Geothermal Energy in Canada: Unlocking the Earth’s Heat for a Cleaner Future

As Canada works toward achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2050, the need for diverse, clean energy sources is more urgent than ever. While hydro, wind, and solar dominate the country’s renewable energy landscape, geothermal energy is emerging as an untapped opportunity. Leveraging the heat beneath Canada’s surface could help fill critical gaps in the energy grid, offering a reliable, low-emission, and year-round power source.

Geothermal energy is still in its infancy in Canada, supplying zero electricity to the grid as of 2024. However, according to the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), the country’s geothermal potential is vast, with enough technically recoverable heat to meet Canada’s electricity demand over 1 million times. Recent advancements in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and closed-loop technologies have opened new possibilities, particularly in western provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.

Canada’s Top Geothermal Projects

While Canada’s geothermal industry is still growing, several promising projects are paving the way for large-scale development. These projects highlight the innovation and leadership driving this sector forward.

1. Razor Energy Swan Hills Geothermal Project (Alberta)
   • CEO: Doug Bailey
   • Website: razor-energy.com
     This project repurposes abandoned oil and gas wells in Alberta to generate geothermal power. With an expected output of 21 MW, enough to power 7,000 homes, it represents Canada’s first commercial geothermal project of its kind.
2. DEEP Earth Energy Production Project (Saskatchewan)
   • CEO: Kirsten Marcia
   • Website: deepcorp.ca
     Located in southern Saskatchewan, DEEP’s geothermal project is set to produce 5 MW of electricity and provide direct heating for nearby communities. As the first large-scale geothermal power project in Canada, it has drawn significant attention.
3. Eavor-Loop Demonstration Facility (Alberta)
   • CEO: John Redfern
   • Website: eavor.com
     Eavor Technologies is pioneering closed-loop geothermal systems, which require no water reservoirs. Their demonstration facility in Alberta has gained international recognition for its scalability and minimal environmental impact.
4. Meager Creek Development Project (British Columbia)
   • CEO: Craig Dunn
   • Website: saberenergy.ca
     This project explores volcanic geothermal resources in British Columbia’s Meager Creek area. Once operational, it could become one of Canada’s largest geothermal facilities, contributing significant renewable energy to the province.
5. Terrapin Geothermics – Greenview Geothermal Power Plant (Alberta)
   • CEO: Sean Collins
   • Website: terrapingeo.com
     This innovative project is developing a geothermal power plant in Greenview, Alberta, repurposing energy from an industrial landfill site. It’s designed to be a model for sustainable geothermal power in remote locations.
6. Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal Project (British Columbia)
   • CEO: Kekinusuqs Judith Sayers (for Kanaka Bar Indian Band)
   • Website: kanakabarband.ca
     The Kanaka Bar Indian Band leads this project, leveraging geothermal energy for community heating and potential electricity generation. It represents an important Indigenous-led initiative in Canada’s geothermal space.
7. Alberta No. 1 Geothermal Project (Alberta)
   • CEO: Catherine Hickson
   • Website: canadaalb.no1.com
     This project, developed by Terrapin Geothermics and partners, focuses on generating clean energy from deep sedimentary basins in Alberta.
8. Clark Lake Geothermal Project (British Columbia)
   • CEO: Meike Goetze
   • Website: fortisbc.com
     FortisBC leads this project, targeting geothermal resources at Clark Lake in B.C. for large-scale energy generation and heating.
9. GeoEnergy Systems Closed-Loop Project (Ontario)
   • CEO: Peter McFarlane
   • Website: geoenergysystems.ca
     Focused on implementing closed-loop technology in Ontario, this project is part of Canada’s efforts to expand geothermal beyond western provinces.
10. Kitselas Geothermal Project (British Columbia)
    • CEO: Corinne McKay (for Kitselas Development Corporation)
    • Website: kitselasgeothermal.ca
      Led by the Kitselas First Nation, this project combines renewable energy development with Indigenous community benefits, showcasing the potential for geothermal in empowering local economies.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Investing in geothermal energy could bring significant economic and environmental advantages for Canada:

• Reliable, 24/7 Power: Unlike solar and wind, geothermal energy provides consistent, baseload electricity regardless of weather conditions.
• Job Creation: Geothermal projects can create jobs in drilling, engineering, and construction, particularly for workers transitioning from the oil and gas sector.
• Low Emissions: Geothermal energy is nearly emissions-free, making it an excellent complement to Canada’s clean energy mix.
• Efficient Land Use: Geothermal plants require less land than wind and solar farms, minimizing environmental disruption.
• Decarbonized Heating: Beyond electricity, geothermal heat can replace fossil fuels in district heating systems, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions in colder climates.

The Path Forward

As Canada develops its geothermal sector, these projects and companies are paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. With the right policy support and continued innovation, geothermal energy could become a critical pillar of Canada’s net-zero transition.

The Bottom Line

By unlocking the Earth’s heat, Canada has the opportunity to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also create jobs, enhance energy security, and strengthen Indigenous-led clean energy projects. Geothermal energy is poised to become an essential component of Canada’s clean energy mix.