Deep geothermal is an emerging renewable energy system that can supply both heat and dispatchable baseload power. It involves drilling >5 km into igneous and metamorphic rock (i.e., into the “basement” or Canadian Shield) and then heating a circulating fluid that is brought up to the surface.
The Cascade Institute’s Deep Geothermal program provides timely research and analysis on the technological, regulatory, financial, and social obstacles facing deep geothermal to guide technology companies, investors, and public sector actors.
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PUBLISHED RESEARCH
AOSTRA: A model for funding geothermal innovation
Deep Geothermal program
Emily Smejkal, Peter Massie, Leighton Gall
A case study of the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA) as a model for kickstarting geothermal innovation.
Prospecting for Superhot Rock Energy
Deep Geothermal program
Rebecca Pearce et al.
A technology gap analysis for siting and characterizing superhot rock energy resources.
Drilling for Superhot Geothermal Energy: A technology gap analysis
Deep Geothermal program
Rebecca Pearce, Tony Pink
A report that reviews state-of-the-art deep geothermal drilling and well-construction technologies, identifies existing technology gaps, and suggests strategies to overcome these gaps.
Ultradeep Geothermal Research and Action Roadmap
Deep Geothermal program
Leighton Gall, Dave Lovekin, Rebecca Pearce, Emily Smejkal
A roadmap outlining a plan to advance ultradeep geothermal power to commercial operation in Canada.
Deep Geothermal Superpower: Canada’s potential for a breakthrough in enhanced geothermal systems
Ian Graham, Ellen Quigley, Scott Janzwood, and Thomas Homer-Dixon
An opportunity analysis that makes the case that Canada can and should become the global leader in ultra-deep geothermal electricity production.
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Geothermal Innovation, Intellectual Property, and the Prospects for Canada
Deep Geothermal program
James W. Hinton, Peter Massie, Rachel Wang
An exploration of the IP landscape surrounding geothermal energy.
Deep Listening: Assessing the social acceptance of geothermal energy
Deep Geothermal program
Katherine Matos Meza and Carlos Gorraez Meraz
The first empirical assessment of public perceptions and social acceptance of ultradeep geothermal energy in Alberta and British Columbia.
Geothermal Exploration, Data Sovereignty, and Indigenous Power
Deep Geothermal program
Leighton Gall and Cyndi Bonn
A handbook for empowering Indigenous Peoples to lead the renewable energy transformation while advancing Indigenous sovereignty.
Geothermal Potential in Baker Lake, Nunavut
Deep Geothermal program
Ysaline Bacon
Research to support enhanced geothermal systems in Northern remote communities
The Deep Heat Advantage
Deep Geothermal program
Gordon Brasnett, Megan Eyre, and Peter Massie
A techno-economic analysis of enhanced geothermal systems in western and northwestern Canada
Groundwork: Regulatory guidelines for making Canada a geothermal powerhouse
Deep Geothermal program
Emily Smejkal, Princess Sharlynne Cosalan, Stephanie Rose Cortinovis
A report identifying best practices to help Canadian provinces establish effective geothermal regulations and make Canada a global clean energy leader.
AOSTRA: A model for funding geothermal innovation
Deep Geothermal program
Emily Smejkal, Peter Massie, Leighton Gall
A case study of the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA) as a model for kickstarting geothermal innovation.
Prospecting for Superhot Rock Energy
Deep Geothermal program
Rebecca Pearce et al.
A technology gap analysis for siting and characterizing superhot rock energy resources.
Drilling for Superhot Geothermal Energy: A technology gap analysis
Deep Geothermal program
Rebecca Pearce, Tony Pink
A report that reviews state-of-the-art deep geothermal drilling and well-construction technologies, identifies existing technology gaps, and suggests strategies to overcome these gaps.
Ultradeep Geothermal Research and Action Roadmap
Deep Geothermal program
Leighton Gall, Dave Lovekin, Rebecca Pearce, Emily Smejkal
A roadmap outlining a plan to advance ultradeep geothermal power to commercial operation in Canada.
Deep Geothermal Superpower: Canada’s potential for a breakthrough in enhanced geothermal systems
Ian Graham, Ellen Quigley, Scott Janzwood, and Thomas Homer-Dixon
An opportunity analysis that makes the case that Canada can and should become the global leader in ultra-deep geothermal electricity production.Ultradeep Geothermal News & Views
Webinar: Beneath the surface — Social acceptance of geothermal systems in Western Canada
Join ACET and the Cascade Institute on Oct. 21 for a free webinar on how Western Canadians view ultradeep geothermal energy — and what builds public support.
Working groups begin drafting Deep Geothermal Roadmap
Four working groups are now meeting with industry, government, and Indigenous representatives to develop Canada’s first-ever Deep Geothermal Roadmap.
Canada has an energy conundrum in the North: geothermal energy is the answer
Peter Massie and Jax Jacobsen
The Hill Times
Whitehorse sits atop a promising geothermal resource. Developing it would strengthen Canada’s national security and relations with Arctic allies.
NRCan’s call for test centre proposals a big opportunity for energy innovation
Peter Massie, head of the Cascade Institute’s geothermal energy research team, says NRCan’s call for proposals is “worth a serious look” for all energy innovators.
Canada invests in first national geothermal energy roadmap; Cascade Institute to lead coalition
The Cascade Institute will serve as secretariat to lead the Canadian Deep Geothermal Roadmap project, supported by the Government of Canada.
Researchers use “deep listening” to gauge geothermal sentiments
Katherine Matos Meza is building the evidence for how a new energy source earns public acceptance.
Cascade Institute partners with Seequent to map Canada’s geothermal resources
State-of-the-art thermal model will provide a nationwide view of subsurface heat to accelerate Canada’s clean energy goals.
Meet the rock doctor modelling Canada’s geothermal opportunity
Cascade’s Rebecca Pearce is developing a thermal model could that unlock the inexhaustible clean energy beneath our feet.
An energy scientist invites the world to Canada
Emily Smejkal of the Cascade Institute is a driving force behind the 2026 World Geothermal Congress in Calgary.
Strategize or Stagnate: Peter Massie on Canada’s geothermal moment
Canada sits atop the energy opportunity of a generation but needs strategic leadership to reap the full benefits of geothermal, argues Cascade Institute’s Peter Massie.
How Canada can help allies with the Iran oil shock: The answer may surprise you
Peter Massie and Emily Smejkel
The Globe and Mail
Next-generation geothermal energy could be Canada’s strategic hedge amid global oil uncertainty.
Geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic
Gordon Brasnett, Leighton Gall, and Peter Massie
The Globe and Mail
To defend its sovereignty, Canada should launch Project AURORA – the Arctic Underground Research Observatory for Resource Advancement.
Can new tech finally wake Canada’s sleeping geothermal giant?
The National Observer
New technologies, geological know-how, and vast untapped resources are putting geothermal at Canada’s energy forefront, says an in-depth article in Canada’s National Observer.
Geothermal belongs in Canada’s industrial strategy
Emily Smejkal and Owen Henshaw
Times Colonist
Geothermal energy can meet domestic energy needs while positioning Canada as a global leader in clean energy services and technology.
How Canada can lead now in geothermal energy innovation
Emily Smejkal
The Future Economy
Canada is uniquely positioned to lead the next-generation geothermal energy boom by leveraging its oil and gas expertise, but it must act now with bold policy, investment, and coordination to seize the trillion-dollar opportunity.
Canada’s hidden heat: How regulations can power a geothermal breakthrough
Emily Smejkal
The National Observer
Provinces should act quickly to harmonize and extend geothermal regulations across the country.
How can Alberta and Ottawa be friends again? It begins with drilling
Peter Massie
The Globe and Mail
Drilling test centres in Alberta and Canada would establish the country as a global leader in geothermal power.
A bellwether for U.S. energy policy: Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s approach to energy integration
Tim Bibby
Guest Commentary
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s record has implications for Canada and beyond.
DEEP Earth Energy unveils next-gen geothermal plant near Estevan
Peter Massie
The Energy Mix
DEEP Earth Energy arrives on the Canadian geothermal power scene.
U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E SUPERHOT program: Cascade Institute reaction
Deep Geothermal program team
Cascade Institute reaction
The U.S. Department of Energy announces a $30M SUPERHOT geothermal program.
Time to dig deep into a strategy for geothermal power
Peter Massie and Emily Smejkal
The Hill Times
Canada’s opportunity to become a leader in geothermal power.
IEA Future of Geothermal report: Cascade Institute reaction
Cascade Institute Deep Geothermal program team
Recent technological innovations have dramatically expanded geothermal’s potential as a significant contributor to global electricity generation. By 2050, experts project geothermal will emerge as the third-largest source of power growth in the global renewable energy landscape. (PDF).
The Alberta Drilling Accelerator has the potential to redefine energy innovation
Peter Massie
Technology breakthroughs have unlocked geothermal potential well beyond these limits. These breakthroughs have given geothermal a completely new value proposition. Read about the recent adoptions and advances in geothermal power (PDF).
Breaking new ground: Geothermal in 2024
Peter Massie
Cascade Institute analysis
Technology breakthroughs have given geothermal a completely new value proposition.
Key to Canada’s growth? Recall the role of public money in developing Alberta Oil
Emily Smejkal, Peter Massie, and Thomas Homer-Dixon
The Globe and Mail
The potential for Canada’s AOSTRA model (Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority) to serve as a blueprint to support energy innovation.
Major Cascade Institute funding to power up geothermal energy in Canada
Deep Geothermal program team
Cascade Institute announcement
New funding massively upscales Canada’s R&D efforts in geothermal power.
Deep geothermal superpower: Positioning Canada for a breakthrough in next-generation geothermal systems
Deep Geothermal program team
Cascade Institute announcement
The case for ultradeep geothermal energy and a strategic plan for Canada to capture this technological opportunity.
Canada needs to dig deep to become a world leader in geothermal technology
Rebecca Pearce and Ian Graham
The Globe and Mail
A worldwide race for next-generation geothermal technology has begun, and Canada can still emerge a leader.
Every politically feasible pathway to net-zero requires a technological breakthrough
Scott Janzwood
The National Observer
Distrust of new technology runs deep in the climate movement. But we don’t have the critical green technologies we need to get us to net-zero by 2050—and assuming we do is wishful thinking.
A big bet on geothermal could help prevent a climate catastrophe
Thomas Homer-Dixon, Ian Graham, and Ellen Quigley
The Globe and Mail
A government-industry research and development partnership in ultradeep geothermal would be a “moonshot” project that Canadians could rally around.
Webinar: Beneath the surface — Social acceptance of geothermal systems in Western Canada
Working groups begin drafting Deep Geothermal Roadmap
Canada has an energy conundrum in the North: geothermal energy is the answer
Peter Massie and Jax Jacobsen
The Hill Times
Whitehorse sits atop a promising geothermal resource. Developing it would strengthen Canada’s national security and relations with Arctic allies.
NRCan’s call for test centre proposals a big opportunity for energy innovation
Canada invests in first national geothermal energy roadmap; Cascade Institute to lead coalition
Researchers use “deep listening” to gauge geothermal sentiments
Cascade Institute partners with Seequent to map Canada’s geothermal resources
Meet the rock doctor modelling Canada’s geothermal opportunity
An energy scientist invites the world to Canada
Strategize or Stagnate: Peter Massie on Canada’s geothermal moment
How Canada can help allies with the Iran oil shock: The answer may surprise you
Peter Massie and Emily Smejkel
The Globe and Mail
Next-generation geothermal energy could be Canada's strategic hedge amid global oil uncertainty.
Geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic
Gordon Brasnett, Leighton Gall, and Peter Massie
The Globe and Mail
To defend its sovereignty, Canada should launch Project AURORA – the Arctic Underground Research Observatory for Resource Advancement.
Can new tech finally wake Canada’s sleeping geothermal giant?
The National Observer
New technologies, geological know-how, and vast untapped resources are putting geothermal at Canada’s energy forefront, says an in-depth article in Canada’s National Observer.
Geothermal belongs in Canada’s industrial strategy
Emily Smejkal and Owen Henshaw
Times Colonist
Geothermal energy can meet domestic energy needs while positioning Canada as a global leader in clean energy services and technology.
How Canada can lead now in geothermal energy innovation
Emily Smejkal
The Future Economy
Canada is uniquely positioned to lead the next-generation geothermal energy boom by leveraging its oil and gas expertise, but it must act now with bold policy, investment, and coordination to seize the trillion-dollar opportunity.
Canada’s hidden heat: How regulations can power a geothermal breakthrough
Emily Smejkal
The National Observer
Provinces should act quickly to harmonize and extend geothermal regulations across the country.
How can Alberta and Ottawa be friends again? It begins with drilling
Peter Massie
The Globe and Mail
Drilling test centres in Alberta and Canada would establish the country as a global leader in geothermal power.
A bellwether for U.S. energy policy: Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s approach to energy integration
Tim Bibby
Guest Commentary
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright's record has implications for Canada and beyond.
DEEP Earth Energy unveils next-gen geothermal plant near Estevan
Peter Massie
The Energy Mix
DEEP Earth Energy arrives on the Canadian geothermal power scene.
U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E SUPERHOT program: Cascade Institute reaction
Deep Geothermal program team
Cascade Institute reaction
The U.S. Department of Energy announces a $30M SUPERHOT geothermal program.
Time to dig deep into a strategy for geothermal power
Peter Massie and Emily Smejkal
The Hill Times
Canada's opportunity to become a leader in geothermal power.
IEA Future of Geothermal report: Cascade Institute reaction
Cascade Institute Deep Geothermal program team
Recent technological innovations have dramatically expanded geothermal's potential as a significant contributor to global electricity generation. By 2050, experts project geothermal will emerge as the third-largest source of power growth in the global renewable energy landscape. (PDF).
The Alberta Drilling Accelerator has the potential to redefine energy innovation
Peter Massie
Technology breakthroughs have unlocked geothermal potential well beyond these limits. These breakthroughs have given geothermal a completely new value proposition. Read about the recent adoptions and advances in geothermal power (PDF).
Breaking new ground: Geothermal in 2024
Peter Massie
Cascade Institute analysis
Technology breakthroughs have given geothermal a completely new value proposition.
Key to Canada’s growth? Recall the role of public money in developing Alberta Oil
Emily Smejkal, Peter Massie, and Thomas Homer-Dixon
The Globe and Mail
The potential for Canada's AOSTRA model (Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority) to serve as a blueprint to support energy innovation.
Major Cascade Institute funding to power up geothermal energy in Canada
Deep Geothermal program team
Cascade Institute announcement
New funding massively upscales Canada’s R&D efforts in geothermal power.
Deep geothermal superpower: Positioning Canada for a breakthrough in next-generation geothermal systems
Deep Geothermal program team
Cascade Institute announcement
The case for ultradeep geothermal energy and a strategic plan for Canada to capture this technological opportunity.
Canada needs to dig deep to become a world leader in geothermal technology
Rebecca Pearce and Ian Graham
The Globe and Mail
A worldwide race for next-generation geothermal technology has begun, and Canada can still emerge a leader.
Every politically feasible pathway to net-zero requires a technological breakthrough
Scott Janzwood
The National Observer
Distrust of new technology runs deep in the climate movement. But we don’t have the critical green technologies we need to get us to net-zero by 2050—and assuming we do is wishful thinking.
A big bet on geothermal could help prevent a climate catastrophe
Thomas Homer-Dixon, Ian Graham, and Ellen Quigley
The Globe and Mail
A government-industry research and development partnership in ultradeep geothermal would be a “moonshot” project that Canadians could rally around.
