POWER PLANTS PONDER METHODS FOR SECURING ADDITIONAL OUTPUT
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the
second of a series of articles on
power needs in the Fairbanks
area, which will run weekly in
Jcssen's. Today we have an in
terview with Herbert C. Purcell,
general manager of Golden Val
ley Electric Association, with
Paul ilp) Lien of our news staff.
These articles will include stories
on gas, oil, coal and nuclear power
as told by power experts in this
area and along the railbelt.
By Paul (Ip) Lien
Both Golden Valley Electric
Association and the Municipal
Utilities System are now mak
ing plans to alleviate any power
shortage that is certain to occur
next winter in Fairbanks.
In order to do this, additional
power plants must be built.
These additional plants are
expected to lower the cost of
<|lectridity — and prevent a
“brown out” next winter.
Herbert C. Purcell, general man
ager of Golden Valley, had some
interesting information to offer re
garding their plans.
In answering our question as to
the present status of plans for ad
ditional generation in the Fairbanks
area. Purcell had this to say:
“With the exception of Rampart,
there are no hydro sites in this area
which will produce energy at a
price comparing favorably with
that from other sources.
"Since there is presently no local
source of either gas or oil, they
would have to be imported, making
the cost too high in base load plants.
Practical Application
“There is a practical application
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: of oil-fired generation equipment in
the form of reserve or peaking gen
eration where oil-fired diesels or
gas turbines provide capacity at
i low first cost.
| “However, these units would be
expected to run only a very small
: percentage of the time—and conse
quently the costs of fuel consumed
i would not be a major item.
‘ Coal is the fuel we now use for
all electricity generated in this
I area.
I “Large quantities are now avail
able at Healy, and perhaps other
I areas.
“The cost of coal is moderate.
Nuclear Plants
“In comparing a nuclear plant we
find a very attractive possibility.
“Nuclear plants are relatively new
j and are undergoing rapid develop
ment.
“We are not in a position to con
sider seriously the latest experi
mental designs since their reliability
would be questionable.
“However, the boiling water and
pressurized water types have been
in utility service for many years
and could be expected to show rea
sonable reliability.
“The cost is relatively low.
“Generation to be installed in
the Fairbanks area in the immedi
ate future will be oil burning die
sels or gas turbines for reserve and
peaking capacity, and either ura
nium or coal fired steam plants for
the production of relatively low cost
energy.
Tlants Compared
“Comparing coal and nuclear
plants, I would like to make the
following assumption:
“Costs and efficiency of a coal
fired plant per estimates by GVEA
and MUS consulting engineers—and
reviewed by Rural Electric Admin
istration officials, was that coal
prices would be in line with those
in the States, and substantially less
than present prices.
“At the same time, nuclear costs
and efficiencies would be as pro
posed by experienced manufactur
ers of the same as reviewed by
GVEA's consultant.
“On the basis of the foregoing as
sumptions, the total cost of elec
tricity through 1973 would be be
tween 2 and 3 million dollars less
from a nuclear plant than from a
coal-fired plant.
“A nuclear plant would replace
locally produced coal and thereby
have an effect on the local economy,
and this could be offset by the pos
sible savings from nuclear genera
tion.
“Nuclear generation in 1965 to
supply energy required by both
GVEA and MUS systems would re
place approximately 46,000 tons of
coal, which is only eight per cent
of the total 1961 coal production of
approximately 600,000 tons.
Big Savings
•‘Taking full account of the net
effect on the local economy of
nuclear, instead of coal generation,
it is possible that net savings in the
cost of energy from nuclear plants
| would be between 1 and 2 million
dollars for the period through 1973.
“Uranium mining is not the well
established industry in Alaska that
coal mining is, but there is at least
one uranium mine operating.
The Ross-Adams Mine at Kendrick
Bay produced 2500 tons of ore last
year. “Greater production for the
mine is expected for 1962.
“Compared with a coal-fired
plant, where large volumes of coal
must be handled continuously, the
fueling of a nuclear reactor is rela
tively simple.
“Refueling is accomplished by re
placing a small number of the fuel
elements at intervals of six months
to two years.
“This would preclude such diffi
culties as were experienced last
winter with coal-fired plants in 60
degrees below zero weather,
t “There is some question of the
wisdom of burning Alaska's coal—
just because it is there.
“Burning coal for its energy con
sent is the lowest order use of coal.
Future Coal Uses
“As time goes on, coal will be
come more valuable as a source of
hydro carbons for the chemical in
dustry.
“So far the only practical use for
the large quantities of uranium in
the world is the extraction of the
energy locked in the nucleus of
the uranium atom.
“This energy may be utilized to
produce electric power or high ex
plosives.
“In view of these facts, GVEA'
continues to give serious considera
tion to a nuclear reactor as opposed
to a coal-fired steam plant for the
production of energy at the lowest
possible cost.
| “There are a number of questions
yet to be resolved before construc
tion can be started on either a nu
, clear or coal plant.
“It is anticipated that the decision
may be made in the very near fu
ture," said Purcell.
VALDEZ MOTHER
Since 1956, the FOE Aerie 1971
and their Ladies Auxiliary have
honored a Valdez mother. This year,
Mrs. Winnie Shafer has been chosen
the Valdez Mother of the Year. Tri
bute was also paid to former
Mothers of the Year, and to the
oldest and youngest mother present.
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I
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