Wind Power

Chena Hot Springs is a participant in the Alaska Energy Association Anemometer Loan Program.  In July 2006, a 100ft tall wind monitoring station was set up on a ridge 3 miles southeast of the resort at an elevation of 3500ft.  The station will continually monitor wind speed and direction, which will be downloaded on a monthly basis.  The station will remain in place for one year, after which it will be relocated to another site.   

While Fairbanks is not know for its wind resources, a pilot program by Golden Valley Electric Association has identified a number of promising wind sites along ridge tops in Interior Alaska which could be developed for generating wind power.  According to the 200m resolution wind resources map for the state of Alaska, the ridge where our station is located has a Class 5 resource, which, if verified, would be an excellent candidate for possible future development.

The site for the station was chosen partially due to its close proximity to Chena Hot Spring's Aurora Viewing Yurt.  During the winter months, visitors are transported daily via Susve's (tracked vehicles) for sunset and aurora viewing tours.  The Yurt provides a shelter during these tours, but there is no power available and lighting is via propane lamps.  If there is a clear wind resource measured in the next couple of months, Chena would like to install a small generator and battery bank to provide power to the Yurt and improve our guest's experience on the hill. 

To learn more about AEA's Annemometer Loan Program, click here               

Thanks to our volunteer installation crew (from L to R):  Cliff Dolchok (AEA), Larry (Chena Hot Springs), Mia Devine (AEA), Amy Fish (REAP), Kat Keith (Chena Hot Springs), Ashish Agrawal (UAF)