Geothermal energy in Alaska comes from three geothermally active regions: the Interior hot springs, the Southeast hot springs and the Ring of Fire volcanoes. The state’s operating geothermal power plant is at Chena Hot Springs Resort.[1]
| Active regions | Interior, Southeast, volcanoes |
|---|---|
| Chena capacity | 680 kW |
| Chena water temperature | 165°F |
| Akutan wells | Drilled 2010 and 2017 |
| Mount Spurr leases | Awarded 2008 |
| Makushin | Explored in the 1980s |
Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs Resort has 680 kilowatts of generating capacity from organic Rankine cycle generators. Its 165°F water is described as the lowest temperature for an operating geothermal power plant in the world. The source dates a 16-ton absorption chiller at the resort to 2005 but gives no start year for the power plant.[1]
Akutan
The City of Akutan drilled exploratory wells in Hot Springs Bay Valley in 2010 and 2017. They found shallow water over 350°F, but flow rates were too low to produce electricity.[1]
Mount Spurr
The state awarded geothermal leases to Ormat Technologies in 2008 for tracts about 80 miles west of Anchorage, and drilling in 2011 did not reach temperatures able to support a power plant.[1]
Makushin
Exploration in the 1980s near Mount Makushin, outside Dutch Harbor, indicated that tens of megawatts could be generated, and newer plans for the resource are described as evolving.[1]
FAQs
Where is Alaska geothermal power produced? At Chena Hot Springs Resort.
How much capacity does Chena have? 680 kilowatts.
Why did Akutan not produce power? Flow rates were too low.
Sources
Key facts
- Chena 680 kW
- Three active regions
Quick checkWhere does Alaska operate a geothermal power plant?Show answer
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Sources
- Renewable Energy Alaska Project. Geothermal. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue