IUGG 2019 - Geothermal Symposium

The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) General Assembly will take place July 8-18, 2019 in Montreal.

Geothermal Canada would like to bring to your attention the symposium “FROM HIGH TO LOW-ENTHALPY: GEOTHERMAL ENERGY AT WORK” convened by Daniele Pinti (Canada) and co-convened by Clara Castro (USA), Paul Baudron (Canada), and Jasmin Raymond (Canada).

Description:

Geothermal energy is considered a renewable form of energy that can partially fill the increasing human demand. Yet only a few countries, located in high heat flow regions of the Earth can benefit from high-enthalpy resources to produce electricity. However, low to very low enthalpy geothermal resources are increasingly in demand, especially in cold northern countries such as Canada, Norway etc. Here, heat extracted from groundwater can be sufficient for domestic heating/cooling uses, particularly in remote areas. This symposium will be devoted to all aspects of geothermal energy, from exploration to exploitation and tools (geophysics, geochemistry, geology etc.) needed to evaluate the extent of this resource.

A list of all the symposia can be found here.

For those interested in submitting an abstract, the submission deadline is Feb. 18, 2019. More information can be found here.

CBC - Canada's 1st geothermal plant is being built in Sask., but why hasn't the industry taken off in Alberta?

With drilling well underway for DEEP’s project in Estevan, Saskatchewan, many are left wondering when geothermal exploration will take off in Alberta. This CBC article briefly outlines why lack of regulatory framework in Alberta is hindering geothermal development.

Newly Discovered Cave in Wells Gray Park, BC

© John Pollack

Geothermal Canada President, Dr. Catherine Hickson, was instrumental in the confirmation of the newly discovered cave in Wells Gray Park, British Columbia.  GC is pleased to be able to host the full resolution videos taken during the exploration and two 3 dimensional spatially accurate images created by John Pollack. 

© Catherine Hickson

© John Pollack

Hydroshearing and Hydrofracturing - What's the Difference?

Understanding hydroshearing and hydrofracturing is fundamental for EGS development and, arguably, for conventional production as well.  The key to maximizing well production understanding the stress field for new wells to enable and enhance flow.

Maurice Dessault, a teacher and researcher in the University of Waterloo, has composed a short summary explaining hydroshearing and hydrofracturing which can be read here.