The geothermal energy sector in Canada is poised to reach a pivotal milestone with the partnership between DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp. (DEEP) and SLB. This strategic alliance aims to develop Canada’s first next-generation geothermal project in southeastern Saskatchewan. Following a successful feasibility phase, the two partners are set to launch an ambitious project that will be capable of producing up to 30 MW of baseload, carbon-free energy.
The project, which will be deployed in two phases, benefits from a combination of proven approaches from the oil and gas industry, particularly advanced horizontal drilling techniques. These methods enable access to the most productive zones of the geothermal reservoir, with a strong emphasis on optimizing energy production through state-of-the-art technologies. SLB’s involvement, as a leading player in energy technology, ensures high-level expertise, particularly in well construction and geothermal production techniques.
This collaboration could be a game-changer for geothermal exploitation in Canada. Despite the country’s rich geothermal resources, their potential has largely remained untapped due to the economic and technical challenges associated with traditional extraction methods. This new project could thus serve as a model for future geothermal expansion across the country.
SLB’s commitment includes providing engineering design services and well construction for the first two phases, involving the development of two production wells and two injection wells. A total of up to 18 wells will be drilled in phase two. This innovative approach leverages the natural permeability of sedimentary rock formations, enabling more reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable geothermal energy production.
The ambition of this partnership goes beyond just developing a geothermal project. According to Kirsten Marcia, president of DEEP, this initiative could become a reference point for the development of additional commercial geothermal projects in Canada. The project also aligns with broader objectives to reduce the country’s emissions and secure local energy resources.
For SLB, this collaboration reflects a commitment to reducing project risks and accelerating the time to first power. Irlan Amir, vice president of Renewables and Energy Efficiency at SLB, emphasizes that the project could pave the way for broader geothermal adoption by reducing risks and speeding up the transition to clean energy.
This joint initiative marks a turning point for the geothermal industry in Canada and could have significant implications for the future of renewable energy in the country. By creating new development models and overcoming technical barriers, DEEP and SLB are showing that an integrated, collaborative approach is key to unlocking geothermal energy’s full potential.
A Groundbreaking Model for Geothermal Energy in Canada
The partnership between DEEP and SLB highlights innovation in the geothermal energy sector, integrating advanced technologies to overcome the technical challenges that have hindered the exploitation of geothermal resources in Canada so far. This model could serve as a reference for other geothermal projects worldwide.
Economic and Environmental Impacts
The development of geothermal energy in Canada could not only provide a stable and sustainable energy source but also stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. With the completion of this project, DEEP and SLB hope to pave the way for a faster and more efficient energy transition in the region.
