New report on geothermal energy sources for local use in Alaska
Akutan Harbor, Aleutians, Alaska (source: flickr/ PoweredbyLycoming, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
11 Eyl 2012
A new report on Fossil Fuels and Geothermal Energy Sources for local use in Alaska, looks at the energy options for local communities in the different areas of the state in the far North of North America.
A recent report by the Department of Natural Resources and the Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys of the State of Alaska, looks at fossil fuels and geothermal in the energy mix needed for economic growth and stability in the U.S. state of Alaska.
“The high and volatile prices of diesel fuel and heating oil have created economic hardship in many areas of Alaska, particularly remote rural communities where these imported fuels are the primary source of energy. Developing local energy sources that are not tied to a global market will help diversify the state’s energy portfolio and help facilitate economic growth in many regions. Unfortunately, all areas are not created equal in energy accessibility.
The purpose of this report is to summarize existing information concerning locally available, geologi- cally hosted sources of energy across the state. This work considers both geothermal and fossil fuel (oil, natural gas, and coal) resources and is intended to supplement the Alaska Energy Authority’s ongoing analysis of non-geologic energy sources such as hydro, wind, and biomass. ”
“The potential for locally exploitable natural resources varies widely across the state, and certain regions possess more favorable geologic attributes than others.
For each region, discussion is provided on its potential for geologically hosted energy resources including coal, conventional and unconventional oil and gas, and geothermal resources. Many areas of the state lack sufficient geologic information to reli- ably evaluate local energy potential; summaries of each region conclude with recommendations regarding what additional data or strategies would be most helpful in developing new energy resources for local or regional use.”
Source: Alaska Dispatch, “Fossil Fuel and Geothermal Energy Sources for Local Use in Alaska” (pdf)
