An Overview of Efforts Towards Utilizing Geothermal Energy in Interior Alaska

Abstract

The extreme cold temperatures in Interior Alaska put a significant amount of stress on heating and energy systems utilized by the local communities. A failure of heating systems can lead to severe consequences because of the dangerously low temperatures. As an in-situ thermal resource, geothermal energy/resource would increase resilience in both supply and energy systems, but Interior Alaska’s unique geologic and environmental conditions introduce uncertainty in the prospecting and development process for both deep and shallow technologies. This requires development of novel techniques as well as considerations specific to extreme cold regions lacking high temperature thermal resources. This paper gives a holistic view of Department of Defense (DoD) efforts towards the identification and evaluation of the possibility of utilizing geothermal resources in Interior Alaska at its installations. This includes prospecting for low enthalpy, radiogenic thermal resources, and considerations for shallow technologies in extreme cold environments. Additionally future development is considered, including discussion of existing knowledge gaps and ongoing efforts towards deployment of geothermal district heating and cooling (GDHC) with underground thermal energy storage (UTES) at Fort Wainwright. Demonstration of geothermal technologies in the unique conditions of Interior Alaska would significantly de-risk utilizing geothermal in the region and other cold regions, which would be of great benefit to cold regions communities.