RESEARCH

Technical Papers

Geothermal

Pre-budget recommendations to accelerate the development of Canada’s geothermal industry

Geothermal Energy Office

CI-GEO staff
In response to the Government of Canada’s Fall pre-budget consultations, the Cascade Institute submitted three specific recommendations to accelerate the development of Canada’s geothermal industry.
A collapsed block of ice-rich permafrost along Drew Point, Alaska. Coastal bluffs in this region can erode 20 meters/year (~65 feet). USGS scientists continually research the causes of major permafrost thaw and bluff retreat along the Arctic coast of Alaska. In addition, with the loss of sea ice to protect the beaches from ocean waves, salt water inundates the coastal habitats. Benjamin Jones/USGS. Public domain.
Permafrost carbon

Protecting Permafrost: Addressing the climate threat of Arctic thaw

Permafrost carbon program

Ian Graham
A report assessing the climate threat of Arctic permafrost thaw, potential interventions to address it, and related policy recommendations.
Geothermal

Artificial Intelligence and Energy Innovation: Submission to NRCAN

Geothermal Energy Office

CI-GEO staff
The Cascade Institute submitted a brief to NRCAN highlighting opportunities and examples of current use of various types of AI in various stages of geothermal power development, including in resource characterization, site selection, drilling, reservoir creation, and operations. Applying AI to geothermal energy can unlock an abundant source of clean, secure, baseload electricity needed to power AI itself. This opens the door to a virtuous cycle akin to the steam engine and coal that sparked the industrial revolution.
Democracy

National Service to Support Community and National Security: A preliminary outline of components, implementation, and costs

Democracy program

David Last
A policy brief prepared for the Office of the Prime Minister for the development of a National Service initiative.
Technical Paper

Groundwork: Regulatory guidelines for making Canada a geothermal powerhouse

Ultradeep 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.
Abstract illustration of drilling
Technical Paper

AOSTRA: A model for funding geothermal innovation

Ultradeep 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.