Opinion by Gordon Brasnett, Leighton Gall and Peter Massie published by The Globe and Mail on October 22, 2025
Canada should build on FORGE’s lessons to launch Project AURORA – the Arctic Underground Research Observatory for Resource Advancement. Project AURORA would consist of one or more Northern test sites that design and adapt next-generation geothermal tech for the Arctic’s challenging terrain.
The project would generate immediate local economic activity, but that gain would be just the start. As a living laboratory, designed together with Arctic Indigenous partners, AURORA would accrue knowledge and experience to drive down energy production costs and allow geothermal deployment across the North.
The Cascade Institute estimates that – even at today’s drilling costs – an enhanced geothermal system could power the town of Resolute Bay, Nunavut, for 30 years at costs competitive with diesel. With AURORA improving geothermal’s economics, the end result would be enormous flows of reliable, far cheaper energy in the Arctic that enable growth, boost Indigenous communities and power Canada’s military presence.
Gordon Brasnett specializes in techno-economic modelling, policy analysis and risk assessment as a fellow in the Cascade Institute’s Ultradeep Geothermal Program. Leighton Gall is the program’s technical and Indigenous energy lead. Peter Massie leads the Cascade Institute’s Geothermal Energy Office.
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