| Title | Geothermal Energy in Northern Canada: Recent Advances and Future Prospects for Community-Driven Research and Development |
|---|---|
| Authors | Fiona M. Chapman, Michael Thibault, Ysaline Bacon, Miranda Mafalda, Alice Friser, Jasmin Raymond |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | Remote communities across northern Canada are increasingly integrating renewable resources into their energy budgets. Across Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Nunavik, the majority of communities energy needs are met by fossil fuels. The shift towards renewable energies is driven by communities with goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and enhance energy sovereignty and security. In northern Canada, geothermal research has previously focused on general geothermal potential assessment. Shallow resources are seen as short-term and small-scale potential, whereas deep geothermal are higher-risk but could meet community-scale heating demand. For example, research in Baker Lake, Nunavut, explored the potential for deep borehole thermal exchange systems and further research evaluates the potential of enhanced geothermal systems. Recently, this fundamental research has been complemented by applied projects aligned with community interests. Innovative projects like the lake-loop system at Dawson City's recycling facility and a shallow depth pilot heat exchanger in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, demonstrate the feasibility of geothermal applications in northern climates. This presentation will summarize the advancements of geothermal research and recent developments across northern Canada. It will also identify opportunities for collaboration across disciplines that would allow projects to be optimized to local conditions. This could include the integration of geothermal energy with other renewable energy sources or in district heating systems. It will also highlight pathways for future research and considerations to ensure project development is aligned with community visions and the local geological potential. |