The state of Alaska has filed applications to build a “bullet” line from the North Slope down to southern markets.
In light of dwindling supplies in Cook Inlet, the state is in a position of needing to secure a supply from somewhere. If a larger pipe isn’t built (i.e. the TCAlaska or Denali projects), Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula needs to get a secure supply of gas, and soon.
The biggest question posed by this application is: if such a line is necessary, which route should it follow? The line could go south and then southeast to Fairbanks, continue southeast to Delta Junction, then southwest along the Glennallen Highway to Anchorage. This is a bit of a circuitous route, and crosses some of the most treacherous mountain ranges in North America, but the alternative has some, um, issues.
Alternatively, the pipeline could head essentially straight south, connecting to the Parks Highway southwest of Fairbanks, and follow that south through the Mat-Su region into Anchorage. LOTS of advantages to this one; gas from this pipe could feed a few coal-fired power plants along the way, and the Mat-Su region (including Wasilla, for instance) is chock-a-block full of potential customers. It’s a shorter route, and doesn’t have to cross the same kinds of mountains the Glennallen route would. While it would pass west of Fairbanks, it would also pass through Denali Park.
Tough call. I really hope it turns out to be unnecessary.
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