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Geothermal Favourability Map developed for the Yukon, Canada

Geothermal Favourability Map developed for the Yukon, Canada Main Street in Whitehorse, Yukon/ Canada (source: flickr/ Arthur Chapman, creative commons)
Francisco Rojas 5 Aug 2015

Geothermal Resource Estimate and favourability maps for Yukon are in progress as part of the Canadian National Geothermal Database.

Yukon has known hot springs,Takhini Hot Springs, for example, that are surface manifestations indicative of geothermal resources. This project is currently in the early stages of data collection from a variety of sources. Data will be collected from the Yukon Geological Survey, Takhini Hot Springs, as well as mining, oil & gas and water well data.

In support of Open Data, CanGEA deployed the Canadian National Geothermal Database (CNGD) this year – an online, open-source platform that facilitates discovery and use of subsurface geothermal data for research and energy production. This open-source platform responds to one of the industry’s barriers to geothermal energy development and deployment: the difficulty in accessing and integrating technical data in a digital format. Already, industry is using the online tool to model geologic features and locate and monitor subsurface reservoirs.

These maps will assist in determining key areas for developing power plants and direct use projects in Yukon. Both of which could have an impact on the socio-economicconditions in the region by providing a clean, affordable energy and heat sources, and generating economic diversification. Examples include greenhouses and aquaculture projects heated by geothermal can contribute to community health by improving food security. Another is to “green” mining operations by reducing their environmental impact and improve efficiency.

The Yukon maps follow the already successfully completed Alberta and British Columbia Geothermal Favourability Maps. These maps were internationally peer-review, and received international acclamation in the geothermal community. The Yukon Maps are expected to be completed in the winter of 2015.

Geothermal Opportunities for Remote, Northern and Aboriginal Communities Report
In conjunction with this project, CanGEA has teamed up with a group of four students from Queen’s University to begin a report on geothermal opportunities for those living in remote, northern and aboriginal communities. CanGEA acknowledges and respects that the described communities have unique environmental and socio-economic challenges to overcome, and geothermal energy could offer a solution to many of them. This report will serve as a guide for the implementation of geothermal projects in these communities to get them off the ground.
If you are a resident of Northern Canada and would like to contribute to this project. Please take a moment of your time to fill out this brief survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZJGK5M8