Canada:

Saskatchewan Geothermal Project Now Seeking Investors (Estevan Mercury)

The broadening of Estevan’s energy portfolio is entering its next phase as the city could one day be a model for geothermal development.

Moving power production in the Energy City away from fossil fuels, the Deep Earth Energy Production (DEEP) Corporation is entering its proof of concept phase for its proposed geothermal production facilities south of Estevan in south-eastern Saskatchewan.

The $2 million feasibility study, funded entirely by the federal government and SaskPower, is complete and the DEEP team is now looking for investors to help see the project to fruition. The Government of Canada is betting on geothermal, backing the initiative by supporting 50 per cent of the cost up to $20 million.

Kirsten Marcia, CEO of DEEP

Estevan native and GRC Member Kirsten Marcia is a geoscientist and the CEO behind DEEP, and presented the DEEP case to local industry professionals in a keynote speech at the inaugural Estevan Energy Expo at Affinity Place last week.

“Geothermal is a really unique resource,” said Marcia, noting it produces zero emissions. While that is what it shares with other renewable resources, what sets it apart is its ability to provide base-load power. “Geothermal is more base load than hydro. Once you develop it, each project can go for 20 or 40 years.”

Marcia expects DEEP’s first project near Estevan to begin producing power by early 2017. After Project 1 is complete, she said they will be able to implement subsequent projects much quicker.

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