ThinkGeoEnergy – Geothermal Energy News

Geothermal prospecting permit issued for Mount Spurr, Alaska

Alaska has issued a non-competitive prospecting permit has been issued for the Mount Spurr geothermal project to drilling company Raser Power Systems.

Alaska’s Division of Oil and Gas has issued a two-year permit to Raser Power Systems LLC for geothermal exploration in three state land tracts covering about 7,666 acres on the southern flank of Mount Spurr. The Prospecting Permit Area are located northwest of Trading Bay and approximately 40 miles west of Tyonek and is assigned Alaska Division of Lands (ADL) number 393958.

This final finding of the director of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Oil and Gas’ (DO&G) decision was issued March 12, 2021. The state’s best interests, so the finding would be served by issuing the Mount Spurr Noncompetitive Geothermal Prospecting Permit (Prospecting Permit or Prospecting Permit Area) as described in this final written finding to Raser Power Systems, LLC.

After weighing the facts and issues known at this time, considering applicable laws and regulations, and balancing the potential positive and negative effects given the mitigation measures and other regulatory protections, the director finds that the potential benefits of issuing a noncompetitive geothermal prospecting permit outweigh the possible negative effects, and that the Mount Spurr Noncompetitive Geothermal Prospecting Permit is in the best interest of the State of Alaska.

Raser Power is a Utah-based geothermal drilling company. A geophysical survey conducted in the 1980s indicated the possibility of warm or hot brine 2,000 feet below a plateau at the entrance to the pass on the south flank of the mountain.

Before commencing exploration, further approval and permits are required.

Previously Ormat Technologies conducted studies and did some exploratory drilling, yet was not successful, as we reported back in 2015.

Source: Petroleum News, official finding by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (pdf)

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