Williston Basin Geothermal Power Generation

Lead Proponent:  DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp (DEEP)        
Location:  Estaven, Saskatchewan
EIP Contribution: up to $ 350,000
Project Total: $ 3.5 M (estimated)
Strategic Area:  Smart Grid and Energy Storage

Project Objectives:

The objective is to prepare and plan for the construction of a 5 MW (net) geothermal demonstration power plant in Southeast Saskatchewan by performing subsurface targeting and test drilling.

This project builds on the results of a pre-feasibility study previously funded by Natural Resources Canada’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative program.

Follow-on funding (up to $25.6 million) will be provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Emerging Renewable Power Program for the construction of the 5MW plant.  It will use Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology to produce power from 120⁰C brine from the Deadwood and Winnipeg Formations via 3 production wells drilled to over 3,000 metres deep.

Expected Results:

A proof of concept production well and an injection well will be drilled and tested to verify the reservoir characteristics.  Both wells will be flow tested to determine the dynamic water level and brine samples will be analysed.

Results will be used to revise material selection requirements of the planned facility, casing and production tubing, and operational specifications.  An engineering and design report, including a drill plan, preliminary facility design, and a Class 3 estimate will be produced.

Once built and in operation, the 5MW geothermal plant will produce power for the electricity grid.  Excess heat will be channeled to a 45-acre greenhouse for commercial use by the local community.  This project paves the way for additional investments in the Williston Basin, which has the potential to support several hundred MWe of power generating capacity.

Project Partners:

SaskPower
Innovation Saskatchewan

Find out more:

DEEP Earth Energy Production