Title: Shallow Geothermal Systems in Alaska: Technical Potential, Geological Constraints, and Economic Realities

Abstract: This presentation explores the role of shallow geothermal systems in Alaska’s energy landscape, spanning residential, commercial, and district-scale heating and cooling applications. It introduces the fundamentals of shallow geothermal energy and examines its adaptability to Alaska’s subsurface conditions, including permafrost, soil variability, and low ground temperatures. The discussion highlights both the technical potential and the geological constraints that influence system design, installation, and performance. Economic considerations, such as upfront costs, seasonal efficiency, and long-term viability, are addressed in relation to Alaska’s market context. The presentation also considers how collaboration across disciplines and integration with complementary approaches, such as subsurface assessment methods, empirical ground temperature data from diverse field measurements, and hybrid system strategies, can help address current limitations and support future development. International examples are referenced to provide context for scalable strategies and lessons learned.