Features Geothermal
Federal government supports Yukon geothermal study

Jan. 29, 2015, Whitehorse, Yukon – The federal government
is providing nearly a quarter of a million dollars for the second phase
of a study that will assess the potential of geothermal energy
development in the Ross River area by the Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation.

Jan. 29, 2015, Whitehorse, Yukon – The federal government is providing nearly a quarter of a million dollars for the second phase of a study that will assess the potential of geothermal energy development in the Ross River area by the Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation.

This investment will assist the Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation to
complete a more detailed study of the location and extent of a local
geothermal energy source that has the potential to be developed into a
commercial-scale electricity generation facility, said a news release from CanNor. Geothermal development
could provide a less expensive local power source for the community by
replacing diesel generation, as well as offering potential revenue from
providing power to the Yukon energy grid.

To support this project, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, known as CanNor, is making an investment of $247,310 which builds on previous CanNor funding for geological exploration in two areas of Yukon thought to potentially have near-surface geothermal resources.

Since 2011, Kaska Fist Nation has been active in the investigation
and promotion of clean energy projects within their traditional lands
through their nationally owned company Kaska Energy Corporation.The Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation took the lead on behalf of
Kaska Energy Corporation to complete the initial research on the
geothermal potential in the Ross River and Watson Lake area in 2013. The Kaska Geothermal Project offers the potential for development of a much-needed energy source in southeastern Yukon.
Grid loads in the area are expected to exceed capacity in the next five
years as new mines such as MacTung and Selwyn are developed in Kaska
territory.

"Our government recognizes that access to reliable and affordable energy
plays an integral role in fostering northern economic development.
That's why CanNor is continuing to work with its partners and
stakeholders, including Aboriginal development corporations, to develop
alternative sources of energy that will help meet future power needs in
the North and support resource development," said Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, in the release.

"The Kaska are cautiously optimistic that geothermal resources will
prove to be viable near our communities. Geothermal energy is ideally
suited to our northern climate and it is in keeping with our
philosophies of small footprints on the land and sustainable
opportunities for our people and the region," said Derek Loots, president of the Kaska Energy Corporation.