Southeast Conference (SEC) is advancing the Pellet Mill Demonstration Project to establish a reliable, locally produced biomass fuel supply for Southeast Alaska while supporting workforce development and regional industry growth.
The project has evolved from its original Gravina Island concept into a containerized pellet mill system now being deployed at the Generations Southeast vocational campus in Klawock. This transition reflects project advancement, improved site readiness, and alignment with workforce training and long-term operations.
Project Purpose
The project is designed to:
- Establish a regional pellet fuel supply to support biomass heating systems.
- Reduce reliance on imported fuels and improve long-term energy stability.
- Support local jobs, training, and workforce development especially at small sawmills.
- Utilize underused forest resources and wood waste streams.
- Provide a replicable model for other Southeast Alaska communities.
Current Status
The project is transitioning from development into implementation:
- Containerized pellet mill system fabricated and prepared for shipment.
- Site established at Generations Southeast (Klawock) with local partner support.
- Construction and installation planned for the upcoming build season.
- Integration with workforce training programs to support startup and operations.
Feedstock & Production
The pellet mill is designed to utilize locally available materials, including:
- Forest residuals from timber operations.
- Sawmill byproducts such as chips and sawdust.
- Discarded wood waste, including pallets and dimensional lumber.
Initial production will serve local and regional demand, with the ability to scale as supply chains develop.
Role in the Natural Resources Program
The Pellet Mill Demonstration Project is a key component of SEC’s Natural Resources Program and supports broader regional priorities, including:
- Expansion of biomass heating and wood energy systems.
- Development of forest products infrastructure.
- Support for young-growth utilization.
- Workforce training and regional capacity building.
Long-Term Vision
As a demonstration project, this effort is intended to:
- Validate pellet production under Southeast Alaska conditions.
- Develop operational models and workforce expertise.
- Reduce barriers for future pellet production sites.
- Support a distributed, local biomass energy system.
Partnerships
The project is supported through collaboration with industry, Tribal partners, local communities, workforce training partners, and state and federal agencies.
These partnerships ensure the project is locally grounded and regionally coordinated.
