RFP: Direct-Use Geothermal Resources in British Columbia

Geoscience BC is pleased to issue this Request for Proposals (RFP) for “Direct-Use Geothermal Resources in British Columbia.”

Objectives
Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source within the crust of the Earth which can be utilized for the generation of electricity; however, the oldest use has been “direct” use for heat, industrial and therapeutic purposes. Previous studies of geothermal energy in British Columbia have focused on mapping and evaluating resources for electricity generation.

Direct-use geothermal development projects can utilize lower temperature resources, but the thermal energy, unlike electricity, cannot be transmitted over large distances. Currently in British Columbia, direct-use geothermal energy is used exclusively for hot springs developments. Worldwide, direct-use geothermal energy continues to be used for space heating, agricultural, industrial, commercial, snow clearing and recreational purposes.

The purpose of this project is to identify and evaluate direct-use geothermal energy opportunities for BC communities that have the potential to reduce green-house gas emissions or be economic development drivers. Several studies of direct-use geothermal energy in BC have focused on the end-use application or have been specific to locations or projects. This project is intended to be the first step to giving communities and businesses in BC an understanding of what resources are available and how they may proceed to use them.

The objectives for this project are to:

• compile and interpret existing geoscience data sets useful for the evaluation of direct-use geothermal energy;
• identify regions and communities in British Columbia with potential for direct-use geothermal energy development;
• compile an inventory of current, planned and potential direct-use geothermal projects;
• identify economic development opportunities from direct-use geothermal energy;
• develop a procedural methodology that can be used by communities to assess direct-use geothermal energy opportunities; and
• provide recommendations for exploration of sites with high-potential of direct-use geothermal opportunities.

For more details on this RFP and proposal specifications, please download the following:

• Direct-Use Geothermal Resources in British Columbia
• Budget Template

Proposals should be submitted by e-mail no later than 12 pm (Pacific) on Thursday, July 2nd, 2015. All questions and communication should be to Christa Pellett, Project Manager, Geoscience BC.