The geologic and tectonic history of Alaska have produced substantial geothermal resources throughout the state. Recognized geothermal resources are concentrated in three regions: 1) within the “Ring of Fire,” the volcanic arc that circles the Pacific and includes the Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, and Baranof Island; 2) a band of hot springs in central Alaska extending from the Seward Peninsula east to the Canadian border; 3) near the Wrangell Mountains.
In 2003 the U.S. Department of Energy, AEA and its contractors completed an assessment of geothermal resources in the state. The assessment identified substantial resources near Chena Hot Springs, Unalaska, and Akutan. In 2006 Chena Hot Springs installed a 400 kW geothermal power plant with the assistance of AEA's Denali Commission-funded Energy Cost Reduction program. The project displaces over 115,000 gallons of diesel per year.
Despite Alaska’s significant geothermal potential, the attributes of Alaska’s geothermal resources remain poorly defined. AEA is involved in several task forces to better understand and develop these resources. These include: 1) coordinating a statewide Geothermal Working Group of industry, academic, and government officials interested in geothermal development; 2) participating in the U.S. Department of Energy's Geopowering the West program, which provides technical and financial support for western U.S. states; and 3) collaborating with the Alaska DNR Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) to compile geothermal data throughout Alaska.
