Springhill Looks for More Geothermal Savings
The Province wants to expand the use of geothermal energy in Springhill. While a number of buildings already use the inexpensive heating source, a study funded by the Province will help advance its full potential in the area.
The Minister of Natural Resources says, “Nova Scotia is becoming a world leader in green energy by being innovative and exploring the potential of our province's rich natural resources.” Tory Rushton, the MLA for Cumberland South added, “Cumberland County is one of eight areas in the province where there is geothermal potential, and we want to harness every bit of it as a clean source of heat.”
Geothermal energy is heat extracted from underground sources. In Nova Scotia, abandoned mines that are at least 1,000 metres deep have warm water that can be used to heat homes and other buildings.
Cumberland County is already successfully using geothermal technology in shallow depths at sites that have potential at deeper levels.
The Department is investing $80,000 in a study by the Municipality of Cumberland to determine how to make full use of the area's geothermal resources.
The municipality will hire a new graduate from a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution to work on the one-year project.
The project is led by a working group with representatives from the Department, the municipality and the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Cumberland campus.
The Mayor of Cumberland says, “It is very exciting for the Municipality of Cumberland to see this initiative progressing.” Murray Scott says, “We will be able to build upon previous successful geothermal research in the area.”
Don McCormack, Principal, NSCC Cumberland campus says, “The vicinity of the campus to the underground mines provided us with a natural alignment to the study of geothermal energy. Our living lab is heated by the nearby geothermal energy source supporting hands-on learning for students in the refrigeration and air conditioning - geothermal program.”
Other Springhill geothermal installations include: Surette Battery, Ropak Packaging, and the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre.
Information on how to apply for the student contract position will be available on the Municipality of Cumberland website.
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