Is Geothermal a Practical Renewable Energy Option? (Part 1)

Leading-edge researchers forecast wind, solar and water power will become our primary energy sources. CanGEA, the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association, suggests geothermal energy can be a mainstay in our future energy grid. Ground-based heat pumps, often called geothermal energy exchange, are used to heat and cool many Canadian homes. Deep geothermal energy produces electricity and provides heat derived several thousand metres below the Earth's surface. Canada has no commercial geothermal power plants, despite CanGEA Reports stating we have abundant potential and expertise. Canadian energy companies are operating geothermal power plants elsewhere around the world. A recent study of Canada’s geothermal potential suggests there is great capacity for geothermal energy production in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Under the right conditions, geothermal energy is generally cheaper than all other forms of electricity generation over the entire life span of a power plant, according to a 2009 report from investment bank Credit Suisse. Dr. Byrne will offer insight on the possible role(s) for geothermal energy in our energy future. Speaker: Jim Byrne Ph.D. James Byrne is Professor and past Chair of Geography at the University of Lethbridge. His expertise is global environmental change and water resources. Dr. Byrne has an extensive refereed publication list, and has given expert testimony to environmental hearings and legal proceedings on climate change, water and environmental issues. Dr. Byrne is the lead scientist and co-producer of the award winning Global Change three-part Television series (2002), the seven-part TV series Water under Fire (2004), Choking Lake Winnipeg (2011) and co-produced a series of videos on climate change science and solutions in 2014. He is a founding member of the Canadian Water Network (CWN), serving as National Theme Leader in Water Resources Management and a member of the CWN Research Management Committee from 2001-04. He continues to work on environmental change, climate and water resources modeling, and leads several international initiatives in science communication and education. Moderator:   Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, January 28, 2016 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)