A Panhandle Heat Pumps installer mounts a heat pump indoor unit in a home in Juneau in March, 2024. to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions that drive global warming. It’s part of the Biden administration’s ambitious effort to tackle climate change.
The plan lists the biggest sources of emissions in the state, including industry, electricity generation and air transportation. One proposal would expand the Bradley Lake hydroelectric project to supply more clean energy to the Railbelt. Another project through Alaska Housing Finance Corporation would fund weatherization for homes statewide. That can mean adding insulation or upgrading windows and doors to make a house more energy efficient.
Heat pumps use electricity to heat homes and tend to be more efficient and safer than oil heating. Romanoff said in coastal Alaska, where many communities already power their grids with cheap hydropower, heat pumps cut emissions and save money.