Hinton exploring capturing geothermal heat from re-purposed oil and gas wells with $1.2 million

February 9, 2018

1.2 Million Committed to Hinton Geothermal

$400 000 in investment has been committed from Western Economic Diversification Canada, and $800000 from the Government of Albertan and Alberta innovates to the Hinton Geothermal Heating District project. This investment will determine the viability of this technology in the municipality of Hinton. While this project is the first of its kind in Canada, this type of technology has been proven in Iceland, New Zealand, the United States, and other countries.

Hinton is a municipality of under 10,000 in northern Alberta. Its economy is currently composed of forestry, coal mines, oil and gas, and tourism. Town Councilor Dewly Nelson is currently leading the Hinton Energy Alternative Team (HEAT), which focuses on an alternative energy strategy for the town. Hinton is working to implement the first municipal geothermal heating district in Canada. In the geothermal heating district system, waste heat from decommissioned oil and gas infrastructure is recovered and used to heat private homes and commercial properties through a centralized distribution system. Hinton hopes to develop economic and employment opportunities through ecotourism and exportable expertise in heating. They also hope to improve food security by generating low-cost energy to heat greenhouses and support aquaculture.

Despite the opportunities, HEAT initially struggled to obtain community support. Now, through the Hinton Energy Alternative Team, they systematically engage with citizens earlier, face to face, and invite opportunities for deeper questions from a project’s geotechnical experts. While few community members were driven by the environmental benefits, many more prioritized job creation, economic opportunities and expressed concerns about this technology hindering existing economies. Early engagement of community members is a key takeaway for Hinton, and a best practice for future community led energy projects in other jurisdictions.

Alexandria Shrake