Seequent and Cascade Institute Launch National Initiative to Unlock Canada’s Deep Geothermal Energy Potential
As global demand for reliable clean energy continues to rise, a major new partnership is aiming to reveal the full extent of Canada’s deep geothermal resources. Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company, and the Cascade Institute have announced a collaborative effort to develop a comprehensive Canadian Thermal Model, a national-scale project designed to map underground heat resources and accelerate geothermal energy development across the country.
The announcement was made at the opening of the World Geothermal Congress in Calgary, one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on geothermal energy, taking place from June 8 to June 11. The initiative represents a significant step toward improving the understanding of Canada’s geothermal potential and supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Building a National View of Deep Heat Resources
Geothermal energy is increasingly attracting attention worldwide because it offers a dependable source of renewable electricity that can operate continuously regardless of weather conditions. Unlike solar and wind resources, geothermal systems provide baseload power, making them an important component of future low-carbon energy systems.
Despite Canada’s vast landmass and significant geological diversity, knowledge of deep geothermal resources remains limited in many regions. One of the primary barriers to geothermal development has been the lack of comprehensive subsurface data and the difficulty of identifying areas where economically viable heat resources exist.
The Canadian Thermal Model seeks to address this challenge by creating the most detailed national assessment of underground heat resources ever undertaken in Canada. The project will combine geological and geophysical information from across the country and apply advanced machine-learning techniques to improve predictions of temperatures deep below the Earth’s surface.
Through this approach, researchers aim to generate a clearer picture of where geothermal resources are located and how they can be developed efficiently and economically.
Advanced Technology at the Core
A key element of the project is the use of innovative machine-learning technology known as InterPIGNN, an advanced deep-heat modelling algorithm capable of integrating large and complex datasets. By combining geological records, geophysical measurements, and other subsurface information, the system can produce more accurate assessments of underground thermal conditions.
Seequent is contributing its industry-leading geoscience and geophysics software capabilities to support the initiative. The company’s technologies are widely used throughout the energy and mining industries to visualize and analyze subsurface conditions, helping organizations make informed decisions about resource development.
By providing access to these tools, Seequent aims to accelerate research efforts and improve confidence in geothermal exploration activities. Enhanced understanding of subsurface temperatures and geological structures can reduce uncertainty for developers, investors, and policymakers seeking to advance geothermal projects.
The resulting thermal model is expected to become a foundational resource for energy planning and investment decisions across Canada, supporting both public and private sector stakeholders interested in renewable energy development.
Reducing Risk for Geothermal Investors
According to industry experts, one of the greatest challenges facing geothermal development is exploration risk. Drilling deep wells can require substantial capital investment, and uncertainty about underground conditions often discourages project developers.
Jeremy O’Brien, Energy Segment Director at Seequent, emphasized that improving subsurface certainty is critical for unlocking Canada’s geothermal opportunities.
He noted that Canada is well-positioned to expand geothermal energy production at a time when demand for reliable and always-available clean energy is growing rapidly. However, achieving that potential depends on providing decision-makers with accurate information about underground resources.
O’Brien explained that broader access to subsurface data, combined with advanced geophysical analysis tools, can significantly improve the ability to map heat resources at depth. By bringing together these capabilities, the Canadian Thermal Model is intended to reduce project risk, support investment decisions, and accelerate development timelines.
The initiative could ultimately help create a more attractive environment for geothermal exploration by providing a clearer understanding of resource quality and development feasibility.
Cascade Institute to Lead Research Efforts
The project will be led by the Cascade Institute through its Deep Geothermal program. The institute, based at Royal Roads University, focuses on identifying and implementing high-impact solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Working alongside a multidisciplinary team of geoscientists and research organizations, the Cascade Institute will oversee development of the thermal model and coordinate scientific activities throughout the project.
Research partners include Simon Fraser University, geothermal developer 400C Energy, and the Pacific Division of the Geological Survey of Canada. Together, these organizations will contribute expertise in geology, geophysics, data science, and geothermal resource assessment.
The project team will use integrated data workflows supported by Seequent’s Oasis montaj software platform. This technology will enable researchers to process, analyze, and visualize large volumes of geological and geophysical information from across the country.
The resulting insights are expected to help energy markets better understand both the availability of geothermal resources and the costs associated with bringing those resources into production.
Strengthening Canada’s Position in Geothermal Energy
Canada possesses extensive subsurface expertise developed through decades of activity in the mining, oil and gas, and natural resource sectors. Supporters of the project believe that this experience creates a strong foundation for geothermal industry growth.
Thomas Homer-Dixon, Executive Director of the Cascade Institute, highlighted Canada’s opportunity to become a global leader in geothermal energy development.
He stated that the country already has world-class capabilities in subsurface sciences and engineering. The new thermal model, he said, will serve as an essential tool for demonstrating both the technical feasibility and economic potential of large-scale geothermal energy projects.
As governments and industries pursue decarbonization strategies, geothermal energy is increasingly viewed as an important solution capable of providing low-emission electricity and heat. Improved resource assessments could encourage greater investment in geothermal infrastructure and help establish new clean-energy industries across Canada.
Reflecting a Broader Industry Transformation
The Canadian Thermal Model initiative also reflects larger trends shaping the global geothermal sector. Across many countries, organizations are adopting data-driven approaches to exploration and resource development, leveraging advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geoscience technology.
National-scale resource mapping efforts are becoming increasingly important as governments seek to identify clean-energy opportunities and strengthen long-term energy security. Improved resource assessments can guide policy decisions, infrastructure planning, and investment strategies while reducing uncertainty for developers.
The collaboration between Seequent, research institutions, and industry partners demonstrates how cross-sector partnerships are helping move geothermal energy from a promising opportunity toward widespread deployment.
Global Experience Supporting Local Development
Seequent brings significant geothermal expertise to the initiative. The company supports more than 60 percent of the world’s geothermal power generation through its software and subsurface technologies.
Its experience includes involvement in cutting-edge geothermal developments such as Fervo Energy’s Cape Station project in Utah, as well as support for long-established geothermal operations managed by Ormat in multiple regions around the world.
This global experience provides valuable knowledge that can help accelerate geothermal advancement in Canada and improve confidence among stakeholders evaluating future projects.
Spotlight at the World Geothermal Congress
To coincide with the launch of the initiative, Seequent and the Cascade Institute are presenting a special session at the World Geothermal Congress titled “The Next Frontier: Exploring the Potential of Canada’s Deep Geothermal Resources.”
Hosted at the Seequent exhibition booth, the discussion will examine both the challenges and opportunities associated with deep geothermal systems and provide insights into how advanced modelling technologies can help unlock new renewable energy resources.
As Canada seeks to diversify its clean-energy portfolio and meet growing electricity demand, the Canadian Thermal Model could become a critical tool in identifying the geothermal resources needed to support the country’s long-term energy transition. Through the combination of advanced technology, scientific expertise, and industry collaboration, the initiative aims to transform understanding of Canada’s underground heat potential and lay the groundwork for a new era of geothermal development.
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