Canada could be a global leader in geothermal electricity production, but innovation is essential to achieving this goal.
To ignite this needed innovation, the Cascade Institute proposes establishing a series of in-field test sites across Canada. These sites would facilitate crucial research into hard-rock drilling, well construction, reservoir development, and surface facility technologies. This proposed program, which would cost an estimated $550 million to establish, could be funded through a variety of models, including an equal partnership between the public and private sectors.
The success of public-private partnerships in supporting test centres in Canada is well demonstrated. This case study examines the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA) as a potential model for such test centres.
