Proposed funding would support preliminary design of Kogoluktuk Hydro and Ambler-to-Shungnak Intertie

KOTZEBUE, Alaska, Nov. 6, 2026 – Atautchikun, the public benefit company of NANA Regional Corporation (NANA), has been selected for consideration of a $2.3 million grant award through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy to advance preliminary design work for the proposed Kogoluktuk Hydroelectric Project and Ambler-to-Shungnak electrical intertie. The projects are being evaluated as potential long-term solutions to strengthen energy infrastructure in Northwest Alaska and reduce reliance on diesel-generated electricity.

Atautchikun served as the lead applicant for the federal grant application, working in partnership with the Northwest Arctic Borough to explore opportunities for more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy in the region.

“Exploring new energy opportunities requires thoughtful planning and meaningful collaboration with the communities these projects could serve,” said Albie Panikpaiq Dallemolle, president of Atautchikun. “This funding opportunity would help us better understand the feasibility of these projects while creating opportunities to listen, learn, and incorporate community perspectives. We are at the very beginning of this process, and community input will be critical in determining what comes next.”

Proposed grant scope

If awarded, the funding would support development of 35% engineering designs for the proposed projects, along with stakeholder outreach and community engagement. This phase is limited to preliminary design and planning. No construction is included in the proposed grant-funded work, and no decisions have been made to move forward with construction.

Project partners and community support

The Northwest Arctic Borough is a key partner in advancing regional energy planning. Together, Atautchikun and the Borough are working to evaluate opportunities that could improve energy reliability and affordability while respecting local priorities and the needs of communities.

The Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) is also a key partner and will manage the preliminary design work for the proposed Ambler-to-Shungnak electrical intertie. AVEC brings valuable expertise in rural Alaska energy infrastructure and will play an important role in evaluating the project’s technical feasibility and potential to improve regional energy reliability.

The communities of Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk provided letters of support as part of the federal grant application process. Their perspectives will be essential as the projects are evaluated.

“This is an opportunity to invest in the planning and community conversations necessary to make informed decisions about our region’s energy future,” said Craig McConnell, President of the Assembly for the Northwest Arctic Borough. “We look forward to working with Atautchikun and our communities as this process moves forward.”

Next steps

Selection for consideration is an important milestone but does not constitute a final grant award. Funding remains subject to successful completion of the Department of Energy’s award negotiation process.

Community engagement is an identified component of the proposed work and will provide opportunities for residents, Tribal governments, and other stakeholders to share priorities, ask questions, and identify potential concerns before decisions about future development are considered. Any future project development would require additional planning, community engagement, evaluation, approvals, and funding.

Quick facts

• Proposed grant: $2.3 million from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy; selected for consideration, not a final award
• Projects: proposed Kogoluktuk Hydroelectric Project and Ambler-to-Shungnak electrical intertie
• Scope: 35% engineering designs, stakeholder outreach, and community engagement; no construction
• Lead applicant: Atautchikun, a public benefit company of NANA
• Partners: Northwest Arctic Borough and Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC)
• Letters of support: Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk

The DOE announcement is available at energy.gov.

About Atautchikun

Atautchikun LLC is NANA’s public benefit company, focused on advancing economic development and sustainability initiatives that benefit shareholders and communities in the NANA region. Through partnerships and strategic investments, Atautchikun works to create opportunities that support long-term regional sustainability.