Proposal for Reservoir Engineering Studies in the State of Alaska

Abstract

Alaska has a significant geothermal potential. While other sources of energy such as petroleum and coal are in abundance, there has been a definite move towards geothermal exploitation. The State has recognized the opportunity cost of petroleum as a source of materials and has expressed interest in the development of geothermal energy as a desirable and alternative resource. More than 11 million acres have been identified as potential geothermal reservoirs capable of producing electric power as well as direct heating. Reservoirs of the latter type are found in the interior of the state.Considering the wintertemperatures of these regions(at times dipping to-60'F)direct utilization is attractive.A comprehensive reservoir engineering proposal is presented to better assess the extent and potential of the geothermal areas in Alaska.The purpose of this paper is to acquaint the participantsof the Stanford Geothermal Workshop with the enormous potential, as yet untapped, of the State of Alaska.