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Temperature Log Confirms Geothermal Power Generation Potential in Alberta

Sector
Published On
March 11, 2021
Photo courtesy of Voltage Wireline Inc.

No. 1 Geothermal LP is pleased to announce that its recently completed detailed temperature log returned a bottom hole temperature of 118°C. Conducted on a secure energy well south of Grande Prairie, this test confirms that the Alberta No. 1 project location has the required temperature to effectively generate geothermal power. The Alberta No. 1 project expects to be providing clean heat and power to Alberta’s energy mix by 2024.

“We are quite encouraged by this test. These results exceed the minimum of 100°C required to efficiently generate power from geothermal resources,” says Dr. Catherine Hickson, CEO of Alberta No. 1. “We were also excited to have worked with SECURE ENERGY and Voltage Wireline to carry out this geothermal temperature log. This work continues to highlight the synergies between geothermal and the energy sector, demonstrating how Albertan expertise can make Alberta a leader in the geothermal space.”

The data was obtained from the Winterburn Group at a depth below 4,000 metres in an inactive well owned by SECURE ENERGY. This result, which exceeds the publicly reported bottom hole temperature by 10°C, assists the Alberta No. 1 team in correlating the subsurface information gathered from decades of energy industry operations in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin to geothermal applications.

“This result provides us with confidence as we develop additional opportunities in this space,” says Stean Smith, Managing Partner of Terrapin Geothermics and Director of Alberta No. 1. “We see the Alberta No. 1 project as the first step in creating a robust geothermal energy industry in the province.”

“We are quite encouraged by this test. These results exceed the minimum of 100°C required to efficiently generate power from geothermal resources,” says Dr. Catherine Hickson, CEO of Alberta No. 1. “We were also excited to have worked with SECURE ENERGY and Voltage Wireline to carry out this geothermal temperature log. This work continues to highlight the synergies between geothermal and the energy sector, demonstrating how Albertan expertise can make Alberta a leader in the geothermal space.”

About Alberta No. 1: Alberta No. 1 is a geothermal energy project located in the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16. Owned by No. 1 Geothermal Limited Partnership, it is developed and managed by Edmonton-based Terrapin Geothermics Inc. Alberta No. 1 is partially funded through the Emerging Renewable Power Program, administered by Natural Resources Canada.

Project Highlights:

  • Five wells proposed (production and injection)
  • Expected net electrical output – 10 MW
  • 300 TJ/year of clean, baseload heat for a district heating system, providing heat to several light industrial facilities
  • 300+ direct and indirect jobs created