Indigenous clean energy project receives over $3.6 million to harness the power of geothermal energy

Source: Pacific Economic Development Canada | · OPG · | October 17, 2023

The Government of Canada is making investments in British Columbia to power a clean economy and inclusive growth

Indigenous communities across British Columbia are seizing new opportunities that power a net-zero future. Their innovation is establishing B.C. as a leader in clean energy and driving economic growth. PacifiCan is here to help propel projects that build prosperity in communities across the province.

Today, on World Geothermal Energy Day, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $3.6 million in PacifiCan funding to help Kitselas Geothermal harness geothermal energy for commercial use.

Geothermal energy is heat contained below the earth's surface. It is a clean and renewable form of energy that can replace fossil fuel energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. British Columbia is well positioned to become a leader in developing geothermal energy because the province sits along the Pacific Ocean "Ring of Fire," an area with significant geothermal energy potential because of volcanoes.

With funding through PacifiCan's Jobs and Growth Fund, Kitselas Geothermal will drill production wells to harness geothermal energy. This project is expected to generate over 170 new jobs, including for Indigenous workers, creating lasting economic benefits for the region.