It’s time for Alaska to reconsider the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project

By: Gwen Holdmann

Outlets: Alaska Beacon

Published: May 8, 2026

Words: 2,288

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Body Text Preview

For decades, the Susitna–Watana Hydroelectric Project has occupied a liminal space in Alaska’s energy conversations — too large, expensive and controversial to move forward, yet too potentially transformative to fully dismiss. In many ways, it has become shorthand for the state’s uneasy relationship with mega-projects that promise to reshape Alaska’s future but struggle under the weight of their scale and cost.

If built, the project would primarily serve the Railbelt electric grid stretching from …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us