Geothermal at Makushin Volcano
Unalaska’s Native village corporation, Ounalashka Corporation, has teamed up with Fairbanks-based Chena Power, led by energy entrepreneur Bernie Karl, to develop geothermal power at Makushin Volcano near Unalaska. The plan is to build a 30 megawatt power plan to supply the community and its large fish processing plants. The venture, 51 percent owned by Ounalashka, is working to secure a power sales agreement with the City of Unalaska and to secure $300 million to $500 million in federal loan guarantees. The barrier is the road and power line infrastructure needed to access the geothermal site. Former Fairbanks borough mayor and state legislator Jim Whitaker is helping lead the project along with Karl, who successfully developed the Chena Hot Springs resort with its geothermal resource.