DEEP Earth Energy Production has entered into a strategic collaboration with energy technology company SLB to drive the development of Canada’s first next-generation geothermal project, located in southeast Saskatchewan. With the completion of its two initial phases, the project is ready to produce up to approximately 30 MW of baseload power, marking a major milestone for geothermal energy in Canada.
Despite Canada’s vast geothermal potential, the resource has remained largely untapped owing to economic and technical challenges tied to conventional extraction methods. DEEP’s geothermal project will make use of proven approaches from conventional field development in oil & gas, to deploy advanced horizontal drilling techniques to access some of the most productive zones in the formation, as well as production enhancement technologies to optimise output of geothermal energy generation. This methodology, described as ‘cutting edge’ and supported by SLB’s global expertise in geothermal technology, integrated well construction, and extensive regional drilling experience, represents a first-of-its-kind application for geothermal development in the country.
Kirsten Marcia, president and chief executive officer for DEEP, commented: “By joining forces, we are developing our asset in a streamlined fashion, combining the best of subsurface and surface technologies, while maximising efficiencies, operations, and ultimately, power output. With this approach, we hope to establish a blueprint for the development of additional commercial geothermal projects in Canada. This project is … a major step forward for our company … and should represent a meaningful contribution to Canada’s goals to reduce emissions and secure local energy resources.”
SLB will provide engineering design and integrated well construction services for phases one and two of the project, including the development of two production and two injection wells in phase one and up to 18 wells in phase two.
By creatively addressing the perceived barriers to geothermal development in Canada, DEEP’s project is ‘set to establish a new benchmark for the renewable energy sector’. The collaboration between DEEP and SLB is said to signal a shared commitment to unlocking geothermal energy’s full potential.
