DOE opens talks on $125M tribal energy projects

The U.S. Department of Energy announced more than $48 million for 20 energy projects serving Alaska Native tribes and communities, including funding for a proposed intertie and hydrothermal exploration. Separately, the department announced about $38 million to strengthen Alaska’s electric grid, improve reliability and help keep power affordable, although applicants must still apply and no awards have yet been made. The announcements are part of a recent wave of federal funding for Alaska infrastructure, following earlier cuts, pauses and reviews of grants, including some funding created under the Biden administration. The timing has drawn scrutiny because the announcements coincide with competitive midterm races, though Sen. Lisa Murkowski has disputed that the funding is election-related.