association of western state engineers spring workshop may ... · spring workshop may 11-12, 2010...

Association of Western State Engineers Spring Workshop May 11-12, 2010

Krissy Plett907-269-8641 kristina.plett@alaska.gov

www.dnr.state.ak.us

Division of Mining, Land and WaterWater Resources Section

Alaska contains more than 40%of the Nation’s surface-water resources.

DNR-Major Water IssuesImpact to aquifers from population growth in Matanuska-Susitna Valley north of Anchorage.Cumulative impacts to Anchorage area streams and aquifers due to increasing use of groundwater for cooling commercial/government buildings.Increased water use for mining projects Growth in water use for oil and gas development.20+ proposed Hydroelectric Projects due to the rising cost of energy.Alternative Power Generation

GeothermalHydrokineticTidalMicro Run of River Hydroelectric

Alaska’s Geothermal Resources

Mount Spurr – Recent Geothermal Lease Sale

Alaska is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Geothermal Projects Throughout Alaska

Geothermal on the Island of Akutan – Beginning to drill exploration wells summer 2010

Hydrokinetic – River & Ocean Tidal• Hydrokinetic Technology use vertical or horizontal axis

turbines similar to those developed for wind generation• Currently there are 5 FERC applications for Tidal• One River project has been tested in Alaska near Ruby• Studies and permitting occurring for 7 projects

throughout Alaska

Rt: Ruby project Above: Ocean Renewable Power Company’s Design

Question• How would you regulate hydrokinetic?

• In-River under water turbine – water passively turns it

• In-River sitting on the surface turbine - water passively turns wheel

• Tidal – sitting on Ocean floor

www.dnr.state.ak.us

Mt. Redoubt Volcano