Is Geothermal Energy an Alternative for Svalbard?

There is a drive towards the reduction of climate gas emissions on Svalbard where coal and diesel are currently the main energy sources. A research project lead by Store Norske is investigating the possibilities for geothermal energy utilization on Svalbard as a means to reduce emissions. Fibre optic temperature measurement technology is being tested to provide high quality data from boreholes in permafrost area. Finite element basin model (IFE) and Comsol Multiphysics model (CMR) describing the temperature distribution of the subsurface are being developed. Preliminary results indicate heat flow values above 70 mW/m2. There are also indications of hot spot areas with significantly higher heat flow values.