Indiegogo is committed to accessibility. If you have difficulty using our site, please contact support@indiegogo.com for assistance or view our accessibility notice by clicking here

This campaign is closed

powEARTHful Energy

Canada's Clean Geothermal Power and Heat Campaign. Together, we can be powEARTHful.

You may also be interested in

Caret Left
Caret Right
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

powEARTHful Energy

powEARTHful Energy

powEARTHful Energy

powEARTHful Energy

powEARTHful Energy

Canada's Clean Geothermal Power and Heat Campaign. Together, we can be powEARTHful.

Canada's Clean Geothermal Power and Heat Campaign. Together, we can be powEARTHful.

Canada's Clean Geothermal Power and Heat Campaign. Together, we can be powEARTHful.

Canada's Clean Geothermal Power and Heat Campaign. Together, we can be powEARTHful.

Julia Simone
Julia Simone
Julia Simone
Julia Simone
1 Campaign |
Calgary, Canada
$35,813 USD $35,813 USD 243 backers
101% of $35,212 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

Thank you to all that contributed to our followup powEARTHful 2.0 campaign! We were able to not only raise awareness of BC and Canada's geothermal potential, but were able to raise funds that went towards our Technical Briefing held on February 4, 2015 in Vancouver, BC.

The 2 campaigns may be over, but our mission certainly isn’t. With the $57,369 we’ve raised from these campaigns and via offline donations, we're breaking down policy barriers and raising public awareness of the opportunities of the geothermal power and heat industry in Canada.

In reality, the industry needs 10x our goal amount so that we can hire government relations professionals to assist us with our federal and provincial policy influencing efforts. This is vitally important because government relations professionals can get our message to those officials that will make a real difference, like what happens in every other industry such as wind, solar, oil & gas and mining. We’re trying to catch up and play at the same level as everyone else to get the same action.

We are now accepting contributions via the Donate PayPal Button at the bottom of our website as we prepare arguments on why Geothermal is a better option for the West than Site C Hydro or Coal Fired Power Plants.

Campaign Update:

Former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Brian Peckford, has spoken out in favour of CanGEA’s recent report. He agrees with the recommendation that a moratorium be placed upon the Site C project, while alternatives such as geothermal energy are fully investigated. 

Mr. Peckford is often recognized for his instrumental role in the crafting of Newfoundland and Labrador’s successful energy sector. Amongst other positions, he served as the Minister of Mines and Energy and was also the Premier of the province from 1979 to 1989.

Read the letter here.

Looking for a cost-effective, clean and flexible source of energy? It is right under your feet.
“... a failure to pursue research over the last 30 years into B.C.’s geothermal resources has left BC Hydro without information about a resource that BC Hydro thinks may offer up to 700 megawatts of firm, economic power with low environmental costs.”

- Site C Joint Review Panel, 2014

powEARTHful 2.0

BC currently has the opportunity to choose between a conventional, mega-dam project and a truly clean, stable and cost-competitive energy source.

You can help the BC Government make an informed decision so that generations to come are left with a legacy that everyone can be proud of. In the past, the geothermal potential of Canada has largely been ignored. However, as the Site C decision draws closer, Canada has the chance to finally demonstrate the feasibility of geothermal power.

Kinbasket Lake, BC - Site of Canoe Reach Geothermal Project

What is geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is a green source of reliable electricity and large scale direct use of (hot water) heat derived from the Earth.  It can help solve some of Canada’s greatest challenges, namely providing energy security, economic growth and reducing our CO2 emissions. Geothermal energy is also the cleanest source of electricity and heat, using less land and producing fewer emissions than any other energy form.

Surmountable policy barriers in Canada are holding back the development of this renewable energy source that is already deployed in 73 countries.

Canada is the only country in the Ring of Fire not currently advancing geothermal

Where will the funds go?

We are asking you today to fund "Geothermal Power: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Site C". This 10 Point Assessment of the True Value of Geothermal Energy finally sets the record straight, for British Columbia AND the rest of Canada.

While it has recently been demonstrated by CanGEA that BC has enough cost-competitive geothermal energy potential to power the province, those claims are being disputed by BC Hydro and the BC Government in favour of the Site C mega-dam.

powEARTHful 2.0 Campaign proceeds will be directed towards our engineered resource estimate, financial modelling consulting costs, and the follow up required to act upon the report . With the Site C decision expected in December, it is imperative that our assessment is widely distributed, including follow-up briefings, to decision-makers, stakeholders and community-members before then.

Ways you can help

  • Contribute to the powEARTHful 2.0 crowdfunding campaign and receive some awesome perks!
  • Share powEARTHful 2.0 with your community on Twitter and Facebook
  • Like us on Facebook!
  • Visit our website and learn about our numerous reports and publications

About CanGEA

As a non-profit association, CanGEA has been working diligently since 2007 to promote the potential of geothermal energy in Canada through awareness raising outreach, research, and policy work.

Since our last crowdfunding campaign, we have accomplished many of the goals we have set out to do, such as:

  • Hired a Policy Analyst that directly promotes geothermal power as a viable energy source to policy-makers and stakeholders
  • Produced numerous policy reports and publications, including the Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy: Suitable Applications and Opportunities for Canada
  • Advanced our Industry Roadmap through Technology Transfer Workshops
  • Created the Canadian National Geothermal Database and Provincial Resource Estimate Map for British Columbia

Resources and Publications

BC Geothermal Favourability Maps

Alberta Geothermal Favourability Maps

Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy: Suitable Applications and Opportunities for Canada

Canadian Geothermal Projects Overview 2013

Geothermal Technology Roadmap: Global Best Practices Summary - Exploration through Generation

Geothermal Power & Direct Use of Heat Sector Supply Chain

An Assessment of the Geothermal Energy Sector in Canada - Now and in the Future 

Related Press

DeSmog Blog, June 3, 2014


"Can geothermal industry gather steam in Canada?"- Globe and Mail

"Geothermal: One of the most attractive renewable energy resources"- Globe and Mail

"Geothermal could save BC Hydro 2.5 billion: geothermal association"- The Rocky Mountain Goat

"Power from Below- Activity in Canada’s geothermal energy sector heats up"- The Communicator (a publication of Motion Industries (Canada))

"CanGEA's Grassroots Energy Campaign"- North American Clean Energy

"CanGEA launches grassroots CrowdFunding campaign"- CrowdFundBeat

"Why Geothermal Deserves its Moment in the Sun"- Clean Energy Canada at TIDES Canada

Canada is Frustratingly Slow at Adopting Geothermal Energy"- Geoff Dembicki, VICE Magazine

"Canadian Geothermal Industry Seeks Crowdfunding in Absence of Government Money"- Tyler Hamilton, The Energy Collective

"Canada’s geothermal power industry turns to the “crowd” in the absence of government funding for research"- Tyler Hamilton, Clean Break

"Geothermal industry turns to crowdfunding"- Ilana Belfer, Capital News Online

"Click Here to Drill for Heat"- James Glave, TIDES Canada

"Canadian Geothermal Plans 'powEARTHful' Appeal"- Pete Danko, Earth Techling

"Geothermal turns to crowdsourcing"- Pete Danko, TG Daily

"Deep Down, B.C.'s a Geothermal Hotspot"- Green Energy BC
powEARTHful Campaign feature

"powEARTHful Campaign Launches"- Jenni Matchett, Student Energy

"powEARTHful Campaign Feature

"100 years of Geothermal Energy: Where are we today?"- Davies Smith Blog

What has the powEARTHful campaign been about? Wanting to see our country choose a clean energy alternative that can produce green power and grow local food in greenhouses.

Developing our geothermal power and heat potential will create jobs, provide clean energy and tackle some of our greatest societal challenges. But, we are currently lacking government support.

Let's Tell Our Government That Clean Energy is a Choice We Want to Have

We want to choose a viable alternative that reduces our environmental footprint and boosts our economy. Together, we can make this a reality with geothermal electricity and heat. And, fortunately, we have an incredible amount of geothermal energy potential. We also have the expertise to be able to develop this clean, renewable source of power. The technology used for geothermal power production is globally established, and yet Canada is currently producing 0 MW of this power source. Yes, you read that right: ZERO. Zilch. None. Nada.

This is a Grassroots Campaign that will move our Clean Energy Industry Forward

Geothermal energy is a source of clean power and heat that provides renewable, competitively priced, around-the-clock energy. When we refer to geothermal energy, we are talking about geothermal power and heat, which is produced by accessing heat stored deep inside the Earth.

5,000 MW of Geothermal Power and Heat Can:

  • Be built with the smallest environmental footprint of any electricity and heat source
  • Offer a renewable energy base load option for the power grid (power 5 million households and simultaneously heat 750,000 homes)
  • Eliminate 25 million tonnes/yr of CO2 emissions (equal to the entire installed Alberta coal-fired power plant fleet)
  • Create 9,000 full-time jobs (3x the number of jobs created by Canada's offshore oil industry in Newfoundland and Labrador)
  • Contribute to Canada's northern sovereignty by solving high power, heat and food costs in northern, First Nation and remote communities
  • Create economic diversity through the myriad direct uses of geoheat (greenhouse fruits & vegetables, aquatic produce such as caviar & fish, tourism via hot springs & spas, and industrial processes like cement and pulp & paper manufacturing)
"We were amazed to see [the] simplicity and economical attributes of direct use of geothermal when we had a tour of [a direct use run] farm, where they used geothermal for aquaculture, agriculture and for other day to day applications."
Piyush Bakane, University of Nevada, GRC

Why Aren't We Using It?

Well, geothermal electricity IS being used in 24 other countries, and over 80 countries incorporate geothermal direct use of heat into their energy mix. Canada has what it takes to develop our own geothermal industry (the resource, the expertise, the demand). As recently as 2010, members of the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) produced more than 20% of the world's geothermal energy- just not in Canada. With our strong natural resources experience, we have the expertise and industry technology that will get this industry going here at home!

However, government support for geothermal energy lags. Current government policies are severely insufficient; supporting policies are necessary to help the industry reach critical mass and be on an equal playing field with conventional energy sources as it is in other countries.

With You, We Can Execute Our Plan

CanGEA is building an Industry Roadmap and Implementation Plan that will outline the necessary stepping-stones for Canadian policy makers and industry players to properly support our abundant and readily available geothermal opportunities. This Industry Roadmap is a series of market reports, resource favourability maps, databases and workshops that highlight Canada's geothermal potential.

Government and CanGEA member dollars have already helped complete some of the Roadmap, but it isn't complete yet. We need to establish financial support to be able to finish it and really influence government policy. In order to influence policy, we need a policy team…

With your contribution, we can:

  • Hire a policy team that will lobby our government to put geothermal energy on a level playing field with other renewable and conventional energy sources
  • Advance our Industry Roadmap
  • Create local workshops to get information into the hands of the people who would benefit from geopower and heat while simultaneously training community organizers to keep the message alive
  • Develop effective communication material that gets our message out in a clear voice

… All of which will bring us that much closer to making geothermal energy a reality in Canada.

"Canadians are internationally recognized for our natural resources and our ability to extract that resource. This Industry Roadmap is an amazing opportunity to engage our best geoscientists, engineers and business minds and show that with their knowledge and experience they can be an active partner in nurturing the geopower industry in Canada."
-  Craig Dunn, Chief Geologist, Borealis GeoPower

(Source: Up Here Magazine, Liard River Hot Springs, cc) Hot Springs: A geothermal direct use of heat application.

Your Impact:

Our actions have great impact. Your contribution will directly create full time jobs, support northern and remote communities, encourage local greenhouse farming, power millions of homes, generate economic growth and reduce our environmental footprint while facilitating the development of a clean energy technology that we can rely on.

Your donation is a vote for clean, sustainable geothermal power and heat in Canada.

When we are aware of a reliable renewable energy alternative that has a capacity comparable to or better than conventional energy sources like coal, we will be empowered to make informed choices for ourselves."
-  Julia Simone, Undergraduate, McGill University

Economic Opportunities Created by Geothermal Power and Heat

North America as a whole is endowed with vast geothermal resources. Mexico and the U.S. (which happens to be the world's #1 developer) are taking advantage of this gift. Canada is presently taking it for granted, even though it holds the potential to provide renewable and emissions-free baseload power. Another cool (or hot...) thing about geothermal energy is that you can use the water to heat a greenhouse or an aquaculture facility, or even clear the snow from your sidewalk!

Developing geothermal resources in remote communities and First Nations areas, both for power production and direct use, could offer an important means to diversify the economic base and potentially contribute the single largest capital investment in such areas, improving infrastructure and providing stable economic and social benefits for these communities."
 Titi Kunkel, University of Northern BC


(Source: Ram Power info@ram-power.com) Meager Creek, a potential geothermal power project in B.C

Canada's mining, oil and gas experience could play, and has played, a valuable part in the initial development of geothermal activities by Canadian players in Canada and overseas, particularly as it provides overlapping know-how and experience."
-  Islandsbanki, an investment bank specializing in geothermal energy

What the Industry Needs

With $50,000, we can start on the right path by hiring a Policy Advisor. In reality, the industry needs 10x that amount so that we can hire a lobbyist to assist us with our federal and provincial government policy influencing efforts. When we meet our first funding goal, we will be that much closer to geothermal power and heat being on track with the other well-funded and recognized renewable and conventional energy sources.

Geothermal power and heat needs to be able to compete in Canada's energy mix. As has already happened in other industries in Canada, such as wind, solar and oil & gas, policies such as government grants, Feed-In-Tariffs and Renewable Portfolio Standards are necessary just to get the industry started and a foot in the door. Once the geothermal energy industry has built up and can sustain itself, as it has in many other countries, these programs become less and less necessary. There is enough geothermal power and heat potential in Canada for the industry to flourish- it will not need to rely on these programs for long, but it does need them to start.

Please participate in our campaign. You can Donate, Like, Share, Tweet, Google+, Leave a Comment Watch our Video, and view our media Gallery.


Who is CanGEA?

We are the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA), a member-based non-profit industry organization and group of passionate geothermal supporters. We know that at least 5,000 MW of power can be delivered to the Canadian and U.S. markets from Canada's geothermal resources. Meet Alison Thompson, the founder of CanGEA here.

"At least 5,000 MWe of geothermal power and thousands more MWth of heat can be installed in Canada and tackle some of our greatest challenges. That's enough electricity for about 5 million homes."
- Alison Thompson, Founder of CanGEA
For current information on where the powEARTHful movement is today, click on this link.

Policy Updates

NEW... 11/19/2013: A Global Opportunity

The geothermal sector has extraordinary potential for growth globally and a large share of known high-temperature geothermal resources remain unexploited in emerging economies such as China. However, these countries require foreign expertise in order to make use of these vast geothermal resources. Countries like New Zealand, Iceland and the United Sates are racing to fill this void. These just mentioned nations are cultivating a generation of experts at home in their domestic industries. Canada also had an opportunity to convert its knowhow in both drilling and mining into opportunities in the global geothermal sector. Unfortunately, it does not have a domestic industry to develop its own generation of geothermal experts.

11/14/2013: Geothermal Needs Proper Carbon Pricing

11/12/2013: Geothermal for First Nations and Northern Communities

11/07/2013: The Geothermal Dividend

11/05/2013: The Environmental Impacts of Geothermal Power: Setting the Record Straight

11/03/2013: Imagine If

10/31/2013: Dollars and Cents

10/29/2013: What's in a Name?

10/24/2013: Geothermal Pan-Canadian Potential, examples from Ontario: Part 2

10/22/2013: Geothermal Pan-Canadian Potential, examples from Ontario: Part 1

EXTRA... Making Choices: Reviewing Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan

10/17/2013: Co-Production

10/15/2013: The Artificial Border

10/10/2013: Did You Know That Hot Springs Like This Can Also Produce Renewable Power and Grow Local Food in Greenhouses?

10/07/2013: The ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat Program- Another Squandered Federal Opportunity

10/02/2013: Geothermal Energy Needs a Level Playing Field

10/01/2013: Geothermal Needs a Lobbyist, Just Like Everybody Else

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

featured

March 2014 Conference Combo

Currency Conversion $352 USD
$500 CAD
CanGEA's Annual Conference will be happening from March 26-28, 2014. Buy this perk and get a combo that includes - both workshops, - the conference day, and - the 2 receptions for just $500 (a total savings of $160 off the normal price!). We'd love to see you there so secure your spot today!
1 claimed

You're a ROCK STAR

Currency Conversion $5 USD
$7 CAD
You’re awesome. You’re stupendous. Now you are joining forces with a team that’s helping to create a better energy future. We'll write your name on a rock, take it for a hike to an unmapped hot spring in the Rocky Mountains, sing your praises, and throw it into the water. We'll film the whole thing and upload it to YouTube at the end of our campaign.
2 claimed

Shout-out from us!

Currency Conversion $7 USD
$10 CAD
We want to thank you in every way possible through all of CanGEA’s social media outlets: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the CanGEA website.
14 claimed

'powEARTHful' Sticker

Currency Conversion $18 USD
$25 CAD
Say it loud, say it proud- get your hands on a sticker to show the world that you are powEARTHful, and that they can be too. We'll also send you a shout out from us thanking you for your support.
4 claimed

2014 Conference Reception

Currency Conversion $18 USD
$25 CAD
CanGEA's Annual Conference will be happening from March 26-28, 2014. Buy this perk and get $5 off the normal price of $30 to get admission to this great networking event. Members: buy this perk to get HALF OFF admission to one of the conference Workshops (normally $50). We'd love to see you there- secure your spot today!
0 claimed

Extra Extra! Read All About It

Currency Conversion $21 USD
$30 CAD
Get the inaugural issue of Think GEOENERGY’s beautiful new print magazine, signed by the CanGEA Team. Besides its stunning design and photos, the magazine contains a country focus on Iceland and the latest news on the Business, Development, Engineering and Finance side of geothermal. http://thinkgeoenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/TitlePage.png
3 out of 5 of claimed

A 'Heated' Conversation

Currency Conversion $39 USD
$55 CAD
Have a coffee break with one of our Policy Team Members and give us an earful of your ‘powEARTHful’ ideas and get those ‘burning’ questions you have for us off your chest.
2 claimed

Professional Workshop

Currency Conversion $70 USD
$100 CAD
Discounted admission (regularly priced at $150) to a CanGEA workshop of your choice in 2013-2016. Leave a comment about which workshop you are most interested in and what is your preferred location. This helps us with planning, but you can always change your mind later. http://www.cangea.ca/workshops
5 claimed

'powEARTHful' T-shirt

Currency Conversion $70 USD
$100 CAD
Get a ‘powEARTHful’ t-shirt (design pictured in the campaign to the left). Plus: - ‘powEARTHful’ Sticker - shout out from us thanking you for your support Be sure to leave a contact email address so that we can confirm your size.
2 claimed

'powEARTHful' Sponsor

Currency Conversion $352 USD
$500 CAD
We will recognize YOU as a funding partner in our annual member report, our Industry Roadmap materials published between 2013-2016, on our website and at the annual conference (March 26-28, 2014 in Calgary) reception. Please leave a comment with #yourname or #yourcompany name. We’d like to recognize you as powEARTHful Energy Sponsor.
4 claimed

Workshop Series All-Access

Currency Conversion $704 USD
$1,000 CAD
Discounted admission to ALL of CanGEA’s Industry Roadmap workshops in 2013-2016 (regularly priced at $1,250). Leave us a comment with your priority workshop topics!
4 claimed

'Hot Spring' Membership

Currency Conversion $704 USD
$1,000 CAD
Become a ‘Hot Spring Member’ for Individuals or Small Businesses with 4 or less employees AND receive a drink ticket at our private annual conference (March 26-28, 2014 in Calgary) reception. See our Member perks on our website. We will recognize YOU as a leading funder for our annual conference, Industry Roadmap reports and workshops. Leave us a comment letting us know if you will be an Individual CanGEA Member or representing a small business. (#yourcompanyname)
3 claimed

Bring a Workshop to your Town

Currency Conversion $3,169 USD
$4,500 CAD
Try your hand at organizing some local crowd funding and make 1 donation to this campaign to buy this perk in order to bring a workshop to where you live. Pick any location and any workshop topic from our list, or feel free to suggest something unique. http://www.cangea.ca/workshops
1 out of 5 of claimed

"Caldera" Partner

Currency Conversion $7,042 USD
$10,000 CAD
Become a “Caldera” Partner! You are one of our top contributors and you will have the opportunity to give the opening remarks at the annual conference (in Calgary, March 26-28, 2014) or workshop of your choice, AND you’ll receive all of the perks above!
1 claimed

You may also be interested in

Up Caret