Energy Efficiency of Arctic Transportation Systems

Abstract

The energy efficiency of road, rail, and slurry pipeline transportation of mineral concentrates from a potential mine site in northwest Alaska to an ocean shipping terminal is analyzed. Energy consumption rates for construction, operation, and maintenance of each system over its expected life are the basis for the analysis. Several levels of annual concentrate production are assumed, and the energy (Btu) break‐even points between the alternative modes are calculated. The results of the analysis indicated that a slurry pipeline with an associated service road would require the least total energy at all levels of production. A rail system would be second, and truck transportation would be the highest energy consumer, especially at the higher production levels.