# Alaska's Second Wire Has a Passenger List

> Alaska's planned second power line would end at Healy, south of Clear and Eielson, where the Air Force offered land for AI data centers.

Published 2026-10-07 by Alaska AI. 9 slides.
Canonical: https://alaskaaihq.com/archive/2026-10-07/

## The story

Alaska's second wire has a passenger list.

Data centers aren't on it.

The money names the military, and mining.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright tied the project to "the major U.S. military expansion currently underway in Alaska" and to mining. DOE says the line adds a pathway to "major military installations." The release never says data center.

One line joins the two halves today.

AEA's Alaska Intertie runs 170 miles from Willow to Healy. The state built it in the mid-1980s.

The record names its stops and its price. Not its route.

The Alaska delegation lists the Beluga substation, West Susitna, Willow and Healy. AEA's Curtis Thayer told the Alaska Beacon the federal money will likely go to engineering, planning and permitting.

On Railbelt bases, land offered for AI data centers.

Proposals were due June 29th. None had been awarded as of late September, per the American Homefront Project. Most of Alaska's bases use power that flows through the intertie, the Alaska Beacon reports.

One corridor. No second path between the halves.

"I am not a proponent of data centers down at JBER or at our interior installations because we are not able to support them because of an insecure energy base at this time."

Five records. Two say "data center." The one with the money doesn't.

Reading them side by side is this deck's work, not DOE's.

Should the Beluga to Healy line be planned with data center load in it, or without?

## What we verified

- The U.S. Department of Energy announced on October 5th its intent to deploy Defense Production Act funding for a second high-voltage connection between Southcentral and Interior Alaska. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- The DOE funding for the Alaska Energy Authority's Beluga-Healy Transmission Project is up to $150 million. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- DOE says the project pairs its funding with $268 million in non-federal funding. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- DOE puts the planned total investment in the Beluga-Healy line at $418 million, a preliminary planning estimate. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- The Beluga-Healy project would build approximately 223 miles of new transmission line. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- DOE says the new line would strengthen grid reliability for approximately 75 percent of Alaska's population. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- DOE says $1 billion in federal funding has been appropriated for energy-related projects deemed critical to national security. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- Presidential Determination No. 2026-10 identifies transmission lines, conductors, substations, and power-control and protection equipment as essential to national defense. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the project will support the U.S. military expansion underway in Alaska as well as mining and other resource development. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- Wright said that thanks to Senator Sullivan he received an extensive briefing from the Alaska Energy Authority during a visit to Anchorage in August. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- Assistant Secretary Katie Jereza of DOE's Office of Electricity said Alaska's grid needs another way to keep power moving. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- DOE says the new line would give grid operators an additional pathway between Alaska's most densely populated communities and major military installations. [U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-alaska-railbelt-transmission-project-receive-defense), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- In a presentation to Secretary Wright, AEA listed the Beluga to Healy Transmission Line as under consideration among future opportunities. [Alaska Energy Authority](https://www.akenergyauthority.org/Portals/0/Presentations/2026.09.01%20AEA%20Alaska%20Energy%20Priorities%20and%20DOE%20Partnership%20Presentation%20to%20U.S.%20Sec.%20of%20Energy%20Wright%20(Final).pdf), primary document, 2026-08-28.
- AEA described the Beluga to Healy line as adding transmission redundancy along the Railbelt corridor. [Alaska Energy Authority](https://www.akenergyauthority.org/Portals/0/Presentations/2026.09.01%20AEA%20Alaska%20Energy%20Priorities%20and%20DOE%20Partnership%20Presentation%20to%20U.S.%20Sec.%20of%20Energy%20Wright%20(Final).pdf), primary document, 2026-08-28.
- AEA's presentation to Wright reported $348.9 million in total awarded DOE funding committed through AEA. [Alaska Energy Authority](https://www.akenergyauthority.org/Portals/0/Presentations/2026.09.01%20AEA%20Alaska%20Energy%20Priorities%20and%20DOE%20Partnership%20Presentation%20to%20U.S.%20Sec.%20of%20Energy%20Wright%20(Final).pdf), primary document, 2026-08-28.
- The existing Alaska Intertie is a 170-mile line between Willow and Healy owned by the Alaska Energy Authority. [Alaska Energy Authority](https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Railbelt-Energy/Alaska-Intertie), primary document, 2026-10-06.
- The Alaska Intertie is built as a 345 kV transmission line but operates at 138 kV. [Alaska Energy Authority](https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Railbelt-Energy/Alaska-Intertie), primary document, 2026-10-06.
- The Alaska Intertie was constructed in the mid-1980s. [Alaska Energy Authority](https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Railbelt-Energy/Alaska-Intertie), primary document, 2026-10-06.
- The Alaska Intertie was built with $124 million in State of Alaska appropriations. [Alaska Energy Authority](https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Railbelt-Energy/Alaska-Intertie), primary document, 2026-10-06.
- The Alaska Intertie carries Bradley Lake and economy power north into the Golden Valley Electric Association system. [Alaska Energy Authority](https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Railbelt-Energy/Alaska-Intertie), primary document, 2026-10-06.
- The Department of the Air Force offered approximately 4,700 acres of underutilized land across JBER, Eielson Air Force Base and Clear Space Force Station for AI data centers. [U.S. Department of the Air Force](https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4456660/daf-takes-steps-for-potential-alaskan-ai-data-centers/), primary document, 2026-04-10.
- The Air Force identified twelve parcels for potential AI data center development at the three Alaska installations. [U.S. Department of the Air Force](https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4456660/daf-takes-steps-for-potential-alaskan-ai-data-centers/), primary document, 2026-04-10.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District posted a request for information titled EIE490 Microreactor Synchronization, Eielson AFB, Alaska on October 2nd. [SAM.gov (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District)](https://sam.gov/api/prod/opps/v2/opportunities/8f49aa20106643ea9fb4c235d4811a80), primary document, 2026-10-02.
- The Corps notice concerns a 45 MWth and 5 MWe nuclear microreactor initiative at Eielson Air Force Base. [SAM.gov (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District)](https://sam.gov/api/prod/opps/v2/opportunities/8f49aa20106643ea9fb4c235d4811a80), primary document, 2026-10-02.
- The Eielson microreactor work would extend the heating, power, communications and water systems to support plant operation. [SAM.gov (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District)](https://sam.gov/api/prod/opps/v2/opportunities/8f49aa20106643ea9fb4c235d4811a80), primary document, 2026-10-02.
- Responses to the Eielson microreactor request for information are due October 16th at 2 PM Alaska time. [SAM.gov (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District)](https://sam.gov/api/prod/opps/v2/opportunities/8f49aa20106643ea9fb4c235d4811a80), primary document, 2026-10-02.
- UAF announced on October 5th that it joins a $6 million National Science Foundation project with UAA, Montana Technological University and the University of Wyoming. [University of Alaska Fairbanks](https://www.uaf.edu/news/uaf-joins-6m-nsf-critical-minerals-effort.php), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- UAF's portion of the project, led by environmental engineering professor Srijan Aggarwal, is supported by nearly $913,000. [University of Alaska Fairbanks](https://www.uaf.edu/news/uaf-joins-6m-nsf-critical-minerals-effort.php), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- In the project, AI will predict how readily rare earth elements can be recovered and will drive controls that adjust bioreactor operation as conditions and energy availability change. [University of Alaska Fairbanks](https://www.uaf.edu/news/uaf-joins-6m-nsf-critical-minerals-effort.php), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- The project is one of eight receiving a combined $39.9 million to strengthen research capacity across 16 jurisdictions. [University of Alaska Fairbanks](https://www.uaf.edu/news/uaf-joins-6m-nsf-critical-minerals-effort.php), primary document, 2026-10-05.
- NSF award 2614749 to the University of Alaska Anchorage is $3,824,575, with Brandon Briggs as principal investigator. [National Science Foundation Award API](https://api.nsf.gov/services/v1/awards/2614749.json?printFields=id,title,awardeeName,fundsObligatedAmt,estimatedTotalAmt,startDate,expDate,piFirstName,piLastName,abstractText), primary document, 2026-08-05.
- NSF award 2614749 runs from September 1st, 2026 through August 31st, 2030. [National Science Foundation Award API](https://api.nsf.gov/services/v1/awards/2614749.json?printFields=id,title,awardeeName,fundsObligatedAmt,estimatedTotalAmt,startDate,expDate,piFirstName,piLastName,abstractText), primary document, 2026-08-05.
- The NSF award abstract says the project applies reinforcement-learning controllers within a bioprocess digital twin integrated with microgrid simulators. [National Science Foundation Award API](https://api.nsf.gov/services/v1/awards/2614749.json?printFields=id,title,awardeeName,fundsObligatedAmt,estimatedTotalAmt,startDate,expDate,piFirstName,piLastName,abstractText), primary document, 2026-08-05.
- NSF award 2614751 to the University of Alaska Fairbanks is $913,037, with Srijan Aggarwal as principal investigator. [National Science Foundation Award API](https://api.nsf.gov/services/v1/awards/2614751.json?printFields=id,title,awardeeName,fundsObligatedAmt,estimatedTotalAmt,startDate,expDate,piFirstName,piLastName), primary document, 2026-08-05.
- NSF award 2614750 to Montana Technological University is $1,260,800. [National Science Foundation Award API](https://api.nsf.gov/services/v1/awards/2614750.json?printFields=id,title,awardeeName,fundsObligatedAmt,estimatedTotalAmt,startDate,expDate,piFirstName,piLastName), primary document, 2026-08-05.
- The planned line would run from the Beluga substation through West Susitna and Willow to existing infrastructure in Healy. [Your Alaska Link](https://www.youralaskalink.com/news/local/alaska-delegation-announces-150m-for-beluga-healy-transmission-project/article_6365e176-5924-4daa-9d60-ac307525f323.html), report, 2026-10-05.
- The Railbelt currently relies on a single transmission corridor between Southcentral and Interior Alaska. [Your Alaska Link](https://www.youralaskalink.com/news/local/alaska-delegation-announces-150m-for-beluga-healy-transmission-project/article_6365e176-5924-4daa-9d60-ac307525f323.html), report, 2026-10-05.
- Alaska Energy Authority executive director Curtis Thayer said the new federal money will likely go toward engineering, planning and permitting. [Alaska Beacon (James Brooks), via Yahoo News](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/feds-approve-150-million-second-005231683.html), report, 2026-10-06.
- Thayer said the announcement came as a surprise and that he did not know until Monday that AEA had won. [Alaska Beacon (James Brooks), via Yahoo News](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/feds-approve-150-million-second-005231683.html), report, 2026-10-06.
- Alaska's existing intertie was built in the 1980s and is used primarily to ship lower-cost hydropower and natural gas power north to Fairbanks. [Alaska Beacon (James Brooks), via Yahoo News](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/feds-approve-150-million-second-005231683.html), report, 2026-10-06.
- Most of Alaska's military bases use energy that flows through the intertie, according to the Alaska Beacon. [Alaska Beacon (James Brooks), via Yahoo News](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/feds-approve-150-million-second-005231683.html), report, 2026-10-06.
- The Pentagon has offered to lease about 4,700 acres of government land in Alaska to private companies for data centers. [American Homefront Project via WHRO](https://www.whro.org/military-veterans/2026-09-28/military-data-centers-are-sparking-opposition-but-local-leaders-may-be-powerless-to-stop-them), report, 2026-09-28.
- As of September 28th, no Alaska military data center lease projects had been awarded, according to the American Homefront Project. [American Homefront Project via WHRO](https://www.whro.org/military-veterans/2026-09-28/military-data-centers-are-sparking-opposition-but-local-leaders-may-be-powerless-to-stop-them), report, 2026-09-28.
- Senator Lisa Murkowski said she is not a proponent of data centers at JBER or Alaska's interior installations because of an insecure energy base. [American Homefront Project via WHRO](https://www.whro.org/military-veterans/2026-09-28/military-data-centers-are-sparking-opposition-but-local-leaders-may-be-powerless-to-stop-them), report, 2026-09-28.
- Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins said whether local concerns about data centers reach the Pentagon is a different question from whether the bases listen locally. [American Homefront Project via WHRO](https://www.whro.org/military-veterans/2026-09-28/military-data-centers-are-sparking-opposition-but-local-leaders-may-be-powerless-to-stop-them), report, 2026-09-28.
- Proposals under Air Force solicitation AFCEC-26-R-0006 for AI data center development at JBER, Eielson and Clear were due June 29th, 2026. [HigherGov (mirror of the SAM.gov notice)](https://www.highergov.com/contract-opportunity/rflp-artificial-intelligence-ai-data-center-deve-afcec-26-r-0006-o-db695/), report, 2026-07-14.

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