The District of Kitimat is taking steps to align itself more closely with Geoscience BC and potential geothermal initiatives, even though the community was not included in a current project assessing geothermal and carbon storage resources in Northwest B.C.
“I think this is a good initiative, and I hope there will be other phases where they can lay the groundwork for potential investment on the geothermal front,” Councillor Mario Feldhoff said during the Jan. 6 regular council meeting.
Councillor Feldhoff introduced a successful motion for the district to engage proactively with Geoscience BC. The organization, supported by funding from the BC Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, is conducting the Northwest BC Geothermal & CCUS Assessment Project – Phase 1. This scoping review aims to identify areas for future geothermal energy and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) development while supporting decarbonization goals outlined in BC’s CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
Feldhoff’s motion included two actions for Kitimat: sending a letter of support for the project and requesting inclusion on the project’s contact list to receive updates and notifications on progress and outcomes. These steps are designed to ensure the district stays informed and engaged with future opportunities.
Councillor Michelle Martins proposed additional measures to further Kitimat’s involvement. These included volunteering technical or regulatory/policy expertise or Indigenous representation to support the project and providing recommendations on areas, methods, priorities, and other aspects that should be considered in future phases of research.
Neither Feldhoff's or Martins' motion requires a financial commitment from Kitimat.
Geoscience BC’s project seeks to integrate geothermal energy development with CCUS, contributing to decarbonizing industrial processes in Northwest B.C. and exploring low-carbon energy solutions. The organization is actively seeking partners to support current and future phases of research. Phase 1 of the project is set to conclude by March 28, 2025.
