Tyonek Tribal Center Solar Pilot Project

Tyonek is disadvantaged, environmentally threatened Alaska Native village that is facing high rates of poverty, exacerbated by the high cost of electricity. There are 152 residents of Tyonek. 95% of the residents are Alaska Native. The median household income is $42,159, less than half of Alaska’s median household income of $88,121. The unemployment rate is 44%. Tyonek faces disproportionate impacts from climate change-related natural disasters. As a rural and remote community only accessible by boat or plane, residents are impacted by high transportation cost burdens and low transportation access, high housing costs, and high energy costs. Tyonek residents rely on subsistence hunting and fishing to feed their families, and as such Tyonek faces disproportionate impacts from climate change-related weather events and natural disasters. Power outages are frequent and extended.  Tyonek’s Tribal Center (the office of the Native Village of Tyonek’s Tribal government and a cherished community gathering place) has reported monthly electrical bills exceeding $5,000.

Tebughna Foundation’s solar program is spearheading the development of a decentralized solar and energy storage microgrid in Tyonek, as outlined in NVT's Alternative Energy Report. This community-scale decentralized microgrid aims to meet Tyonek's electrical needs. To inform the development of this initiative, we're launching the Tribal Center Solar Pilot Project, featuring a 25-kW net-metered, carport-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) array, solar-assisted heat pump, and lithium ferrous phosphate battery energy storage system at the Tyonek Tribal Center. This pilot project will collect data on electrical generation, battery capacity, cost savings, project benefits, sustainability, and operations and maintenance. Positioned at the forefront of energy advancement, the Tribal Center Solar Pilot Project paves the way for future solar and energy storage developments, including a Tribal community solar independent power producer and solar-assisted heat pumps for Tribal residences. Additionally, we'll provide vocational training for Tribal citizens to pursue career opportunities in the solar energy industry. Our solution integrates renewable energy infrastructure with modern technologies such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and satellite internet connectivity. These technologies enable real-time monitoring, remote management, and proactive maintenance of energy infrastructure, ensuring reliability and efficiency even in remote areas. Leveraging traditional knowledge systems alongside data analytics, GIS mapping, and sensor technology informs sustainable energy solutions that align with cultural values and environmental considerations. This comprehensive approach maximizes the benefits of renewable energy adoption while promoting economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation in Indigenous communities.

Tyonek, located on the northern shore of Tikhatnu (the Cook Inlet), is on the traditional territory of the Dena’ina Athabascan people. We are Tebughna - Dena’ina for “the beach people”. For time immemorial, the people of Tyonek have embraced a rich traditional culture of subsistence, song, dance, storytelling, and spirituality.

Tebughna Foundation was founded in 2007 to provide scholarships to the Tyonek Tribal community. Since then, our work has expanded to include Dena’ina language revitalization, cultural events and community programs, and community development. Tebughna Foundation’s solar program was founded to accomplish the energy goals of the NVT 10-Year Strategic Plan, which states “Pursue renewable energy options… to lower our electric bills.”

The benefits of a decentralized solar and energy storage microgrid are numerous. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources forecasts natural gas shortfalls in the Cook Inlet by 2027, an undoubtedly dire situation which will result in increased energy costs for communities in the region. Solar power can fulfill a vital need for energy in the decades to come. Becoming an independent power producer will diversify the local economy. The installation and maintenance of solar energy facility will create job opportunities and boost the local economy by providing employment and income for Tyonek residents. The implementation of a decentralized, grid-connected solar and energy storage microgrid will enhance energy resilience and reduce disruptions caused by climate-change related weather events and natural disasters. Tribal management of renewable energy resources will promote energy sovereignty and allow the Tribal community to control its energy future. Pursuing renewable energy sources like solar leads to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change.

100% of our board members and our executive director are Alaska Native and NVT Tribal citizens. The majority of our staff are Alaska Native.Tebughna Foundation was founded in 2007 to provide scholarships to the Tyonek Tribal community. Since then, our work has expanded to include Dena’ina language revitalization, cultural events and community programs, and community development.

In 2016, Tebughna Foundation received an Administration for Native Americans (ANA) grant to help Native Village of Tyonek strengthen its governance, for long-term planning, and to develop financial management capacity to manage village-level government operations and guide economic growth for the community. The three-year grant provided funding for Tribal governance training and this community visioning process, to result in a unified 10-year strategic plan for Tyonek, approved and adopted by the community.

Tebughna Foundation’s solar program was founded to accomplish the energy goals of the NVT 10-Year Strategic Plan, which states “Pursue renewable energy options… to lower our electric bills.” Tebughna Foundation, with support from College and Community Partnership Program, Thriving Earth Exchange and the Environmental Defense Fund, published the NVT Alternative Energy Report, which concluded that a solar farm would be the most economically viable and environmentally responsible renewable energy source.

The solar program has identified four focus areas:

• Install a 25-kW solar photovoltaic array and battery energy storage system at the Tyonek Tribal Center;
• Install solar-assisted heat pumps in Tribally-owned residential buildings in Tyonek;
• Facilitate the design of a utility-scale community solar independent power producer, a.k.a. “the solar farm”;
• Prepare the local workforce to work in the renewable energy industry by providing vocational scholarships.

Our executive director over 50 years of experience working with NVT Tribe as a Tribal citizen raised in Tyonek. She has extensive experience working with other tribes in the Cook Inlet region. Vide oversees TF and staff operations, reviews, and approves project planning and development, funding allotment to projects, and staff accountability to deliver projects adhering to grant stipulations for project funding.

Our solar program manager's educational background is in renewable energy and power data analysis and has nearly a decade of experience working for Tribes and Tribal nonprofits in administrative roles.

We are launching a solar PV, heat pump, and battery energy storage system at the Tyonek Tribal Center. There has been a solar PV array and battery storage system installed in Tyonek's community garden, to run the irrigation system. The community garden has enhanced food sovereignty in a community that relies on subsistence resources, with no access to a grocery store. The Tribal Center Solar Pilot Project is informed by data collected from the prototype at the community garden. We learned that the flooded glass mat battery was not suitable for the climate and community's needs and we are exploring lithium-ferrous phosphate battery chemistry. We determined the wind and snow load for carport-mounted solar. The Tribal Center Solar Pilot Project will be the next step into commercial availability, as we will be submitting a net-metering and interconnection agreement with Chugach Electric Association, the utility that serves Tyonek. 

The Tribal Center Solar Pilot Project is a comprehensive approach to addressing various challenges and opportunities, including mitigating impacts from climate change. By implementing renewable energy solutions, such as solar and energy storage systems, the project contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering environmental sustainability. Moreover, it enhances grid resiliency and reliability through the integration of distributed energy resources, thus mitigating risks associated with climate-related disruptions. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy reduces reliance on finite and environmentally harmful resources but also promotes energy independence and sovereignty for Tribal communities. The pilot project navigates legal and regulatory barriers by engaging with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure compliance and streamline permitting processes. Additionally, it overcomes technical challenges by demonstrating the efficacy of solar and energy storage technologies tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the Tribal community. Developing comprehensive operations and maintenance plans ensures the long-term sustainability and efficiency of renewable energy systems. Furthermore, the project promotes renewable energy workforce development by providing training and employment opportunities for Tribal citizens, thus empowering local communities and fostering economic growth and resilience. Overall, the Tribal solar and energy storage pilot project serves as a catalyst for sustainable development, resilience-building, and empowerment within Tribal communities. 

Networking with MIT Solve provides opportunities for collaboration, support, and innovation in addressing global challenges, particularly in renewable energy and sustainability. Engaging with Solve's diverse community offers access to resources, expertise, funding, and visibility to accelerate progress towards our goals. Partnering with MIT Solve aligns with our mission to drive positive change and create impact within Tribal communities and beyond.

Vide has over 50 years of experience working with NVT Tribe as a Tribal citizen raised in Tyonek. She has extensive experience working with other Tribes in the Cook Inlet region.

Holistic Solution: The project takes a holistic approach by combining solar photovoltaic arrays, battery energy storage systems, and solar-assisted heat pumps to address multiple challenges faced by the community, including high energy costs, frequent, prolonged outages, and vulnerability to climate change-related impacts. This integrated approach ensures that the community's energy needs are met sustainably and efficiently.

Community Engagement and Empowerment: The project prioritizes community engagement and empowerment by involving Tribal citizens in every stage of the process, from planning to implementation. By providing vocational training and employment opportunities in the renewable energy industry, the project addresses immediate energy challenges and fosters long-term economic resilience and self-sufficiency within the community.

Innovation and Adaptation: The project demonstrates a commitment to innovation and adaptation by learning from past experiences, such as the installation of a solar PV array and battery storage system in the community garden. By exploring alternative battery chemistries better suited to the climate and community's needs, the project showcases a willingness to adapt and improve its approach based on real-world feedback and data.

Scalability and Replicability: The project's focus on developing a utility-scale community solar independent power producer has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts beyond Tyonek. By demonstrating the economic viability and environmental benefits of solar energy in rural and remote communities, the project could inspire similar initiatives in other Indigenous communities facing similar challenges worldwide. This could lead to a broader shift towards renewable energy adoption, ultimately transforming the energy market landscape by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainability.

Partnerships and Collaboration: By partnering with organizations like MIT Solve and leveraging their resources, expertise, and networks, the project can amplify its impact and catalyze broader positive impacts in the renewable energy space. Collaborative efforts with other stakeholders, including government agencies, utility companies, and non-profit organizations, will accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future for Indigenous communities.

Our solution aims to address the energy challenges faced by the Tyonek community through a decentralized solar and energy storage microgrid. By leveraging the expertise of our team and traditional ecological knowledge, and guided by our elders, we are endeavoring to install a 25-kW solar PV array, heat pump, and battery energy storage system at the Tyonek Tribal Center. This immediate output will result in the generation of renewable electricity and the storage of excess energy, reducing the community's reliance on expensive and unreliable fossil fuel-based electricity.

Long term outcomes include economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, energy resilience, and energy sovereignty. The transition from fossil fuels to solar PV, will reduce the cost of electricity and will create jobs for the local workforce. Reducing fossil fuel consumption will decrease greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability and mitigating the impacts of climate change on the community, aligning with the Indigenous values of stewardship and honoring the land. The integration of solar PV arrays and battery energy storage systems will enhance the community's energy resilience, reducing the frequency and duration of power outages. The transition to renewable energy will allow the Tribe to assert its sovereignty over energy generation, representing a fundamental shift from reliance on external energy providers to equity and self-determination. By owning and managing renewable energy infrastructure, the community can make decisions that align with its cultural values, economic interests, and long-term sustainability goals.

The success of similar projects in other communities demonstrates the effectiveness of renewable energy solutions in reducing energy costs, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing energy resilience. Data collected from interviews with community members can provide insights into the immediate and long-term impacts of the project on their daily lives, economic well-being, and environmental conditions. Process evaluations conducted throughout the project implementation phase will track progress, identify challenges, and inform adjustments to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved.

Our impact goals for our solution in addressing energy challenges in remote Indigenous communities like Tyonek are as follows:

1. Economic Empowerment: Increase household income and reduce poverty by lowering energy costs and creating job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

   • Indicator: Reduction in energy burden.
   • Indicator: Number of jobs created.

2. Environmental Sustainability: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change by transitioning to renewable energy sources.

   • Indicator: Improved air quality in the community.
   • Indicator: Reduced energy consumption.
   • Indicator: Generated renewable energy.

3. Energy Resilience: Enhance energy resilience and reliability by implementing decentralized renewable energy infrastructure and improving grid stability.

   • Indicator: Reduced number and duration of power outages.
4. Energy Sovereignty: Empower the community to assert control over its energy future and decision-making processes, promoting self-determination and autonomy in energy matters.
   • Indicator: Community ownership and management of renewable energy infrastructure.
   • Indicator: Inclusion of Indigenous governance structures and decision-making processes in renewable energy projects.

Our solution for addressing energy challenges in remote Indigenous communities like Tyonek integrates renewable energy infrastructure with modern technologies. Renewable energy assets such as solar PV arrays and battery storage systems are complemented by supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and satellite internet connectivity. These technologies enable real-time monitoring, remote management, and proactive maintenance of energy infrastructure, ensuring reliability and efficiency even in remote areas. Additionally, leveraging traditional knowledge systems alongside data analytics, GIS mapping, and sensor technology informs sustainable energy solutions that align with cultural values and environmental considerations. This comprehensive approach maximizes the benefits of renewable energy adoption while promoting economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation in Indigenous communities.

Alaska

3 full-time staff: The executive director, the solar program manager, and the bookkeeper

2 part-time staff: The administrative assistant and the grant writer

2 contractors: Alaska Native Renewable Industries, a Native-owned engineering, procurement, and construction firm

2019: Publication of NVT's 10-Year Strategic Plan which states the community's energy goals

2021: Publication of the Alternative Energy Report

2022: Founding of the solar program 

2023: Won the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize

2024: Pilot project development

We have been collecting data and stakeholder input for 5 years, and been configuring our solution for 2 years.

At Tebughna Foundation, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of our organization. Our leadership team reflects this commitment, as 100% of our board members are Alaska Native Tribal citizens of the Native Village of Tyonek, and the majority of our staff are also Alaska Native. We are proud to be a women-led organization, with the majority of our staff, board members and our executive director being women. This gender diversity and women's leadership are essential elements of our organizational culture.

In addition to our diverse leadership, we prioritize serving the Native Village of Tyonek Tribal citizens, ensuring that our programs and initiatives serve the Tribal community's needs and aspirations. Central to our approach is the inclusion of input from Indigenous elders, who provide invaluable wisdom, cultural insights, and guidance. Through regular consultations, community gatherings, and advisory councils, we engage with elders to ensure that our work is rooted in cultural traditions, values, and practices.

By incorporating input from Indigenous elders, we honor their leadership, wisdom, and contributions, and we strengthen our commitment to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and culturally sensitive approach to our work. This dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion permeates every aspect of our organization, guiding our decision-making processes, shaping our initiatives, and driving positive change in the communities we serve.

1. Value Proposition:

• Economic Empowerment: Create jobs in the renewable energy sector and lower energy costs for consumers by harnessing renewable energy.
• Environmental Sustainability: Reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact by generating clean energy from solar power and minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Energy Reliability and Resiliency: Reduce dependency on centralized grids and mitigating the impact of power outages.
• Energy Sovereignty: Empower the community to assert control over its energy future and decision-making processes, promoting self-determination and autonomy in energy matters.

2. Customer Segments: residential, commercial, and utility.

3. Key Activities:

• Project Development: Identify suitable locations for microgrid installations, conduct feasibility studies, secure permits and approvals, and develop project plans.
• System Installation: Design, procure, and install solar panels, battery storage systems, inverters, and other necessary components for the microgrid.
• Grid Integration: Connect the microgrid to the existing utility grid infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Operations and Maintenance: Monitor system performance, conduct regular maintenance activities, and provide technical support to ensure optimal operation and efficiency.

4. Revenue Streams: energy sales, energy storage leasing, renewable energy credits, maintenance contracts, consulting fees.

5. Key Resources: solar panels, battery energy storage systems, and technical Expertise: Employ skilled engineers, technicians, and installers with expertise in solar energy, battery storage, and microgrid technologies.

6. Key Partnerships: local and Tribal government, inter-Tribal consortia, economic development organizations, suppliers, contractors, Chugach Electric Association, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

7. Cost Structure:

• Equipment Costs: Invest in the procurement of solar panels, battery storage systems, inverters, and other hardware components for microgrid installations.
• Installation Costs: Allocate funds for labor, equipment, and overhead costs associated with system installation, commissioning, and grid integration.
• Operations and Maintenance Costs: Budget for ongoing expenses related to system monitoring, maintenance, repairs, and technical support.
• Administrative Expenses: Cover overhead costs such as salaries, office rent, utilities, insurance, and marketing expenses.

8. Channels: community meetings, social media, partnerships, in-person events and conferences,

9. Community Relationships:

• Community Support: Provide responsive and reliable support throughout the project lifecycle, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring community satisfaction.
• Education and Training: Offer educational resources, workshops, and training programs to customers to increase awareness of decentralized solar and battery microgrid technologies and empower them to make informed decisions.

10. Impact Measurement:

• Economic Empowerment: Quantify the cost savings realized by customers through the adoption of decentralized solar and battery microgrid solutions compared to traditional grid electricity.
• Environmental Sustainability: Quantify greenhouse gas reductions by measuring improvements in outdoor air quality.
• Energy Resilience: Assess the improvement in energy resilience and reliability for customers by measuring the frequency and duration of power outages and the ability of microgrids to provide backup power during emergencies.
• Energy Sovereignty: Evaluate the level of community engagement and satisfaction through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and participation metrics.

We were grand-prize winners for the DOE's Inclusive Energy Innovation prize. Additionally, we were awarded funding from Tyonek Native Corporation, Cook Inlet Region Inc., Clean Energy Group, and GRID Alternatives Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund.

Total funding: $330,000

We have received in-kind support from Tyonek Tribal Conservation District, College and Community Partnership Program, Thriving Earth Exchange, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Value of in-kind support: $95,000