Yukon considers geothermal power from hot springs

Water at the Takhinihot springs emerges warmenough for bathers to soak outdoors even in Yukon winters.

Now thehot springs could be used togenerate electricity.

Researchers are set to study Yukon's fault linesand hot springs toexamine their feasibility as sources of geothermal power. Takhini Hot Pools is one of thesites to be examined as part of thetwo-year, $168,000 project.

• VIDEO: Highlights from Thursday's press conference on geothermal energy in Yukon. (Runs: 2:29)

Gary Umbrich, president of Takhini Hot Springs Ltd, the company that maintains the hot pools, says he'd like to look at power generation but needs to learn more about geothermal energy.

"That's one of the reasons we're so interested in this new study that's being proposed. We really think this could kick-start more geothermal work in Yukon," he says.

Takhini Hot Springs is investing in the project as a private partner alongside the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agencyand the Yukon government.

"There has to be a little more research trying to locate the fault lines underground and determine where are the best places to drill," Umbrich says.

"We're probably looking at a kilometre deep and probably four or five million dollars to drill a well. So that's something the private sector's not going to do until they have a lot more information."

Yukon does not currently generate electricity from geothermal power but Umbrichestimates there are at least 12 knownhot springs in the territory and could be many more yet unknown.

'A clean and renewable resource'

Yukon Minister of Energy Scott Kent says the territory could benefit from geothermal energy, which he calls a "clean and renewable resource."

"This project could lead to Yukon using geothermal power for residents as well as industrial clients such as mining companies who are currently undertaking exploration work in the territory."

Yukon MP Ryan Leef saysa final map with the potential sites will be delivered in the spring of 2016. He promised the data will be made public and will address the "economic, social and environmental feasibility," of geothermal projects.

Thursday'sannouncement doesn't mean there will be new research on the ground at least not right away.

Cathy Cottrell with Yukon's energy branch says it means compiling existing data.

"We're going to incorporate everything that people will give us," she says. "We've got all the work the Yukon Geological Survey has done. We've got a partnership with Takhini Hot Springs resort. We have existing oil well data there are about 70 or 80 explorations wells we can get data from. Our water well database is another source of information."

Cottrell said Yukon government officials willsoon be meeting with the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association to discuss plans.