Community Geothermal Resource: Capacity Assessment and Training Program (GeoCAT)

The project, entitled the Community Geothermal Resource – Capacity Assessment and Training program (GeoCAT), will build project development capacity for mid-depth geothermal energy-based projects in 12 rural Nova Scotia communities, and 5 Mi’kmaq communities.

Working with Mi’kmaq groups and the local communities, the GeoCAT program will first transfer geothermal resource and project development knowledge to local community representatives, who in turn will assess community-specific infrastructure and interest for geothermal project development. The community representatives themselves will present these opportunities – and how they might be achieved – to interested citizens so that communities can decide for themselves the next steps to be taken.

The GeoCAT program will:

1. create awareness of local geothermal resources in local community representatives, and 
2. working with these representatives, assess community-specific interest and opportunities for economically viable geothermal project development. Next,
3. community representatives will present these opportunities to decision makers and interested citizens. Finally,
4. the community representatives with supporting project development expertise will learn and teach interested residents how such projects can be achieved in their community.

Support for the project

Funding for this 3-year project (April 2022 - March 2025) is being provided by Natural Resources Canada – Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program - Capacity Building Stream, which aims to enable the future of renewable energy in communities

Further information is available in this news release.

Questions and Answers

Why geothermal in Nova Scotia?

• Heating is the biggest energy user in most Nova Scotia homes, where oil, electricity, or natural gas are the primary heating methods
• Nova Scotia has great mid-depth geothermal resource potential. This can include heating and cooling from abandoned mines, ground source heat pumps, and direct-use of heat applications
• Springhill, NS has successfully used mine water geothermal for district heating for decades, but it is a largely untapped resource in the province otherwise 
• Geothermal could displace some of this reliance on other resources for heating

Why Capacity Building for Geothermal?

• Capacity building through public engagement regarding the geothermal resource potential in the province could inform Nova Scotians about energy options for their homes, their community, and economic development opportunities. This can empower communities to make decisions about future project development

• Geothermal projects in Nova Scotia could be tailored based on their resource availability, existing infrastructure, and project development opportunities in communities

Want to learn more?

Contact us here.