Bubbling Hotsprings in Yellowstone National Park

Energi Simulation Centre for Geothermal Systems Research

Vision: Geothermal Anywhere” through improved exploration, drilling efficiency, well layouts, reservoir management, surface facilities, energy conversion, heat re-use, and close collaboration and buy-in from the community.

Geothermal Energy Research

Geothermal energy is heralded as a significant green energy source globally and has been identified as a potentially accessible source in western Canada.  Challenges associated with the economic development of geothermal currently include high costs of geothermal wells, poor thermal efficiency of carrier fluids, depths of appropriate geothermal reservoirs and an incomplete understanding of the thermal flows within reservoirs.  Sustainability and social acceptance of geothermal development is also key to ensure widespread adoption.

GeoS, the Energi Simulation Centre for Geothermal Systems Research, is a multidisciplinary collaboration between members of the Departments of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering, the Department of Geoscience in the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Law.

Pencil and paper

Research Focus Areas

GeoS research spans the development cycle of geothermal energy, from exploration geology to facilities to regulation and social engagement.

team

Research Team

The academic research team consists of researchers from Engineering, Sciences and Law.

handshake

Industry Partnerships

Joint research projects with industry partners are supported through matching contributions from the provincial and federal governments.

Photo of the auditorium with the audience listening to a presentation about geothermal.

2023 Calgary Geothermal Workshop

The third annual geothermal workshop was held at the University of Calgary on Friday, May 12th, 2023.  It was presented as a hybrid event and highlighted recent research done by the team at the University of Calgary and other universities across Canada.  There was an industry update from industry partners and discussions about future projects.  Slide decks from many presentations are available.

Event Recap

Classroom

May 2022 Industry Workshop

On Wednesday, May 18th, the Geothermal Energy Laboratory hosted the second annual industry engagement workshop with over 120 participants representing 70 organizations worldwide.  

Event Summary

GEL Lab Members

End of Summer Workshop

This summer was a busy time for the members of the Geothermal Energy Lab with the launch of the project with Eavor Technologies.  Students and researchers gatherd on August 25th, 2021 for a series of end-of-summer presentations and for the onboarding of new student members.

Conference Room

Virtual Launch Workshop

On Tuesday, May 11th, the Geothermal Energy Laboratory hosted a virtual Launch Workshop where we presented our vision and capabilities.  If you want to learn more about what was discussed, please reach out to a member of the research team and we would be happy to have a discussion.

Get in touch

In the News ...


Earth Day Energy: U of C researchers explore geothermal potential

The University of Calgary is home to the Energi Simulation Centre for Geothermal Systems Research facility. Professor and centre director Roman Shor joins Global News Calgary to highlight the advances and potential in this energy source.

Watch here

Geothermal energy research receives major funding boost

$3M project will also help improve public knowledge about emerging energy source

Read more

Class of 2022: Enterprising student pinpoints promising regions for future geothermal projects in Alberta

Sustainable Energy Development grad Gordon Brasnett visualizes the most economically viable development sites

Read more

Energy Innovation Brief - Canada West Foundation Highlights SEDV Projects

Two geothermal projects done by recent SEDV M.Sc. graduates are highlighted by Canada West Foundation.

Read more

Launch of GeoS, the Energi Simulation Centre for Geothermal Systems Research

Energi Simulation Centre for Geothermal Systems Research seen as an opportunity during global energy transition, builds on the success of the Geothermal Energy Lab.

Read more

Interview with Dr. Roman Shor

Dr. Shor participates in an interview with Markham Hislop of Energi Media regarding the new Geothermal Energy Lab at the University of Calgary.

Watch now

‘Energy of the future’ finds new home at University of Calgary

In an article from the Schulich School of Engineering, Joe McFarland discusses the new Geothermal Energy Lab and its vision.

Read more