Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET)

As an active partner in the Accelerating Community Energy Transformation initiative, the Cascade Institute brings system theory analysis and complex problem-solving experience, unlocking high-leverage interventions like ultradeep geothermal to accelerate community energy transformation.

Cascade Institute research-in-action supports the ACET initiative by providing:

• Expertise on the complex nature of energy transition
• Methods for systems-based thinking
• Strategies for addressing complex challenges
• Insights into worldviews and ideological beliefs about energy transition
• Solutions to scale and accelerate community-focused energy transitions

Cascade Institute ACET research is focused on the following Strategic Research Areas (SRAs):

• Ultradeep geothermal power systems (SRA1 - Technical)
• Complex systems theory and approaches (SRA5a)
• Worldviews and approaches; applying Cascade Institute WIT framework (Worldviews, Institutional and Technologies) (SRA5c)
• High-leverage intervention points that will link local, community-based system innovation to broader systemic transformation (SRA6 - Scale-up and Acceleration)

Key Cascade Institute-ACET research collaborations:

• Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Geothermal (IPLC) Handbook: Cascade Institute collaboration with with Fort Nelson First Nation and the Tu Deh-Ka Geothermal project to develop an IPLC Handbook while exploring research support for Tu Deh-Kah's business case planning and operational geothermal power plant development.
• Cumberland mine water geo-exchange systems: Cascade Institute research and guidance supports early stages of this project with the University of Victoria and the Village of Cumberland by providing underground mine shaft location data, geological assessments, and expertise on vertical well drilling options.

Additional project support. Other ACET-related Cascade Institute research and reporting includes:

• • Drilling for superhot geothermal energy: A technology gap analysis and Prospecting for superhot rock energy: A technology gap analysis for siting and characterizing superhot rock energy resources:  ACET supported the development of two reports (in a series of five) co-published by the Cascade Institute and Clean Air Task Force to propel geothermal technology— and the emerging geothermal power industry—forward.
  • Ultradeep geothermal research and action roadmap: A plan to advance ultradeep geothermal power—that is, geothermal systems with depths greater than 5 km—to commercial operation in Canada.
  • AOSTRA: A model for funding geothermal innovation: A case study examining the tested AOSTRA (Alberta Oilsands Technology and Research Authority) model for industry innovation acceleration to unlock deep geothermal power.