Geothermal energy in Canada

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0375-6505(91)90027-S· OSTI ID:7066266

Jessop, A M ^[1]; Drury, M J ^[2]

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1. Inst. of Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology, Geological Survey of Canada, 3303, 33rd Street NW., Calgary, Alberta T2L 2A7 (CA)
2. Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E8 (CA)

This paper reports that since 1973 an effort has been made to identify and assess geothermal resources within Canada. Although the task is far from complete, two areas have been examined in some detail; the recent volcanic complex of Meager Mountain, British Columbia, and the Western Platform in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. It has been found that there are substantial resources associated with both, but of different character. At Meager Mountain high-temperature water will probably eventually be used for the generation of electrical power, whereas the low- to medium-temperature resources of the Basin are suitable for space heating and direct use. The useful accessible resource base in the waters of the Western Platform is very large, and reserves, estimated at 1% of the resource base are an order of magnitude greater than the thermal equivalent of Canadian oil reserves. In eastern Canada, where conventional energy supplies are more expensive, prospects for geothermal resources are not generally favorable, except in small areas. Development of geothermal resources in Canada is hindered by the absence of an established industry and, except in the Province of British Columbia, of legislation for the control of exploration and development of geothermal resources.

• OSTI ID: 7066266
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150100* -- Geothermal Energy-- Resources & Availability
BRITISH COLUMBIA
CANADA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
EVALUATION
EXPLORATION
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
GEOTHERMAL HEATING
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
HEATING
NORTH AMERICA
POWER
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RESOURCES
REVIEWS