Concept Vision
This proposed run-of-river concept will generate year-round and produce up to 12 MWs of power, depending on the season and associated river flow. Electricity and optical fiber would be provided to the communities of Dillingham, Aleknagik, Koliganek, New Stuyahok, Ekwok and Levelock, also supporting the electric and communications needs of Bristol Bay’s incredible wild salmon industry in these communities. Project generation potential has been estimated using over 60 years of federally collected site-specific flow data. Based upon this analysis, the seasonal generation capacity matches, or exceeds, the demand for power in these communities. This project will replace up to 1.5 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. Hydroelectric projects in Alaska have a successful history of providing electric rate reduction, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, carbon emissions mitigation and longevity. Several hydro facilities in Alaska have been in operation for more than a century and many more are currently displaying the same type of longevity potential. We believe the combination of renewable energy and increased broadband access will provide the basis for economic and social improvement and growth in the region for generations to come.
This Nuyakuk River Concept location provides many advantages for low-impact hydroelectric development. Twenty Six feet of elevation drop occurs rapidly through a series of falls in a 2500’ stretch of river. The location of these falls at a bend in the river would allow for a flow diversion of only 1500’ without the need for a dam. Our intent is to meet generation goals while at the same time having minimal negative impact on the environment. Key project characteristics include:
- Natural topographic and hydrologic features that benefit diversion and reintroduction of flow
- Vast upstream lake system that captures 1544 square miles of watershed and acts as a natural sediment trap
- Low visual impact site with minimal project footprint
- No disturbance of the natural course of the river
- Short bypass reach (portion of the river that is affected) through falls area that possesses limited to no rearing or spawning habitat
- Potentially positive impact for upstream fish passage through the bypass reach via reduction of high water velocities that currently create intermittent velocity barriers during key migration periods
- Click here to see the Aesthetics Report Conceptual Project Layout Rendering Video
Updated Study Report Public Comment Period
The public comment period for the Nuyakuk River Hydroelectric Project's Updated Study Report ends Friday, March 21, 2025! Your input is vital to ensuring the proposed project reflects the values and priorities of our community. Share your thoughts today and help us build a stronger, more sustainable Bristol Bay: https://ferconline.ferc.gov/QuickComment.aspx
Nuyakuk Falls Diversion Hydro Investigation & Potential
Nuyakuk Diversion Hydro whitepaper March 2025
Powering the Electric Grid and the Nuyakuk Falls Diversion-Hydro Investigation presentation
UPDATED STUDY REPORT, USR MEETINGS, AND ADDENDUM
As committed to in the Updated Study Report (USR), on February 18, 2025, the Cooperative filed an Addendum to its USR, completing documentation of its comprehensive study program for 2023 and 2024. The Addendum included reports related to fisheries, subsistence, and aesthetic resources. The USR Addendum can be accessed at this link.
On February 21, 2025, the Cooperative filed a MS Word version of the Life Cycle Model USR Addendum to correct issues with figures displaying correctly in the PDF version. The LCM USR Addendum in MS Word format can be accessed at this link.
The Cooperative filed its USR on December 2, 2024, as required by FERC. The USR provides status updates and results from all of the studies that the Cooperative has conducted over the course of the 2023 and 2024 field seasons. The USR is posted to the Documents/FERC Filings section of the website. Additionally, this link provides access to the USR via FERC's eLibrary.
The Cooperative held 2 in-person USR meetings to present the results of its 2-year study program on January 15 and 16, 2025. The Cooperative wishes to thank all of those who took time to attend the meetings. Below are links to the USR Meeting Presentation, Meeting Summaries (which were filed with FERC on 1/31/2025), and Meeting Recordings.