Lecture 17 — April 6, 2022
Overcoming Hurdles and Challenges to Develop a Geothermal Industry in Canada

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.

Dr. Maurice Dusseault

Maurice teaches Geological Engineering at the University of Waterloo, has taught short courses in 28 countries, and continues to be active in research and teaching.  He works on subsurface energy geomechanics topics including hydrocarbon development, hydraulic fracturing, energy storage, geothermal energy, carbon sequestration, and deep injection disposal of granular solids and liquid wastes.  He holds many patents and has about 650 full-text papers published in journals and conferences.