Nestled in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness – 60 miles from Fairbanks and 35 miles off the power grid – Chena Hot Springs Resort (Chena) is a sought-out destination for many reasons. Its owners, Bernie and Connie Karl, are committed to the vision of a sustainable community that is entirely self-sufficient in terms of energy, food and fuel. Their dedication is evidenced by on-site renewable power sources that secure their energy independence, while benefiting the environment. In fact, Chena has the distinction of being the first geothermal plant site in Alaska. By installing a UTC Power PureCycle® system, the resort enjoys all the benefits of its 24/7 renewable power source, including cleaner air and significantly reduced power costs. All 44 buildings at the resort – including the greenhouse, hotel, cabins and ice museum – are linked by a geothermal district heating system. This system ensures the greenhouse is able to provide the resort’s restaurant with fresh produce year-round – including over 1,600 pounds of fresh tomatoes. 

The site is the lowest temperature geothermal resource (165°F) ever used for commercial power generation in the world. Using geothermal energy to create electricity isn’t new, but power generation from water that’s only 165°F is. The PureCycle® system makes cooler geothermal waters, which are much more prevalent, viable candidates for electricity generation – and that’s hot! 


 Energy Productivity

Energy costs in Alaska are among the highest in the nation. Prior to the installation of the PureCycle® system, Chena paid 30 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity. The PureCycle® system has reduced this cost to 5 cents per kilowatt hour, resulting in an astounding decrease in energy costs. At Chena, it is estimated the PureCycle® units will save the resort $1,200 dollars a day.

“My motto is: If you can’t make it better, don’t make it worse. At Chena, we’re making things better.”

Bernie Karl
Chena Hot Springs Resort


 Energy Security

Heat from the earth, whether used for power generation or space heating for buildings and homes, is the most dependable form of renewable energy available today. It doesn’t rely on clear skies, windy days or rainfall – making it the ultimate alternative energy choice. 

The PureCycle® system uses the heat from a geothermal source to vaporize a fluid with a lower boiling point. The vapor creates pressure to power a turbine that generates electricity. 

The first PureCycle® unit at Chena was officially unveiled August 2006 and a second unit was commissioned in December 2006. These units use a low-temperature working fluid labeled R134a and were designed to operate with the 165°F hot water resource at Chena. Cooling water at temperatures of 40° to 45°F from a nearby river provided an ideal heat sink for this application.


 Energy Responsibility

The PureCycle® system replaces the need for costly diesel fuel previously required for operations, ensuring less air pollution, as well as a more sustainable environment for guests and employees. This installation illustrates Chena Hot Springs Resort’s and UTC Power’s commitment to a cleaner world environment. 

This project was made possible through the support and financial assistance of the U.S. Department of Energy, Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, The Denali Commission, United Technologies Corporation, Chena Hot Springs Resort, former Governor Frank Murkowski and U.S. Senators Ted Stevens and Lisa Murkowski.