Alaska’s geologic and tectonic history has 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 Wrangell Mountains; 2) a band of hot springs in central Alaska extending from the Seward Peninsula east to the Canadian border; and 3) the Southeast Hot Springs.

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 first commercial geothermal project in the state, the project displaces approximately 160,700 gallons of diesel per year.

Through the Renewable Energy Fund, AEA is currently funding geothermal exploration and development projects at Manley Hot Springs and at Hot Springs Bay Valley on the island of Akutan.  Additionally, the city of Juneau has received funding for the design and construction of two ground source heat pumps: one at the airport and the other at the Dimond Aquatic Center.

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.

Further Information

General Geothermal Information (Including Ground Source Heat Pumps)
Resource Publications by Prospect
Academic Institutions, Associations, Conferences, State and Federal Progams

Neil McMahon, Assistant Project Manager
Geothermal and Ocean and River Energy Programs
Tel. (907) 771-3027
Fax (907) 771-3044
E-mail: nmcmahon@aidea.org