University of Calgary Establishes Geothermal Energy Lab
Source: Alexander Richter · THINK GEOENERGY · | May 12, 2021
A new geothermal energy laboratory established with the University of Calgary in Canada is to help remove barriers to economic geothermal development in Canada.
Source: Think GeoEnergy
“Geothermal energy is considered one of the world’s highest-potential, baseload, zero-carbon energy sources, yet it currently comprises a tiny fraction of the global energy supply. With a major $40-million investment, pilot projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and a new hybrid gas-geothermal project started at Swan Hills, Alberta, the potential is starting to be realized,” said the announcement by the school.
Researchers at the University of Calgary are hoping to connect all stakeholders early in this process with the newly established Geothermal Energy Lab.
“We can help ensure that regulatory bodies consider the research and development directions being taken by industry players so that they are ready to enable development once field trials or field developments start,” said co-lead and principal investigator Dr. Roman Shor, PhD.
In his eyes, successful development will rely on a number of factors.
“By engaging players across academia, industry and government, we seek to remove barriers to economic geothermal development by working with industry on pilot and development projects to optimize reservoir management, well designs, surface systems, thermodynamic efficiency and energy use,” Shor added.
Geothermal anywhere
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from the Earth’s core, and the power produced is thought to be cost-effective, reliable, sustainable and environmentally-friendly. Geothermal can also be used for energy storage to improve reliability of our energy supply.
While development is still in its infancy and generally limited to geological hotspots, Shor says progress is being made through “Geothermal Anywhere,” a vision proposed by both the Canadian and American governments.
“Depending on the depths drilled to, geothermal (energy) for power is possible everywhere,” he said. “But costs and gaps in technology currently prevent widespread economic adoption.”