Project Update: Garibaldi Geothermal Volcanic Belt Assessment

The Garibaldi Geothermal Volcanic Belt Assessment Project is an “ongoing project is assessing the geothermal potential of the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt in BC’s Southwest Region, building on research stretching back to the mid-1970s. The multi-partner collaborative project is using modern geophysical and geological techniques and concepts.” This involves researchers from the Geological Survey of Canada plus 7 Universities (UBC, SFU, DC, UofA, UofC, ETH, Quest). The data collection from summer 2019 included 34 people in the field (375 person days).

On May 7, 2020, Geoscience BC hosted an online Open House meeting to discuss the details and results of the 2019 field work with presentations from Dr. Steve Grasby and Geoscience BC President Carlos Salas. Both presentations and a recording of the meeting are available on the project website.

OERA Request for Proposals due May 1, 2020

We would like to alert the geothermal community of the following Request for Proposals put out by OERA. OERA is a not for profit research association focused on removing barriers to the development of Nova Scotia’s energy resources.

“On behalf of the Nova Scotia Department Energy & Mines and Department of Agriculture, OERA is seeking proposals for a study to compile available geological, geothermal, geophysical and hydrogeological information, provide a preliminary opinion on the potential for geothermal development in Nova Scotia, and recommend next steps to further de-risk targeted areas. This project will also describe the economic case for potential geothermal resource exploration and development in the province. This work supports the Province’s broad energy policy objectives related to climate change, inclusive economic development and the sustainable development of Nova Scotia’s energy resources. Proposals are due by Friday May 1, 2020 at 5:00PM AST.”

The Hill Times: Bailout for the oil and gas sector? Time for Alberta to pivot to the future

Jatin Nathwani, the Founding Director of WISE (Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy), is a proponent of geothermal development for power and for heating/cooling needs.  He believes that geothermal power, as well as geothermal cooling and heating, could be developed to the benefit of underprivileged communities around the world.  Issues such as scale of project, technology, and cost-benefit are worthy of discussion.

Read his article “Bailout for the oil and gas sector? Time for Alberta to pivot to the future” published in The Hill Times, here.

Please note that a subscription is required to view the article.

Thank You to Fran Noone

Geothermal Canada would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Fran Noone for all of her hard work with this organization since it was resurrected in 2017. Fran has been an invaluable team member, providing administrative support, organizing meetings, and keeping everyone on track. Unfortunately for us, she has decided to retire and step away from her duties with Geothermal Canada. We are so grateful for her help in both bringing GC back up and running, and pushing it forward. Thank you Fran, and enjoy your much deserved rest.

Waterloo Geothermal Workshop Presentations Available

The 1.5 day workshop titled “Geothermal Techonology in Canada: Future Pathways” was held from Jan.23-24, 2020 at the university of Waterloo. Several Geothermal Canada board members, including Catherine Hickson and Maurice Dessault, gave presentations. Sessions and presentations are now available for viewing/downloading.