15 SEPTEMBER 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Canada’s First Nations’ Clean Energy Initiative Compiled the Editorial Staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® Canada’s government and First Nations groups are collaborating on a project to use a depleted natural gas field in northeastern British Columbia (B.C.) to produce geothermal energy for electricity generation. Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s minister of natural resources announced nearly $40.5 million in federal investments for the Clarke Lake Geothermal Development Project to develop one of the first commercially viable geothermal electricity production facilities in Canada. The First Nations Major Projects Coalition and other First Nations organizations will own and lead the Clarke Lake Geothermal Project near Fort Nelson, British Columbia. O’Regan said, “The Clarke Lake Geothermal Project is Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led, showcasing Indigenous communities’ leadership in building a low-emissions future. Geothermal will help northern and remote communities use less diesel and more of this new clean energy technology.” A 2019 feasibility study showed the tapped-out natural gas field in the area could provide power generation and heat. With development in the existing Clarke Lake gas field, the project will use the mid-grade geothermal heat resources deep within its reservoir, conducted to the power generator using existing infrastructure. Developers also expect to demonstrate the value of geothermal energy as a viable clean energy technology for rural, Indigenous, and northern communities. Although electricity generation will be the primary source of revenue, additional opportunities could include the sale of waste heat generated by the facility. Excess heat could also power other activities in local industries, such as timber drying in the forestry sector and greenhouse food production in the agriculture sector. Along with job creation and other economic opportunities for the community, the geothermal facility will provide capacity building and training for workers from other industries who are transitioning into the renewable energy sector. Illustration courtesy of GeoScience BC prefeasibility report. GEO 74082 htooB ta su tisiV Initiative continued on page 18
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