Type:
Research Report
Link:
https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2013/rncan-nrcan/M183-2-6914-eng.pdf
Authors:
Dr. Stephen Grasby – Research Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada
Dr. Diana M. Allen – Professor, Simon Fraser University
Dr. Sebastian Bell – Consultant, Sigma H Consultants
Dr. Zhuoheng Chen – Research Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada
Dr. Grant Ferguson – Professor, Saint Francis Xavier University
Dr. Alan Jessop – Emeritus Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada
Dr. Melanie Kelman – Research Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada
Ms. Miriel Ko – Physical Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada
Dr. Jacek Majorowicz – Research Scientist, University of Alberta
Dr. Michal Moore – Professor, University of Calgary
Dr. Jasmin Raymond – Researcher, Laval University Dr. René Therrien – Professor, Laval University
Citation:
Grasby, S.E., Allen, D.M., Bell, S., Chen, Z., Ferguson, G., Jessop, A., Kelman, M., Ko, M., Majorowicz, J., Moore, M., Raymond, J, and Therrien, R., 2012. Geothermal Energy Resource Potential of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 6914 (revised), 322 p. doi:10.4095/291488
Acknowledgment:
Joanne McCallum provided extensive research and editorial assistance. Report cover was produced by Donna Elkow-Nash. Tony Hamblin provided helpful comments.
Abstract:
Canada has enormous geothermal energy resources that could supply a renewable and clean source of power. There are many constraints, however, in utilizing this energy resource, including geological, technical, and regulatory issues. The intent of this report is to examine the geothermal potential in Canada, and the geological controls on the distribution of high grade resources as well as controls on the economic development and production of geothermal energy. This assessment is based on a new compilation and digitization of data produced through over 48 years of geothermal research in Canada. Recommendations on current and future research needs to reduce barriers to resource production are made at the end of the report. Currently Canada has no geothermal electrical production; however, direct use and heat exchange systems are used widely. Several projects are currently being examined by industry and government to develop electrical potential in Canada. A key economic constraint for these projects is the high risk of exploration due to costs of deep drilling. The cost of delivered geothermal power is projected to decline and be competitive with coal fired production within the next 15 years, given current levels of technology. Canada's in-place geothermal power exceeds one million times Canada's current electrical consumption (Fig. 1). However, only a fraction of this total potential could be developed. Much of the resource lies beyond current drilling technology, outside of areas served by high-capacity transmission lines, and at some distance from load centres. Nonetheless, the available high grade geothermal resource is considerable. High temperature hydrothermal systems can be brought on line with proven technology. Many of the tools required to bring geothermal energy to full realization, however, are not commercially proven to date and require further research and technology development. We can expect a strong learning curve and price response as geothermal energy is developed while other energy sources such as coal and nuclear will begin to see fleet and capacity retirements.