Two new geothermal research reports released by Geoscience BC examine locations and assess the viability for geothermal energy development in northeastern British Columbia.
In Techno-Economic assessment of Geothermal Energy Resources in the Sedimentary Basin in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada, researchers from the University of Victoria evaluated four areas favourable for geothermal development. The sites are at Horn River, Clarke Lake, Prophet River and Jedney.
“No geothermal power plant exists in Canada,” said Kevin Palmer-Wilson, PhD candidate in mechanical engineering and lead researcher on the project. “This study has identified four potential sites and provides cost estimates for getting power plants up and running.”
In the Clarke Lake Gas Field Reservoir Characterization report, researchers from the University of Alberta analyzed the potential of the depleted Clarke Lake natural gas field in northeast B.C. for its potential as a geothermal reservoir.
“We looked at the key geological variables that control the flow of hot water through the rocks,” said Evan Renaud, MSc geology candidate and lead researcher on the project. “Once we understood the permeability and porosity of the rocks, we simulated how the water would flow in a geothermal power plant.”
