fit into our national strategy for critical minerals. What became clear in that process is also clear here in the Mat-Su Valley: resources alone aren’t enough. You need infrastructure, you need permitting certainty, and you need power.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
Alaska has always been an energy state. But for too long, we’ve been debating which project “wins” instead of asking how many we can move forward at once. The truth is, we need them all. Coal, LNG, hydropower, advanced nuclear, and renewable technologies, every one of them adds to the supply we’ll need to power our homes, support new businesses, and compete in the global economy.
If we get this right, we can stop asking, “Where will the power come from?” and we can start asking, “Where can we put it to work next?” That’s the only way to lower costs, grow year-round jobs, and build a stronger Alaska for the next generation.
The Mat-Su is ready to lead. And I’m going to keep working to make sure the power, roads, and resources are there to fuel that growth. That’s how we make sure our families see lower bills and steady paychecks. Alaska’s future depends on it.
The views expressed here are those of the author.
21 Comments
Until we get Lisa out of office she’ll continue to insist our energy policy incorporate an obscene percentage of solar and wind energy. There are wind generator installed in Prudhoe Bay, of all places. The maintenance alone will eat up any gains, if any, that wind generation in Prudhoe will produce. Someone got their donations reimbursed me thinks.
I am all for progress but I really want to know. A quick search on Data centers in the US will bring about some very frightening information. Is this really about supplying Alaskans with more power or jumping in the data bandwagon?
let’s see now, QUESTION FOR YOU GEORGE. WASNT YOUR CAREER BEFORE YOUR GOVERNMENT GRIFT JOB LAYING LAMINATE FLOORING? WHAT THE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT POWER? AND FOR GODS SAKES CARBON CAPTURE?! YOU’VE BEEN A WORTHLESS CLOWN THE ENTIRE TIME YOU’VE BEEN TWIDDLING YOUR THUMBS SILENTLY BEHIND YOUR OFFICE DOOR! GO BACK HOME AND PICK UP A BROOM!
That is incorrect. George has had a successful log home refinishing business for years and does beautiful work. He also has been a builder. As my state representative I have seen him work tirelessly, successfully, and quietly, not seeking fanfare. He is a solid conservative who can be counted on to stand firm and not waver or jump ship for power and control. He also is very accessible, listens well, and I could call him right now.
A QUOTE FROM ONE OF YOUR CONSERVATIVE SENATORS” GEORGE WANDERS THE HALLS OF THE CAPITAL BUILDING AIMLESSLY WONDERING WHAT HIS PURPOSE IS ” ! WHAT HAS HE ACCOMPLISHED? YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH HIM IS FINE BETWEEN YOU TWO. THE STATE DESPERATELY NEEDS STATESMAN WITH the COURAGE AND WISDOM TO SET THE PACE, CREATE AND CAST THE VISION, AND THE PURSUASIVE ABILITY TO GET OTHERS TO GO IN THE SAME DIRECTION!!!! NOT PACIVIST LIKE GEORGE RAUCHER!!!!
One must wonder what your career has been, Mr, Maxwell. What has qualified you to be such a vociferous political/social leader? Curious minds want to know……………since you’ve brought it up………………….
Reggie no need to wonder anymore. My trade was an electrician, thus I actually know something about the subject!! Then Reggie to add to that I’m a whistle blower in this highly corrupt state we call home!! I am very vocal and intend to continue, as the putrid examples of leadership that are paraded before us ignorantly, naively, and cowardly continue to manage our decline, similar like that of the boiled frog who never figured out what happened!
response coming Reggie
Your something dave. George actually physically worked and still works for a living. The only thing you work is your jaw.
IN THE PRISON SYSTEM THEY CALL IT FLIPPING YOUR GIBS! DOUG, IN ALL DUE RESPECT (IF ANY IS CALLED FOR) WHO IN THE HELL ARE YOU? ONLY A PUNK WOULD MAKE SUCH AN EMPTY STUPID STATEMENT! DO YOU HAVE ANY CONTENT TO OFFER?
Coal, LNG, hydropower and mining I’m ok with. But this wind and solar doesn’t work, It’s all smoke and mirrors
wind and solar alone is insufficient, but it can be a component of the the whole picture
You can go clean up the dead birds from the wind mill battle fields manny.
Over fifty years of trying to get a liquid natural gas pipeline from North Slope through Fairbanks to Anchorage/Valdez or even through Canada (Trans Canada anyone?) and we have yet to get a LNG pipeline constructed. A LNG pipeline won’t be built in Alaska to anywhere unless the private companies can profit from it. Cheap plentiful power that is accessible will certainly help this pie-in the sky project (and others) and can’t hurt whoever buys it.
As a side note, I never could understand where refineries are located in Valdez and Nikiski, why those towns don’t have the lowest gasoline/diesel prices (currently at $4.39 & $3.74/gal., respectively) in the State of Alaska since the cost of transportation is the lowest.
This was enlightening as I was unaware we had such potential in the Matsu. Alaska has shown over past decades that we can develop resources responsibly and safely and I like the idea of multiple sources of energy. There are areas in our state where wind does work such as Kodiak with the Pillar Mountain installation but there is still another backup system. Solar works also but is pretty much seasonal and takes up a lot of space so needs to be paralleled with something else more consistent. We have so much coal in our state and now have ways to burn it cleanly. I would like to see all viable sources of energy utilized as they fit the situation. Great article.
Great about coal, but we have coal available already as as you indicated. Then as Alaska always does build something to compete with an existing private enterprise in Healy. Makes no sense no sense at all.
In the Natural gas belt, Everyone is on a natural gas furnace ,hot water heater and stove. This guy is a typical bought and paid for politician. Instead of incentivizing new gas development he takes us on a pie in sky big dollar scam, “ just wait and see “. I wonder who is buying his lunch.
As far as rare minerals and not so rare, what about Pebble Mine, on State land, 2nd largest Copper deposit on the Planet. Not to mention a half dozen other minerals. So instead of following UP on current proposed solutions, you create more.
Here is the elephant in the room about West Susitna access, from where the road currently ends to the West side of Alexander Creek is proposed to be funded by Federal Highway funds. That’s right same dollars to fix the road ruts, expand roads to add more lanes, and fix known traffic jams. The crossing of the Susitna River alone will be north of $200 million at least. That does not include building the road across prime wet lands and crossing several smaller rivers. Good luck on getting the Feds buy in on this road to no where. Finally this guy could not get his fellow legislators to finance the preliminary engineering for West Susitna access, via last session’s legislator. So why is he wasting our time with one more piece of in sky proposal?
WHY? THATS EASY. BECAUSE HE HAS A TAPE MEASURE IN HIS TOOL BOX AND HIS GRANDMAS HAMMER. OH YAH HES ALSO WANTING TO BE A SENATOR. ALL FOR SELF ADULATION, WHILE BEING COMPLETELY UNQUALIFIED!!! WE NEED A LEADER!! GEORGE IS A FOLLOWER! LEADERS WHO ARE EDUACATED ON THEIR PROPOSED IDEAS SO WE HAVE REAL SOLUTIONS!! GEORGE IS SMOKING PIPE DREAMS!
This article effectively highlights Alaskas immense energy and mineral potential, but it overly optimistically glosses over the significant infrastructure and environmental challenges. The focus on multiple energy sources is practical, yet the feasibility of implementation remains uncertain without addressing these hurdles.
You might try a link or reference to Terra’s website on this project:https://www.akenergyauthority.org/Portals/0/About/Board%20Meetings/Documents/2025/2025.01.30/5A.%20%20Terra%20Energy%20Center%20Presentation.pdf?ver=EI2nKaRq3kPO56Tsiu_KMw%3D%3D
I’ll tell you who I am dave Maxwell a long time successful businessman, a commercial pilot a father and a grandfather. You are the only punk here. You shoot your mouth off about George a guy that comes home from Juneau and goes directly to work doing grueling log home maintenance for a lot of home owners. I’m happy to meet you anytime anywhere if you want to shoot your big mouth off bring it on in person. Who in the hell do you think you are.??
. So by your logic a carpenter isn’t qualified for public service. Curiously our government is set up to be managed by the common man, Not qualified?? Nearly every us citizen is qualified to be an American politician. Your a real tool Dave though not a very smart one, or maybe your a bot, hmmm crazily writing in all capitals. Ranting and raving. Dude you need to go back to regular Folgers coffee and cut the high test. And I’m going to tell you who I am. I’m a long time buisnessman, a husband to the same beautiful woman for 37 years, a commercial pilot, a father, a grandfather and a guy who loves god family and country, that’s who I am. You’re a turd dave. You offer nothing but criticism. I’m sure the ADN would love you to comment in its opinion section.