Lecture 15 — March 23, 2022
Commercial Considerations
Topics covered:
Regulations
Power Sales
Thermal (Direct Use) Sales
Holistic and Integrated Developments
Carbon Credits and Politics
Speakers
Catherine Hickson, PhD
Catherine Hickson is a geologist and senior executive who has been involved in the geothermal industry for more than 40 years. Starting as a student running temperature logs in gradient wells, she then went on to finish her PhD at UBC investigating the Wells Gray Clearwater volcanic field and its potential for geothermal energy. She then became a research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) and was head of its Cordilleran Office in Vancouver for seven years. While at the GSC she continued working on projects that tied together geothermal energy and volcanology. In 2008 she left the GSC to join a pure play geothermal company as VP Exploration. Since then, she has been working globally on projects in over 14 countries overseeing all facets of the industry - from green field exploration projects to reservoir modelling and injection strategies, to raising funds for development companies. She joined Geothermal Canada (then the Canadian Geothermal Association) in 1981 and has continued to participate in the association for the past 40 years, serving several stints as President. She currently serves as its Vice president. Catherine is CEO of Alberta No. 1 and Chief Geoscientist for Terrapin Geothermics, she is also President of Tuya Terra Geo Corp maintaining a global geothermal practice.
Marc Colombina
Marc oversees the management, logistics, and procurement for Terrapin’s projects, including the Alberta No. 1 geothermal project. Internally focused on operational excellence and the development of its internal processes, Marc ensures activities are aligned with the vision, commitments, and goals of the organization. Beyond project and resource management, Marc maintains Terrapin’s relationships with various government bodies, granting and tax credit organizations, and academic institutions, and assists with lobbying and policy development. Marc came to Terrapin as its second staff member after a career in supply chain and logistics, where he was looking to put his project management and organizational skills to work and help make the energy transition a reality. When not spending time with his wife and two young daughters, Marc enjoys the outdoors and the study of history.