Fossil Fuel and Geothermal Energy Sources for Local Use in Alaska

179 Pages·2012·14.48 MB·English

FOSSIL FUEL AND
GEOTHERMAL
ENERGY SOURCES
FOR LOCAL USE
IN ALASKA:

Summary of Available
Information
edited by
Coal
Robert F. Swenson
Marwan A. Wartes
David L. LePain
James G. Clough
Special Report 66
Geothermal
Published by
STATE OF ALASKA
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL &
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
Natural Gas
2012

FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
SOURCES FOR LOCAL USE IN ALASKA:
Summary of Available Information
Edited by: Robert F. Swenson1, Marwan A. Wartes1, David L. LePain1, and James G. Clough1
With contributions to individual chapters by: James G. Clough1, Paul L. Decker2, Robert J. Gillis1,
Ken Helmold2, David L. LePain1, Simone Montayne1, Christopher J. Nye1, Shaun Peterson2, and
Marwan A. Wartes1
Figures and plates composed by: Andrea Loveland1 and James Weakland1; editing by Paula Davis1; and layout
by Joni Robinson1.
1Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, 3354 College Road, Fairbanks,
Alaska 99709-3707
2Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil & Gas, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 800, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3560
Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Special Report 66
FRONT COVER PHOTOS:
TOP: From 1922 to 1962, historic Suntrana Mine operated at this site near Healy, Alaska, using mostly underground mining
methods. Usibelli Coal Mine currently mines to the north of Suntrana, using open-pit methods. The prominent black coal
bed dipping to the left is near the top of the Suntrana Formation, which contains the thickest seams of subbituminous coal
in the Nenana basin. Photo by Jim Clough, September 2008.
MIDDLE: View to the east over the persistently steaming summit fumaroles of Makushin Volcano, with Makushin Valley,
Unalaska Bay, and Dutch Harbor visible in the distance. Fumaroles are high-temperature steam and gas vents that result
from hot or molten igneous rocks releasing gas and boiling off groundwater and melting snow. Makushin Volcano is a
viable geothermal prospect near Dutch Harbor. Photo by Janet Schaefer, August 3, 2012.
BOTTOM: Natural gas flared from production test of an oil and gas well in Cook Inlet. Photo by Bob Swenson.
BACK COVER PHOTO:
View from the summit ridge of Mt. Spurr down into the ice cauldron. Bare, warm, steaming rock, part of the turquoise lake,
and multiple fumaroles are visible. Photo by Sorokin Maxim.
STATE OF ALASKA
Sean Parnell, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Daniel S. Sullivan, Commissioner
DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL & GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
Robert F. Swenson, State Geologist and Director
Publications produced by the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) are
available for free download from the DGGS website (www.dggs.alaska.gov). Publications
on hard-copy or digital media can be examined or purchased in the Fairbanks office:
Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
3354 College Rd., Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-3707
Phone: [phone] Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.dggs.alaska.gov
Alaska State Library Alaska Resource Library & Information
State Office Building, 8th Floor Services (ARLIS)
333 Willoughby Avenue 3150 C Street, Suite 100
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0571 Anchorage, Alaska 99503-3982
Elmer E. Rasmuson Library University of Alaska Anchorage Library
University of Alaska Fairbanks 3211 Providence Drive
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-1005 Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4614
ii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Economic growth and stability in Alaska hinges partially, if not primarily, on the availability of a mix
of affordable and sustainable energy sources. 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 im-
ported 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. Collectively, these summaries
provide a basis for ensuring that Alaska’s entire suite of potential energy sources is considered. Although
this review does not represent a comprehensive analysis or resource assessment, the information should as-
sist local, regional, and statewide efforts to reduce the dependence on diesel for heat and electricity.
The potential for locally exploitable natural resources varies widely across the state, and certain regions
possess more favorable geologic attributes than others. The chapters of this report are subdivided into the 11
regions recognized by the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA, 2009). 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.
Energy Regions of Alaska
Alaska Energy Authority, 2009
iii

CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................iii

CHAPTER A: GEOLOGIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPLOITABLE FOSSIL FUEL AND
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY RESOURCES...................................1
Introduction ............................................................................. 1
Geologic Requirements for Exploitable Coal Resources .......................................... 1
Geologic Requirements for Exploitable Conventional Oil and Gas Resources ......................... 3
Geologic Requirements for Exploitable Unconventional Fossil Fuel Resources ........................ 4
Coalbed Methane .................................................................... 4
Tight Gas Sands ..................................................................... 5
Shale Gas .......................................................................... 6
Gas Hydrate ........................................................................ 7
Underground Coal Gasification ......................................................... 8
Geologic Requirements for Geothermal Energy Resource ......................................... 9
References Cited and Selected Bibliography .................................................. 10
CHAPTER B: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE
POTENTIAL IN ALEUTIANS ENERGY REGION...........................13
Introduction ............................................................................ 13
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Recommendations ....................................................................... 19
References Cited and Selected Bibliography .................................................. 20
CHAPTER C: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL
IN THE BERING STRAITS ENERGY REGION.............................23
Introduction ............................................................................ 23
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Recommendations ....................................................................... 29
References Cited and Selected Bibliography .................................................. 30
CHAPTER D: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL
IN THE BRISTOL BAY ENERGY REGION ................................33
Introduction ............................................................................ 33
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Recommendations ....................................................................... 39
References Cited and Selected Bibliography .................................................. 40
CHAPTER E: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL
IN THE COPPER RIVER–CHUGACH ENERGY REGION....................43
Introduction ............................................................................ 43
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Recommendations ....................................................................... 48
References Cited and Selected Bibliography .................................................. 49
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CONTENTS
Page
CHAPTER F: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL
IN THE KODIAK ENERGY REGION.....................................53
Introduction ............................................................................ 53
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Recommendations ....................................................................... 58
References Cited and Selected Bibliography .................................................. 58
CHAPTER G: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL
IN THE LOWER YUKON–KUSKOKWIM ENERGY REGION ................63
Introduction ............................................................................ 63
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Recommendations ....................................................................... 69
References Cited and Selected Bibliography .................................................. 70
CHAPTER H: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL
IN THE NORTH SLOPE ENERGY REGION ...............................73
Introduction ............................................................................ 73
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Recommendations ....................................................................... 78
References Cited and Selected Bibliography .................................................. 79
CHAPTER I: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL
IN THE NORTHWEST ARCTIC ENERGY REGION.........................83
Introduction ............................................................................ 83
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Recommendations ....................................................................... 89
References Cited and Selected Bibliography .................................................. 90
CHAPTER J: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL
IN THE RAILBELT ENERGY REGION ...................................95
Introduction ............................................................................ 95
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Recommendations ...................................................................... 107
References Cited and Selected Bibliography ................................................. 109
CHAPTER K SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL
IN THE SOUTHEAST ENERGY REGION ................................113
Introduction ........................................................................... 113
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Recommendations ...................................................................... 119
References Cited and Selected Bibliography ................................................. 120

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CONTENTS
Page
CHAPTER L: SUMMARY OF FOSSIL FUEL AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCE
POTENTIAL IN THE YUKON–KOYUKUK/UPPER TANANA ENERGY
REGION............................................................123
Introduction ........................................................................... 123
Geologic Energy Resource Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Recommendations ...................................................................... 132
References Cited and Selected Bibliography ................................................. 133
APPENDIX I. GEOLOGIC TIME SCALE.............................................137
GLOSSARY......................................................................139
FIGURES
Chapter A: Geologic Requirements
A1. Diagram showing the steps in the formation of coal ...................................... 1
A2. Map of Alaska showing the distribution of coal-bearing sedimentary basins ................... 2
A3. Coal rank ....................................................................... 4
A4. Schematic diagram of an intersecting network of fractures or cleats in a coal seam ............. 5
A5. Generalized graph showing the relative proportions of gas and water produced from a coalbed
methane well over time ............................................................ 5
A6. Resource triangle for natural gas ..................................................... 6
A7. Comparison of organic contents of shales, coals, and tight sands ........................... 7
A8. Gas hydrate or clathrate molecule .................................................... 8
A9. Conceptual model for underground coal gasification of deep, unmineable coal seams ........... 9
Chapter B: Aleutian Energy Region
B1. Location map of Aleutians Energy Region ............................................ 13
B2. Location map of the Eastern Aleutians Energy Region showing selected geographic references
noted in the text ................................................................. 15
Chapter C: Bering Straits Energy Region
C1. Location map of Bering Straits Energy Region ........................................ 23
C2. Location map of the central Bering Straits Energy Region, showing selected geographic
references noted in the text ........................................................ 25
C3. Map of the Unalakleet area, showing the location of a historic coal mine .................... 26
C4. Map of the St. Lawrence Island area, showing reported coal occurrence ..................... 27
Chapter D: Bristol Bay Energy Region
D1. Location map of Bristol Bay Energy Region .......................................... 33
D2. Location map of the southwestern Bristol Bay Energy Region, showing selected geographic
references noted in the text ........................................................ 35
D3. Location map of the central Bristol Bay Energy Region, showing reported coal occurrences ..... 36
D4. Location map of the south-central Bristol Bay Energy Region, showing selected geographic
references noted in the text ........................................................ 37
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CONTENTS
Page
Chapter E: Copper River–Chugach Energy Region
E1. Location map, Copper River–Chugach Energy Region .................................. 43
E2. Location map of the Copper River–Chugach Energy Region, showing selected geographic
references noted in the text ........................................................ 45
Chapter F: Kodiak Energy Region
F1. Location map of Kodiak Energy Region .............................................. 53
F2. Location map of the southwestern Kodiak Energy Region, showing selected geographic
references noted in the text ........................................................ 55
F3. Location map of the western, mainland portion of the Kodiak Energy Region (Alaska Peninsula) 56
F4. Location map of the Shelikof Strait area of the Kodiak Energy Region (Alaska Peninsula) ...... 57
Chapter G: Lower Yukon–Kuskokwim Energy Region
G1. Location map of Lower Yukon–Kuskokwim Energy Region .............................. 63
G2. Location map of the eastern Lower Yukon–Kuskokwim Energy Region, showing selected
geographic references noted in the text ............................................... 65
G3. Location map of the western Lower Yukon–Kuskokwim Energy Region, showing reported
coal occurrences in the Nelson and Nunivak Island areas ................................ 66
Chapter H: North Slope Energy Region
H1. Location map of North Slope Energy Region .......................................... 73
H2. Location map of the North Slope Energy Region, showing extensive distribution of rocks
bearing bituminous and subbituminous coal. .......................................... 75
H3. Map marking coal localities near Wainright, and the Meade River Mine near the village
of Atqasuk ..................................................................... 76
H4. Map of the westernmost Brooks Range and Point Hope and Point Lay areas, showing select
geographic references noted in the text ............................................... 77
Chapter I: Northwest Arctic Energy Region
I1. Location map of Northwest Arctic Energy Region ...................................... 83
I2. Location map of the west-central Northwest Arctic Energy Region, showing selected
geographic references noted in the text ............................................... 85
I3. Location map of the east-central Northwest Arctic Energy Region, showing selected
geographic references noted in the text ............................................... 86
I4. Location map of the southern Northwest Arctic Energy Region, showing selected geographic
references noted in the text ........................................................ 87
Chapter J: Railbelt Energy Region
J1. Location map of Railbelt Energy Region ............................................. 95
J2. Location map of the Railbelt Energy Region, showing the Cook Inlet–Susitna and Nenana
coal provinces .................................................................. 98
J3. Map of the central Railbelt region, highlighting the coal fields and districts in the Susitna
basin area ...................................................................... 99
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