Geothermal Energy Development in Canada--Country Update 2012

Abstract

This report provides a review of the current status of geothermal energy development in Canada, including an overview of the country’s geothermal resource potential, the geothermal projects currently being developed, a description of the current geothermal energy market and its players, as wells as the activities being led by the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) that work to promote and help foster geothermal energy development in Canada. According to a report released by the Geological Survey of Canada in 2011, Canada has “tremendous geothermal resource potential.” Despite the favourable opportunities for geothermal development in Canada, the market for geothermal power and direct use of heat has remained stagnant. As the collective voice of Canada’s geothermal power and direct use of heat industry, CanGEA is working on behalf of its members to promote geothermal development by working to create a favourable legal framework and support scheme on both a federal and provincial/territorial level in Canada. In a joint effort with government and industry, CanGEA is developing a National Geothermal Database, provincial/territorial geothermal favourability maps, commencing work on a Geothermal Power and Direct Use of Heat Technology Roadmap and Implementation Framework, and making continued efforts to bring geothermal to the oil & gas sector of Canada.