Nov. 23, 2009

Fairbanks, Alaska—The Alaska Center for Energy and Power at the University of Alaska Fairbanks will use a new federal grant to study geothermal exploration techniques in Alaska.

The $4.6 million Department of Energy grant will fund a project that will use remote sensing to identify potential geothermal resources throughout the state and determine their energy-producing potential. The grant requires a $1 million match. The university will seek matching funds through the state Renewable Energy Fund.

The remote-sensing technique, currently being used for volcano research, will be verified through traditional, ground-based geophysical surveys and drilling. While these traditional methods are reliable, the associated costs may not always be economical, preventing exploration in many areas. Remote sensing could offer a less-costly alternative.

“We are partnering with our colleagues at the Alaska Volcano Observatory,” explained Gwen Holdmann, ACEP director. “If we can prove this less-expensive technology can provide reliable data, it opens up a new world for geothermal exploration in the state.”

Pilgrim Hot Springs, near Nome, will serve as the testing site. ACEP has partnered with the landowner, the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks, and adjacent landowner, Mary’s Igloo Native Corporation, to conduct the study. The Pilgrim geothermal system was one of the first partially explored geothermal systems in Alaska during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Researchers will use data from the previous studies in the project.

The ACEP study could determine whether Pilgrim is viable as a source of electrical power for the city of Nome and the surrounding area, a region with some of the highest energy costs in the United States. Electricity on the Seward Peninsula comes from diesel generators and costs 38 to 63 cents per kilowatt-hour for residential customers.

If a significant resource can be verified at Pilgrim Hot Springs, it could provide geothermal power for Nome and substantially reduce energy costs on the Seward Peninsula.


CONTACT: ACEP business director Julie Estey at 907-474-1144. Marmian Grimes, UAF public information officer, at 907-474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@alaska.edu.

 

NOVEMBER

• Windmill to help students learn about energy
  
  
• Alaska’s Wind for Schools program to launch
  
  

OCTOBER

• Recovery Act Awards Alaska $15 million for Geothermal
  Projects
  
  

SEPTEMBER

• UAF Chancellor’s Report
  

AUGUST

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski hosts energy meeting
  
  
• Alaska energy center director lives off the grid
  
  

JULY

• Holdmann to serve as director of ACEP
   

JUNE

• Friends of Pilgrim Hot Springs meet with CBNA administrator
   
• Lawmakers discuss energy issues with Fairbanks folks
   
• Alaska lawmakers debate override of Palin's stimulus money veto
   
• Tanana Chiefs Conference, Alaska Center for Energy and Power study rural energy solutions
   

MAY

• Experts call for comprehensive state energy plan
   
• 200 attend state's first renewable energy conference
  
  
• Lawmakers tour Alaska to garner input on energy plans 
   
  

APRIL

• Bringing alternative energy to life
  
  
• Bond plan pitched for UAF energy building
  
  
• University of Alaska regents authorize new energy research building at UAF
   
• University Board of Regents committee recommends research center

MARCH

• College to offer renewable energy program
   
• Alaska legislators prepare to grapple with power problems

FEBRUARY

• Joint Special Committees on Energy -  Work Session: Comprehensive Energy Plan Presentation
  Listen here »

• Senate Special Committee on Energy - Overview: Biomass Energy in Alaska
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• In river generator may give Bush power alternative
  
  

JANUARY

• Senate Special Committee on Energy - Overview: Geothermal Energy in Alaska
  Listen here »
   
• University pushing for energy center
  
  
• Plans emerge for $30 million energy technology and research building at UAF
  
  

• Gwen Holdmann meets Charlie O’Toole in the morning show on 970 AM KFBX newsradio.
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• UAF powering up alternative energy tech office