Feasibility of geothermal heating at Estevan, Canada to be evaluated

Saskatchewan Provincial Court Office, Estevan, Canada (source: waferboard / flickr, Creative Commons)

The Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) will be conducting a feasibility study for geothermal heating at the City of Estevan in Saskatchewan, Canada. PTRC was awarded the study by the City of Estevan and the Southeast Saskatchewan Economic Partnership (SSEP).

Over the course of the study, PTRC will investigate the best subsurface strata to be tapped for geothermal heating and investigate characteristics such as productive capacities, flowrates, and temperatures within eligible formations, optimal well orientations, and make recommendations on how to best develop geothermal systems for heating building and businesses.

The grant for the study is being provided by the Municipal Coal Transition Assistance Program (MCTAP) with the aim of creating a viable geothermal source in the region. PTRC was selected for the study because of their extensive knowledge of the region’s subsurface geology and its network of experts who will conduct the research project. PTRC is also partially sponsoring a research project to evaluate the viability of geothermal greenhouse heating in Estevan.

“We were delighted to be approached by the PTRC, with its stellar research record with proven research results, to direct and complete this feasibility study,” said Mayor of Estevan Roy Ludwig.  “The development of geothermal energy could lead to the creation of highly qualified personnel in the growing green energy field and help reduce energy costs for both homes and businesses. It will also help create new geothermal economy for the City of Estevan and surrounding communities.”

The final feasibility report with recommendations on whether to proceed with the design of a geothermal well is expected by the Spring of 2023.

Source: City of Estevan