Deep Geothermal Superpower: Canada’s potential for a breakthrough in enhanced geothermal systems (Cascade Institute)

This well researched and thought provoking paper by Ian Graham, Ellen Quigley, Scott Janzwood, and Thomas Homer-Dixon introduces the technology of deep enhanced geothermal systems. Considerations include its contribution to energy sustainbality and security.

Abstract from Cascade Institute: “This opportunity analysis provides a plain-language introduction to geothermal electricity and heat production. It focuses on deep enhanced geothermal systems (or “deep EGS”) that create heat-exchange reservoirs in hot, dry rock more than 5 kilometers below Earth’s surface. It assesses the deep EGS opportunity, highlights important R&D gaps, and analyzes key technical, financing, and regulatory challenges.

The core argument is that Canada can and should become the global leader in deep EGS. But to do so, it must create strong incentives to solve the technology’s core R&D challenge: cost-effective, deep drilling through hard (igneous and metamorphic) rock.”

Full report here.