Type:
Research Report
Link:
https://geothermalcanada.org/s/MajorowiczGrasby2010b101007_s11053-010-9119-8.pdf
Authors:
Dr. Stephen Grasby – Research Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada
Dr. Jacek Majorowicz – Research Scientist, University of Alberta
Citation:
Jacek Majorowicz and Stephen E. Grasby, Natural Resources Research, Vol. 19, No. 3, September 2010 (Copyright 2010) DOI: 10.1007/s11053-010-9119-8
Acknowledgments:
Dr. Michal Moore is thanked for introducing us to the EGS theme. We would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments. We would like to thank Dr. Alan Jessop for his valuable comments and numerous improvements in the text. Geological Survey of Canada Contribution.
Abstract:
Previous estimates of geothermal energy potential in Canada give an indication of available heat to be farmed at depth. This article examines in more detail depth–temperature relationships near large population centers in western Canada, as well as remote communities in northern Canada, in order to provide a first order assessment of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) potential for electrical generation. Quantities of EGS thermal power output and electrical generation are dependent on output temperature and flow rate. We relate these potential power rates as a whole to drilling and installation cost for the doublet systems and triplet system. Results show areas with significant EGS potential in northern Alberta, northeastern British Columbia, and southern Northwest Territories related to high heat flow and thermal blanketing of thick sedimentary cover. Estimated installation costs in 2008 dollars are under 2 mln$/MWe. We also estimate significant reductions in CO2 emissions by conversion to geothermal electric production.
Keywords:
Geothermal energy, Canadian geothermal, EGS, heat flow.