Geothermal Prospects in British Columbia: Resource, Market and Regulatory Aspects

Abstract

British Columbia is host to about 15 young volcanic centers and 60 hot springs, all evidence of presence of geothermal resources. Most high grade geothermal prospects in British Columbia are located along 3 volcanic belts in the south western region of the province. It is estimated that a minimum of 800 MWe can be generated room the known prospects in this regions. Significant low grade geothermal resources exist in several provincial regions. Market applications consistent with the geothermal resources known and expected to occur in British Columbia include electrical generation, process and other direct heat uses and recreation. Leasing, exploration and dve3lopment operations for high grade geothermal resources are addressed by the British Columbia "Geothermal Resources Act" which defines geothermal resources and reserves all rights to the Crown in the right of the Province.