The work is part of an ongoing study at Kootenay Lake looking at the potential for ‘direct-use’ geothermal – using geothermal heat in residential, commercial or industrial applications – in an area with the hottest recorded surface temperatures of hot springs in southeast BC (82°C at Dewar Creek hot spring). Following field work conducted in the summer of 2022, researchers from Selkirk College and the University of Victoria will collaborate on the development of a hydrogeological model to focus future work to develop a geothermal resource. If direct-use geothermal proves viable for the area, its zero-emission heat could provide new economic development.
The latest study is funded by Geoscience BC, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, Colleges and Institutes Canada and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada – NSERC. It follows a separate initial study that compiled existing public domain data on the area.
Geoscience BC Manager, Energy and Water, Randy Hughes said: "Advancing geothermal energy in BC has the potential to contribute to Canada’s transition to a low carbon economy. To achieve this requires the research of known geothermally active regions to develop models that can assess their development potential.”
Accessing information
To view the project area and learn more abut the project, visit the project page or view the information on Geoscience BC's Earth Science Viewer online mapping application.
About Geoscience BC
Geoscience BC generates independent, public geoscience research and data about British Columbia’s minerals, energy and water resources. This advances knowledge, informs responsible development, encourages investment and stimulates innovation.
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For more information, please contact:
Richard Truman
Geoscience BC
604-662-4147 / 778-929-1662
University of Victoria: uvicnews@uvic.ca