Anchorage — As Alaska faces a critical juncture in its energy future, the House Resources Committee, chaired by Representative Tom McKay (R-Anchorage), convened a hearing to address the looming natural gas shortage in Cook Inlet. With gas wells anticipated to create a significant supply gap by 2032, the Alaska House Majority is taking proactive steps to ensure Alaskans have access to affordable, reliable energy.
The hearing featured key presentations from industry leaders, including John Sims, President of Enstar Natural Gas, CEO Mead Treadwell from Qilak LNG, and experts on coal and bio-mass energy solutions. Their testimonies offered valuable insights into both short- and long-term strategies to secure Alaska’s energy future.
News broke during the Enstar presentation, when Sims noted that they are under contract with HEX/Furie for additional gas. The wells will deliver an initial 3 billion cubic feet (BCF) annually by 2026, ramping up to 9 BCF by 2030.
“Long-term solutions are best,” Sims said, emphasizing the importance of forward-thinking strategies to avoid future crises.
Rep. Kevin McCabe (R- Big Lake) said, “I’m glad to hear that Enstar is moving forward with more gas development in Cook Inlet. This will help mitigate looming shortages in 2028.”
Qilak LNG presented a vision for the development of a barge-based liquefaction facility on the North Slope. This innovative approach could begin operations by 2030, offering a new, stable supply of natural gas for Alaska and beyond. At full capacity, 25% of the produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) could meet Alaska’s energy needs, with the remainder available for export. To address environmental concerns, Qilak LNG plans to offload LNG from a site located 6 to 9 miles offshore, reducing the impact on local ecosystems.
The committee also examined coal-fired and bio-mass energy as a potential option to diversify Alaska’s energy sources. Bio-mass coal remains one of the most cost-effective fuels available, with significantly lower CO2 emissions. It is also readily available as an abundant local resource, bio-mass coal offers a stable, affordable alternative to imported fuels, providing Alaska with greater energy independence
House Speaker Cathy Tilton (R-Wasilla) said: “The decisions we make today will shape Alaska’s energy future for decades. We have a responsibility to ensure Alaskans have access to affordable, reliable energy, and this hearing was a critical step in that process.”
The Alaska House Majority remains committed to working with stakeholders, the Governor’s office, and industry leaders to turn energy possibilities into action. This effort reflects the Majority’s broader goal of ensuring economic stability, reducing energy costs for families, and safeguarding Alaska’s future.