Canada invests in Alberta's first commercial-scale geothermal facility

Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, has announced a US$25.4 million investment in northwestern Alberta's first commercial-scale geothermal facility, which will generate clean energy and create jobs. The project, Alberta No. 1, will be overseen by a partnership between Terrapin Geothermics and the Municipal District of Greenview. PCL Construction will also participate in this project.

A first in the province and among the first of its kind in Canada, the facility will generate 5 MW of electricity annually, enough to power 6800 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20 000 tpy. The project will also create new jobs during the construction and operation phases.

The project will demonstrate geothermal power as a viable and reliable power source and, complemented by existing power sources, how it can play a major role in phasing out coal.

The project is also expected to model integrated energy solutions by providing direct heat to local industries, further increasing its environmental and economic benefits.

Funding for the project comes from Natural Resources Canada's Emerging Renewables Power Programme, a US$200 million programme stemming from budget 2017 and part of Canada's more than US$180 billion investing in Canada infrastructure plan for public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/other-renewables/30082019/canada-invests-in-albertas-first-commercial-scale-geothermal-facility/