A study unveiled in Anchorage this week revealed that south central Alaska could face natural gas shortages in just a few years unless new reserves are found. The report, issued by the Anchorage Economic Development Corp., found that the area’s short-term energy requirements are secure, but by the end of the decade, the region will have problems in winter when energy demand is highest.

According to the report prepared by Anchorage research firm Northern Economics Inc., the region is now well served by the Cook Inlet, which has reserves that have powered the area for 40 years. However, after 2009, a liquefied natural gas plant in Nikiski faces an “uncertain future” without more gas. Currently, the LNG facility operates under a federal export license, which may not be renewed without adequate supplies, said the report.

If the Cook Inlet’s natural gas supplies were to be tapped, the report indicates Anchorage has a ready supply of options available, including coalbed methane, North Slope gas, diesel, fuel oil, coal, imported LNG, hydroelectric and tidal power. However, most of these sources have “environmental, economic and feasibility hurdles” that would have to be overcome, said the report.

Along with the Anchorage Economic Development Corp., the report was also paid for by Anchorage businesses that included the Chugach Electric Association, Municipal Light & Power and Enstar Natural Gas Co.

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