In September CanGEA's policy advisor, Justin Crewson, gave an online presentation followed by a Q & A session with our Chair and Managing Director Alison Thompson. Over 200 people tuned in to listen and ask questions! The webinar provides a basic introduction to geothermal energy and the direct use applications for geothermal heat. It continues by comparing the state of the industry in Canada with that of rest of the world. Justin then focuses in on BC: its resources and barriers to the implementation of geothermal power.
If you would like to learn more about BC's enormous geothermal energy potential, you can watch the webinar free on YouTube! Following the guidelines set forth by the Global Protocol and the Canadian Geothermal Code for Public Reporting, CanGEA has facilitated the development of the Geothermal Resource Estimate Maps of British Columbia with the goal of demonstrating British Columbia’s geothermal resource potential, within a global context. Presented to the public in a universal mapping platform format and centralized national geothermal database, the project deliverables provide a means to share, collaborate and update the data necessary for making informed commercial decisions around geothermal development. The Geothermal Resource Estimate Maps of British Columbia and associated database are tools for advancing geothermal development within British Columbia.
Click here to view the maps! CanGEA is pleased to announce the release of our Direct Use Report. Direct use refers to the non-electric utilization of geothermal heat for applications such as greenhouses, aquaculture, district heating, and many more! In Canada there is a general absence of technical and economic data surrounding subsurface geothermal conditions and suitable utilization of direct use applications, especially for regions further away from surface manifestations such as hot springs. The purpose of this project was to assist a diverse target audience navigate the knowledge gap that currently exists in regard to the non-electric utilization of geothermal energy and identify opportunities for project development in Canada.
The report is sectioned into four parts. Part I provides an overview of possible direct use applications; Part II outlines project development and design guidelines; Part II displays geothermal resources in Canada; and Part IV discusses direct use applications and opportunities in a Canadian context. The release of this report coincides with CanGEA's Direct Use Trade Mission to Klamath Falls, Oregon. It is hoped that these events will motivate Canadians to implement direct use projects and provide them with the information they need to get them off the ground. If you are interested in developing a direct use project, we can help you through CanGEA's consulting services. With a renewable supply of low-cost heat, the only limit is your imagination! Click here for access to the CanGEA’s Direct Use Report CanGEA has received Foreign Affairs Canada Global Opportunities for Associations (GOA) funding to take Canadian small-medium enterprises, municipalities, and other associations on a Geothermal Trade Mission to the various world-renowned geothermal direct uses in Klamath Falls, Oregon on October 2-4, 2014.
The GOA subsidy reimburses up to 50% of event registrations, all transportation costs (including airfare), as well as up to a $200 per diem to assist with accommodation and meals. The Trade Mission will be an opportunity to learn from geothermal direct use experts; acquire market intelligence; discover potential partners, buyers and sellers; and bring internationally acclaimed practices back to Canada. Click here to view event details The Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) is now providing advisory services to decision makers at the community level and in the corporate, public, First Nations and non-profit sectors to uncover new sources of value in our rapidly changing economy with geothermal power and heat.
It is CanGEA’s mission to empower Canadian companies and communities to take advantage of our readily available geothermal resources by delivering customized information to interested players, and aiding with long term business planning and success. CanGEA is available to answer industry related questions for those considering entering the geothermal market, namely: Power and Direct Use of Heat Project Feasibility; Funding and Partnership Opportunities; Navigating through Canadian Geothermal Policy; Market Potential Analysis; Community Outreach; Technology Transfer Options, as well as Entrepreneurial Opportunities. Click here to learn more about our consulting services. Geothermal energy represents a massive opportunity that is well poised to tackle some of Canada’s greatest challenges, including; climate change (reducing GHG emissions), energy security, job creation, and northern and remote community development. Geothermal power is clean, green, and reliable. It can operate at or near full capacity day and night, generating a consistent supply of power free from fuel costs or carbon emissions. Additionally, geothermal energy can effectively offset emissions when used in co-production with other resource development such as oil & gas and/or mining. Furthermore, the potential for geothermal energy in Canada is immense – estimated at over 5,000 MW in traditional shallow geothermal resources with currently available technology. Altogether this level of geothermal energy production could create approximately 20,000 construction jobs, and 8,500 operations & maintenance jobs and is equivalent to more than 25 mega tonnes (Mt) of offset CO2 emissions per year. In addition, upwards of 10,000 MW or more may be available in deep geothermal resources which require enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) whose technology is still under development.
This abundant source of clean, reliable energy can fortify Canada’s domestic energy supply and support energy exports to markets demanding clean, renewable energy such as the United States. As well, geothermal power is well suited to address the needs of northern and remote communities as it can provide electricity while also already providing heat energy for space heating in residential or commercial uses such as green houses that grow local produce. Geothermal energy can free these communities from their reliance upon fuel imports for power and heating and food needs. As Canada moves to reduce GHG emissions by 20 percent and achieve 90 percent non-emitting power generation by 2020, clean renewable energy will play an increasingly important role. Thus, the development of Canada’s geothermal resources is becoming increasingly attractive. In light of Canada’s abundant naturally occurring hot springs and pools, geothermal energy has surfaced as an ideal candidate to provide base-load, renewable energy for Canadians and export markets. With further support from federal, provincial, and municipal governments, imagine the role geothermal energy could play in satisfying our clean energy demands. CanGEA is leading the charge to influence effective policy at all levels to enhance the development of Canada’s indigenous geothermal resources. Together, CanGEA and its members are pioneering the exploration and development of Canada’s tremendous resource of subsurface energy. Click here to learn what CanGEA is doing to ensure that Canada capitalizes on this opportunity.
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