Over this coming winter, Geoscience BC will be gathering existing geothermal data on Valemount and other areas of the province. The aim is to help identify sites with economically feasible potential for geothermal direct-use applications, and potentially start a consortium to drill test holes to verify that potential.
Carlos Salas, professional geoscientist and Vice President of Oil and Gas for Geoscience BC, says the non-profit organization has been around for about 10 years. Its goal is to providing science to British Columbians so they can make informed decisions about resource development in the province. About three years ago, the board of directors thought they should start looking at geothermal energy.