Cascade Institute

Opinion: Geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic We are lagging behind the U.S. and other countries in taking advantage of this power source

Dependence on diesel is a major challenge in Canada's North

But a geothermal test site could cut costs, strengthen sovereignty, and spark innovation.

As the Prime Minister said, it’s time to swing for the fences.

Latest with @cascadeinstitute.bsky.social:

www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...

Opinion: Geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic We are lagging behind the U.S. and other countries in taking advantage of this power source

“The question is not whether we should build Project AURORA, but whether we can wait any longer.”

Read the full op-ed in The Globe and Mail: www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...

The authors argue that Project AURORA — Cascade Institute's proposed Arctic Underground Research Observatory for Resource Advancement — could unlock clean, reliable geothermal power for Northern and Indigenous communities, reduce diesel dependence, and strengthen Canada’s sovereignty.

“Energy costs in the Canadian Arctic are among the world’s highest," they write, but "beneath the frozen landscape lies an abundant source of low-cost energy: geothermal heat.”

"Our sovereignty, our energy future, and our place in the world depend on it," write Cascade Institute researchers Gordon Brasnett, Leighton Gall and Peter Massie in an op-ed published by @theglobeandmail.com

A bold national effort to harness clean, affordable geothermal power could change that, freeing Arctic communities from costly diesel and strengthening both local and Indigenous self-reliance.

As the Arctic warms and new powers vie for influence, Canada’s northern sovereignty faces a growing test. The region is becoming more accessible, more vulnerable, and more strategically important than ever — yet our energy dependence keeps us on the back foot. 🧵

Opinion: Geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic We are lagging behind the U.S. and other countries in taking advantage of this power source

To unlock that power, they propose Project AURORA – the Arctic Underground Research Observatory for Resource Advancement. Project AURORA would consist of one or more Northern test sites that design and adapt next-generation geothermal tech for the Arctic’s challenging terrain.

Opinion: Geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic We are lagging behind the U.S. and other countries in taking advantage of this power source

"Canada is on thin ice if it can’t defend its Northern sovereignty."

Gordon Brasnett, Leighton Gall, and Peter Massie argue in The Globe and Mail that geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic.

Canada must lead on permafrost protection Permafrost is already thawing and that thaw is accelerating. We need to understand the challenge and start dealing with it, before it’s too late.

Op-ed: Permafrost is already thawing, and that thaw is accelerating. We need to understand the challenge and start dealing with it, before it’s too late.

cascadeinstitute.org/canada-must-...

A green leafy canopy and photos of Thomas Homer-Dixon and Ruth Richardson who will speak during our event: Mapping the Hope Attractor. The event will take place on November 6 at 17:00 GMT.

New event: We’re excited to host Prof. Thomas Homer-Dixon for a presentation on @cascadeinstitute.bsky.social Polycrisis Core Model, a system-of-systems analysis of our global future.

🗓️ Date: November 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 17:00 GMT
👉 Register: unfoundation.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
#polycrisis

YouTube video by Energi Media Geothermal Emerges as Canada’s Next Big Advantage

WATCH: Energi Media interviews Peter Massie about the potential for deep geothermal in Canada and our launch of the Canadian Deep Geothermal Coalition.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aki...

Protecting Permafrost: Addressing the climate threat of Arctic thaw The thawing of Arctic permafrost is a ticking climate “time bomb.” We assess the threat and examine 13 interventions that could slow or stop permafrost thaw and reduce emissions.

BREAKING: New report reveals the alarming threat of permafrost thaw to our climate goals. "Protecting Permafrost" assesses 13 potential interventions to slow thaw and reduce emissions.

Let's work together to defuse the permafrost carbon time bomb!

Read more: cascadeinstitute.org/technical-pa...

When Facebook makes you furious and Tik Tok ticks you off, here’s what you can do, says Dr. @jhodson.bsky.social, Canada Research Chair in Digital Misinformation, Polarization and Anti-Social Media.

@sshrc-crsh.canada.ca @cascadeinstitute.bsky.social

Cascade Institute Canadian research centre that analyzes complex global systems to anticipate future crises and identify high-leverage interventions to rapidly shift humanity’s course.

I just found cascadeinstitute.org and discovered they have a bsky account. Good job!
@cascadeinstitute.bsky.social
Excellent systemic research into the dynamics behind #HumanitysTransition, recognizing we have a #polycrisis

Join Thomas Homer-Dixon, systemic risk expert Ortwin Renn, and a dynamic panel of presenters for Polycrisis in the Anthropocene, Second Global Sustainability Webinar on October 2.

Don't miss this compelling talk on the promise of geothermal energy.

The Earth's internal heat - geothermal energy - is our next energy revolution. But we need to try harder!

If we do, it can change everything.

YouTube video by TEDx Talks Geothermal energy: Hope for our energy crisis lies inside the earth | Dr. Rebecca Pearce | TEDxRRU

WATCH: Cascade Institute fellow Rebecca Pearce's compelling TEDx presentation could reshape how the world approaches clean energy.

Canadian Energy Leaders Unite to Advance Deep Geothermal Power The Cascade Institute convened leaders from industry, government, Indigenous organizations, and civil society in Ottawa recently for a Geothermal Accelerator Conference, looking to s...

Deep geothermal energy can be used for heat and power, and harnessed by existing technologies, with major opportunity in next-generation technologies.

Learn more: www.renewableenergymagazine.com/geothermal/c...

Left to right, back row: Nan Ge, Cardinal Volta; Paul McKendrick, Eonic Energy; Curtis Cook, Rodatherm Energy; Bryant Jones, Geothermal Rising; Lisa Mueller, FutEra Power; Armin Federico, Altitude Energy Partners; Andrea Warren, Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal; Peter Massie, Cascade Institute. Front Row: Emily Smejkal, Cascade Institute; Kathleen Gould, Seequent; Catherine Hickson, Geothermal Canada and AB No.1; Rochelle Longval, Hephae Energy Technology; Jeanine Vany, Eavor Technologies; Owen Henshaw, Geothermal Energy Advisors; Cyndi Boon, Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal.

Peter Massie, Director of Cascade Institute's Geothermal Energy Office, addresses the Geothermal Accelerator Conference

Thomas Homer-Dixon, Executive Director of the Cascade Institute, addresses the Geothermal Accelerator Conference

We may look back on this as a watershed moment in Canada's journey to geothermal superpower.

Yesterday in Ottawa, the Cascade Institute convened leaders from industry, government, Indigenous organizations, and civil society to forge an alliance that will advance deep geothermal energy in Canada.

Job alert - We're hiring a researcher @cascadeinstitute.bsky.social for a 2 year contract on 'fast and fair' #energy #transitions. Open to remote or here in beautiful Victoria, BC. Pls share. #energysky. cascadeinstitute.org/opportunitie...

Does the urgency of accelerating the clean energy transition in ways that empower communities keep you up at night, too?

Come work with us, and let's figure it out together!

cascadeinstitute.org/opportunitie...

20250828 Cascade Institute: Dr. Nate Hagens This is "20250828 Cascade Institute: Dr. Nate Hagens" by RRU - Media Support Services on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

WATCH: In a compelling Cascade Institute Speaker Series talk, Dr. @natehagens.bsky.social, Executive Director of The Institute for the Study of Energy & Our Future and host of The Great Simplification podcast, challenges us to take meaningful steps toward change—even without having all the answers.

National Service to Support Community and National Security: A preliminary outline of components, implementation, and costs - Cascade Institute Democracy program David Last A policy brief prepared for the Office of the Prime Minister for the development of a National Service initiative.

The Cascade Institute recently prepared a policy brief for the Office of the Prime Minister, sketching the contours of a National Service initiative to address both the practical and ideological dimensions of this existential threat.

Learn more: cascadeinstitute.org/technical-pa...

National Service to Support Community and National Security: A preliminary outline of components, implementation, and costs - Cascade Institute Democracy program David Last A policy brief prepared for the Office of the Prime Minister for the development of a National Service initiative.

"Military power alone will not preserve Canada. National identity, cohesion, commitment of all Canadians to support broad-based emergency preparations are all urgently needed."

"A similar percentage of Canadians 18-34 years old would vote to be American if offered citizenship (Ipsos, March 2025). Canada faces existential threats from dissolution and absorption by an aggressive neighbour when international norms are weakening."

National Service to Support Community and National Security: A preliminary outline of components, implementation, and costs - Cascade Institute Democracy program David Last A policy brief prepared for the Office of the Prime Minister for the development of a National Service initiative.

"We are living in extraordinary times. Events beyond our control have upended Canada’s longstanding prosperity, security, and stability. Two in five Canadians believe it is at least somewhat likely that the United States will attack Canada militarily in the next five years."

"Canada can build a full value chain in geothermal — from exploration and drilling to technological development and export — ensuring that innovation... drives economic growth.

But this opportunity won’t last forever... the window for Canada to secure a leadership position is narrowing."

#geothermal #research #funding #investment #derisking #policy #support #innovation #collaboration #energy #drilling #oilandgas #technology | CORE Knowledge NEW EPISODE ALERT - #82!! The role that research centers play in any energy ecosystem are extremely vital. We have seen this play out in the Oil and Gas space, mining, environmental, and so on. Well,...

Grateful for the chance to join Nick Cestari on the CORE Knowledge podcast and talk about @cascadeinstitute.bsky.social's work to position Canada as a leader on geothermal power
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Geothermal belongs in Canada's industrial strategy Geothermal energy can meet domestic energy needs while positioning Canada as a global leader in clean energy services and technology.

Cascade Institute fellow @emily-smejkal.bsky.social makes the case that geothermal energy can meet domestic energy needs while positioning Canada as a global leader in clean energy services and technology.