Juneau Geothermal Systems Highlight Need for New Alaska Workforce Training
Juneau's existing geothermal heating systems, including those at Juneau International Airport, are spotlighting the need for specialized workforce training in Alaska. The Cold Climate Housing Research Center recently received $150,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Partnerships to Accelerate Training and Hiring for Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP PATHs) program. This funding, the second phase of the award, will enable the Fairbanks-based nonprofit, in collaboration with the Renewable Energy Alaska Project, to develop a training curriculum and pilot course for workers to install and maintain geothermal heating systems. The initiative addresses challenges like aging heat pumps and sediment buildup in Juneau's geothermal infrastructure, which complicate maintenance and highlight a gap in skilled labor for this technology.