Why geothermal?

Geothermal energy is an internationally recognized clean, sustainable and renewable source of affordable heat and power. It is obtained by pulling hot water from deep below the earth’s surface and running it through a turbine to produce electricity with low or no emissions. After the hot water is used to make clean electricity, and before the water is reinjected, the remaining heat can be used for a variety of commercial, industrial, or entrepreneurial endeavours, including fish farming, greenhouse heating, district heating, pasteurization, material drying and snow melting. The experience of countries around the world shows us the great potential of geothermal heat and power. With legislative and regulatory support, we can harness the potential of geothermal here in Canada, and use it to create reliable green energy, jobs, and economic prosperity.

Send this letter to your MP and MLA:

Dear Elected Official,

As a voter in your constituency, I’m contacting you to let you know about Canada’s Geothermal potential, and to advocate for its use. Geothermal energy is the Earth’s own internal heat, and is incredibly versatile. Some examples of its uses include: greenhouse agriculture, refrigeration, space heating, tourism, and electrical generation. While particularly visible in the western provinces, geothermal resources are found throughout all of Canada. With this renewable form of energy, we can use Canadian expertise in sub-surface resource development to create sustainable and permanent jobs.

There is now a critical opportunity to expand our country’s green energy and economic growth. More action is needed to help level the playing field for geothermal developers.

In addition to the changes needed on the Federal level, the Provinces and Territories can play an important role in helping to level the playing field for the geothermal industry. Local geothermal developers are in need of a more robust Provincial regulatory framework, as well as direct support matching that which other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar receive. I strongly encourage Provincial or Territorial representatives reading this letter to contact the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) for further details on the specific policy needs of geothermal developers in your area.

In 2018, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources issued a report titled, “Rethinking Canada’s Energy Information System: Collaborative Models in a Data-Driven Economy” that stated:

“Some Canadian energy information is incomplete or lacking…[E]nergy topics that need better coverage include… new renewable energy sectors such as geothermal [energy].” (Pg. 11)

Improved data coverage would help developers better understand Canada’s geothermal resources. Geothermal developers can become full and effective players in Canada’s renewable energy future if the right changes are made.

As part of our 2020 Federal Pre-Budget Consultation, CanGEA has identified the following points as key ways to support geothermal development in Canada:

1. That the Government of Canada provide funding for CanGEA to scale up its geothermal energy literacy pilot into a Pan-Canadian initiative. A well-informed populace is key to moving forward with renewable energy project developments and to meet Canada’s GHG reduction goals; providing support for renewable energy literacy workshops will go a long way in helping Canadians on board with our current plan to mitigate climate change.

2. That the Government of Canada create a 2-stage geothermal risk reduction program to help mobilize risk capital towards exploratory and production geothermal well drilling. Geothermal drilling risk reduction programs have a proven record for increasing project developments globally; developing a drilling risk reduction program in Canada could help accelerate the development of Canada’s geothermal energy industry.

These 2 recommendations would help promote the development of clean, reliable, and affordable geothermal energy development in Canada. Climate change mitigation and clean growth are both better served by increased government support for geothermal heat and power.

When the opportunity comes for you to comment on programs and regulations, in provincial or territorial legislatures, and particularly as the 2020 Federal Budget is drafted, I ask that you support geothermal by making sure the recommendations written above are present so that Canada can be a richer, more sustainable place.

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