Alaska’s Energy Future Depends on More Than Energy Production

By Rosita Johnson

When we think about Alaska’s energy future, we tend to focus on where energy will come from: oil and gas, hydropower, geothermal, wind, solar, or emerging technologies. But producing energy is only part of the challenge.

Every energy project depends on a complex network of equipment, replacement parts, construction materials, transportation providers, warehouses, contractors, and people working behind the scenes. A delayed valve, damaged electrical component, or missing piece of equipment can stop a project, idle a crew, and increase costs, especially in Alaska, where many project sites are remote and transportation options are limited.

That makes supply chain readiness an important part of energy reliability. For decades, Alaska’s energy industry has operated in some of the most difficult environments in the country. Materials may travel by ocean freight, truck, aircraft, barge, or ice road before reaching their final destination. Weather, seasonal access, limited storage, and long supplier lead times can turn a routine order into a major project risk.

After more than two decades with ASCI supporting multiple energy customers across Alaska, I have seen these challenges firsthand. My roles have included procurement, inventory management, material tracking, and project support, giving me a close look at how one late or missing item can delay work and create costs far beyond the value of the part itself. I have also seen how much of a difference it makes to identify long-lead materials early, closely track orders, inspect equipment upon arrival, and stage materials before work begins. It may not be the most visible part of a project, but it is often what keeps the work moving.

Supply chain work is especially important here because Alaska does not have the same margin for error as many other places. Replacing a missing item may not mean a quick trip across town. It could mean waiting days or weeks, paying for emergency freight, or adjusting an entire work schedule. Good planning can reduce those risks by making sure materials are ordered, received, organized, and ready before crews mobilize.

Velocity helps bring together the young professionals who will shape Alaska’s energy future. That includes engineers, operators, project managers, environmental professionals, contractors, and supply chain specialists. We should also be doing more to educate students about these career paths. Not every student is interested in becoming an engineer or scientist, but that does not mean there is no place for them in Alaska’s energy industry. Buyers, warehouse professionals, inventory specialists, material coordinators, transportation planners, expeditors, and data analysts all play a role in keeping projects moving.

Alaska’s energy future will not be built by technology alone. It will also depend on the people who make sure the right materials reach the right place at the right time.