The Event

The 2018 Rural Energy Conference will be held April 10th-12th, 2018.

RACEE Competition Winners are encouraged to attend RACEE Day on April 9th, 2018.

The 2016 conference in Fairbanks attracted almost 400 people from over 75 villages and towns in Alaska and beyond. The Alaska Rural Energy Conference is a three day event offering a large variety of technical sessions covering new and ongoing energy projects in Alaska, as well as new technologies and needs for Alaska's remote communities.

Building on the growing success, the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Center for Energy and Power have joined forces again to organize and sponsor the 11th biennial Alaska Rural Energy Conference.

Our Mission

To create a forum for energy stakeholders to share ideas and information with the goal of promoting economic development, environmental sustainability and energy security for Alaskans.

Need Even More Reasons to Attend REC?

Download Full Program

Participate in Working Groups Throughout the Conference

Conference audience clapping Rural Energy Conference attendees are encouraged to participate in working group meetings held during the week of the conference. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to join industry leaders, policy makers, funding agencies, and developers as they discuss opportunities, challenges and advancements in Alaska's energy projects and technologies.

Monday, April 9, 4:00pm

Energy Efficiency | Room: Gold East | Facilitator: Katie Conway, AEA

Wednesday, April 11, 7:30am

Wind | Room: Tanana | Facilitator: Josh Craft, AEA

Biomass | Room: Gold East | Facilitator: Devany Plentovich, AEA

Solar | Room: Rampart | Facilitator: Cady Lister, AEA, Erin Whitney, ACEP and Chris Pike, ACEP

Heat Pumps | Room: Harper Board Room | Facilitator: Dan Smith, AEA

Thursday, April 12, 7:00am

Hydro | Room: Tanana | Facilitator: Bryan Carey, AEA

Greenhouse Peer Network | Room: Rampart | Facilitator: Devany Plentovich, AEA

Free Pre-Conference Community Workshop:
Remote Camp Energy and Greenhouse Heat

Monday, April 9, 5-8 pm, Tanana Trade Center, Westmark Hotel

can stove heater Remote Camp Energy (5-6:30pm): Alaskan residents spending time 'off the grid' often forgo luxuries such as hot water heaters and other high-energy devices. However, there are energy sources available for camp, cabin or being off the grid. Learn about different types of energy devices and how to manage your fuel supply. Discussion will focus on examples (and video) of devices such as solar cells, small wind turbines, micro hydro, battery banks, rocket stoves and local inventions.

Greenhouse Heat (6:30-8 pm): If only you could get an extra month before breakup to start plants and an extra month after the first freeze to allow the produce to mature. Well, there are inexpensive ways to do so with passive solar boxes, heat sinking and thermal mass storage. Find out how to construct and use a three-season greenhouse and how to create and use biochar, a product of anaerobic combustion of biomass that can improve nutrient regulation in agricultural soils. You will also learn how to use common materials to get more heat during the shoulder seasons and extend your growing season.

Evening Receptions

Tuesday, April 10, 6-8pm, at Doyon, Limited Building

Sponsored by Doyon. Please join us for an evening reception, hosted by Doyon Limited, for an opportunity to talk in a more informal setting with conference presenters, vendors and colleagues from around the state and beyond. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served. Additional details for this reception can be found on page 14 of the REC program.

Wednesday, April 11, 6-8pm, at UAF's Engineering Learning and Innovation Facility

Sponsored by Golden Valley Electric Association. Please join us for an evening reception at the Alaska Center for Energy & Power's (ACEP) new offices for an opportunity to talk in a more informal setting with conference presenters, vendors and colleagues from around the state and beyond. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served. Tours will be available for ACEP's Energy Technology Facility (ETF). Additional details for this reception can be found on page 14 of the REC program.