HomeMy WebLinkAboutGeothermal Power Generation State of Alaska-2015-APower Generation
The only geothermal power plant operating in Alaska is at the Chena Hot Springs resort which is thought
to use the lowest temperature fluid of any geothermal power plant in the world. Many other
geothermal resources have been explored for potential power generation and additional exploration is
ongoing. However, despite an abundance of geothermal activity in the state, most resources are distant
from population centers and electric loads.
Direct Use
Direct use of geothermal heat—primarily through warm surface or near-surface waters—is a lower cost
way of taking advantage of some resources. Direct use of geothermal fluid in Alaska includes
recreational bathing in hot springs and spacing heat for buildings and greenhouses.
Exploration for Geothermal Resources in Alaska
Alaska has more than 50 volcanoes that have recent signs of activity and over 100 hot springs - more
than 60 of these with measured temperatures greater than 122 F (50 C). Alaska’s geothermal resources
are grouped into four general regions:
1. The "Ring of Fire" volcanic region along the Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, and Mt
Edgecumbe in southeast Alaska.
2. The Wrangell Mountain region located in eastern Alaska next to the Copper River Basin.
3. The Interior hot springs region ranging from the Seward Peninsula to Western Canada.
4. The Southeast hot springs region ranging from Baranof Island to Ketchikan.
Geothermal Power Basics and Best Practices
The Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office website hosts ample information about
geothermal technology, including a Geothermal Basics page.
The International Geothermal Association and has published a freely available 2nd edition of a guide to
Geothermal Exploration Best Practices (2014).
Geothermal Exploration and Data
The National Geothermal Data System (NGDS) serves as a repository for geothermal data for all 50
states. The Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys has compiled data and reports from
exploration efforts from around the state and uploaded it to NGDS where they are available online.
A 2009 memorandum presents a matrix of geothermal development cost assumptions created by
Hattenburg Dilley and Linnell Engineering Consultants.
Additional information regarding geothermal exploration efforts in Alaska and links to select reports are
available below.
Akutan
The City of Akutan has been exploring Hot Springs Bay Valley for a resource capable of supporting a
megawatt-scale geothermal power plant with the help of several Renewable Energy Fund awards.
Exploration is ongoing.
2009 Exploration Report
2012 Geochemical Investigation
2012 Gravity Survey Report
2012 Magnetotelluric Survey Report
2012 MT and Gravity Modelling Report
2012 Stratigraphic and Structural Controls of the Hot Springs Bay Valley Geothermal System
2014 Data Integration and Interpretation
Chena Hot Springs
The only known operational geothermal power plant is at the Chena Hot Springs resort. The plant was
initially completed with a nominal 400 kW gross capacity, and took advantage of low temperature
artesian flow at approximately 160-165 F used in conjunction with a supply of cold water from the river.
Production data from the plant is not available.
2007 Final Project Report
2007 First Year of Operation
2007 Geologic Setting of the Chena Hot Springs Geothermal System
Makushin
Exploration drilling in the 1980s encountered a robust high temperature, high pressure resource on
Makushin Volcano. Numerous efforts have since been made to develop a geothermal power plant to
serve the community of Unalaska but all have eventually stalled out; no additional exploration is
currently underway.
1983 Environmental Baseline Final Report
1982 Geothermal Exploration Phase 1A
1983 Geothermal Exploration Phase 1B Vol 2
1984 Fluids Sampling and Well Logging
1984 Geothermal Exploration Phase 2
1985 Geothermal Exploration Phase 3 Final Report
1985 Geothermal Exploration Executive Final Report
1985 Geothermal Project Phase 3
1987 Geothermal Feasibility Study Vol 1
Manley Hot Springs
With support from a Renewable Energy Fund award, TDX Power conducted preliminary investigation
into the potential of a geothermal resource capable of supporting kilowatt-scale geothermal plant at
Manley Hot Springs. The project was stopped in 2010 after a drill target was identified but not drilled.
Local direct use of the geothermal resource supports a well-known farm and greenhouse operation.
2009 Aeromagnetic Survey
2009 Geophysical Report
2009 Water Well Report
2010 Rural Energy Conference Presentation
Mount Spurr
With support from a Renewable Energy Fund award, Ormat completed extensive exploration for a
geothermal resource at Mount Spurr capable of supporting a large power plant. Exploration culminated
in a 4,000 ft exploration well, although the temperatures encountered were disappointing. While
additional exploration is possible in other areas at Mount Spurr, there is currently no ongoing activity.
2007 Mt Spurr Technical Conference
Geologic Setting
Infrastructure
Leases and Permitting
Chackachamna Hydro
2010 Engineering Cost Study
2011 Geothermal Exploration Final Report
Naknek
Naknek Electric Association drilled a production well to a depth of nearly 12,000 feet with the hopes of
developing an enhanced geothermal system. Several problems were encountered the drilling and an
elevated temperature gradient was not encountered; additional drilling is not being pursued at the site.
2011 Project Summary
2011 Department of Energy Presentation
Pilgrim Hot Springs
Pilgrim Hot Springs, accessible via road from Nome on the Seward Peninsula, has long been used as a
direct use geothermal resource. Six exploration wells were drilled at Pilgrim Hot Springs in the late
1970s and early 1980s to assess the potential of power generation at the site. Starting in 2010, a
renewed exploration effort was begun with combined support from the Renewable Energy Fund and
funding from the Department of Energy. This effort included drilling additional wells to constrain the
resource and the location of the upwelling zone. While the grant-funded phase has conclude,
additional privately-funded exploration drilling is under consideration.
1980 Geothermal Energy Potential Study
1983 Drilling Testing and Resource Confirmation Results
2007 Preliminary Feasibility Report
2014 Geothermal Exploration Final Report
Tenakee Inlet Hot Springs
With support from a Renewable Energy Fund award, Inside Passage Electric Cooperative (IPEC)
conducted preliminary investigation of a potential geothermal resource at Tenakee Inlet Hot Springs.
The significant distance to loads hamper project economics and additional exploration is not currently
planned.
2013 Economic Analysis
2013 Reconnaissance Report