Bernie Karl, 56, figured out a way to generate electricity using water that’s the temperature of a cup of coffee — about 165 degrees Fahrenheit (Chena Hot Springs) to heat his family’s bed and breakfast in Fairbanks, Alaska.
This no longer could happen in California, unless it was approved by a three year study by the Bay Area Council and suffered shakedowns to the corrupt pols preaching Smart Growth in the State Legislature, not to mention union safety regulations in Martinez or Richmond. Of course, PG&E and the state bureaucrats (PUC) would cripple such innovation. So Californians, just dream.
“After we purchased the hot spring, I couldn’t believe it, the swimming pool and the hot spring were being heated by diesel fuel, 1,000 gallons every month!” Karl said.
To slash costs and to use resources that were right under his nose, Karl invented a portable geothermal power plant.
In a little more than three years, Karl and his wife have severed the facility’s dependence on diesel fuel and have saved $625,000, he said.
According to a CNN report, “After acquiring the 400-acre resort, Karl began trapping water from the underground hot springs, which produce enough power to heat the facility’s greenhouses year-round.
Most recently, Karl has turned his invention into a separate business by contracting with Peppermill hotel and casino in Reno, Nevada, to build a similar system there.
His portable geothermal generator units cost from $350,000 to $375,000, each with the potential to generate enough power for 250 average American homes per year.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Will never happen in California (October 23, 2009):
Too bad for CA: Yeah Bernie Karl!
Not invented here, unless Karen Bass and Darnell Stembezergen says it’s OK.
Free market solutions to our foreign dependence on oil! Imagine that!