Work Product:
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Chena Hot Springs Resort located 60 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska, stands as a powerful testament to the potential of geothermal energy and the transformative impact of vision, innovation, and passion. Over the past quarter-century, the resort has evolved into a model of sustainability, showing how geothermal resources can be harnessed to support power, heat, food production, and tourism in a harmonious and eco-friendly manner.
The journey of Chena Hot Springs Resort began in 1998, when Bernie and Connie Karl purchased the property from the State of Alaska. At the time, the resort was known for its natural hot springs, but the Karls saw the untapped potential of the geothermal resources beneath the surface. Their vision extended far beyond the typical resort experience. In 2006, they made history when Chena Power (CP) installed Alaska's first geothermal power plant, a pioneering move that would change the course of the resort and demonstrate the viability of geothermal energy for rural Alaska. This geothermal power plant is particularly notable because it is the first in the world to generate electricity using geofluid at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the lowest-temperature geothermal power plant in existence.
Today, Chena Hot Springs Resort is an expansive 2,000-acre private holding, now operated as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The resort serves as a living, breathing example of how geothermal energy can be integrated into a broad range of operations. The Karls' commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in the resort's development, which involved extensive planning, budgeting, and execution.
The infrastructure created at Chena Hot Springs is nothing short of remarkable:
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20 miles of roads were designed and built to provide access to the resort’s expansive grounds.
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4 bridges were constructed to cross various waterways, ensuring that the resort remained accessible year-round.
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20 miles of pipelines were installed to transport geothermal heat and water across the resort.
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12,200 linear feet of geothermal wells were drilled to tap into the geothermal resources and provide a steady source of energy.
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135,000 square feet of buildings are heated by the geothermal system, showcasing how geothermal energy can support large-scale infrastructure.
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11,400 square feet of geothermal-heated greenhouses have been developed to grow food locally, reducing the resort’s reliance on outside sources and promoting sustainability.
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In addition, the resort has worked to develop and improve its hot spring to ensure it remains a key attraction for visitors, while also serving as a natural geothermal resource.
Over the years, the Chena Hot Springs Resort has become more than just a tourist destination. It has fostered collaboration with Alaska Geothermal Partners, a group of professionals who have joined forces to promote and develop geothermal energy projects throughout the state. This network has expanded the impact of Chena Hot Springs’ groundbreaking work and has helped to launch other geothermal initiatives in Alaska.
The vision of Bernie and Connie Karl has not only brought success to Chena Hot Springs Resort but has also contributed to the advancement of geothermal energy in Alaska and beyond. The resort stands as a model for sustainable energy use, proving that with the right combination of ingenuity, persistence, and commitment, geothermal power can play a vital role in meeting the energy needs of remote communities while protecting the environment. Today, Chena Hot Springs Resort continues to inspire both Alaskans and the world with its pioneering efforts in the utilization of geothermal energy.