Sunday, April 20, 2014

USA, Alaska:

Growing Passion, Sustainability at Chena Hot Springs Resort (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner)

Although the greenhouses, flowers and gardens at Chena Hot Springs Resort are breathtaking, there is more to the plants than just a pretty showcase.

For GRC Member and owner Bernie Karl, it’s a way to demonstrate what Alaskans could and should be doing.

Natural geothermal energy is one of the keys to success. “I’m taking a hug from the earth and am putting it back,” Karl said.

Geothermal water passes through a heat exchanger, causing the secondary fluid to flash to vapor which drives a turbine. Because of the closed loop system, nothing is emitted into the atmosphere.

Since the Karl family purchased the resort over a decade ago, they have expanded the food and flower production every year. This summer Chena Hot Springs will be graced with 30,000 flowers. “We do it because it makes this place smell good,” Karl said. “And the bees love them. It’s one of God’s great gifts I get to share.”

Connie and Bernie Karl were recipients of a Geothermal Special Achievement Award from the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) in last year's GRC Awards

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