Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy works by tapping into the heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. Tapping into the natural heat of the Earth can provide a clean, consistent source of energy for reliable heating and cooling in homes and businesses.

The Town of Springhill, Nova Scotia was the original world leader in the use of abandoned-mine geothermal for heating and cooling, with research and pilot projects dating back to the mid-1980s. The geothermal energy of these mines has significant potential and is still in use today.

Groundwater and ground-source heat pumps have also been installed in residential, commercial and institutional buildings throughout the province. These systems are more cost-effective in buildings that require year-round heating and cooling.

With advances in technology, geothermal energy has the potential to play an important role in reaching Nova Scotia’s goal of net zero by 2050.

About geothermal energy

Geothermal energy works by tapping into the heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. The temperature underground remains stable year-round, making it an efficient source of energy.

Geothermal systems include:

  • ground source heat pumps (shallow geo-exchange) – circulate fluid through underground pipes to absorb heat in winter and release heat in summer, providing efficient heating and cooling for buildings
  • heating and cooling from abandoned mines – abandoned mines contain large volumes of water that can be used for heating and cooling industrial, educational and community-use buildings
  • direct use of heat from mid-depth aquifers – aquifers up to four kilometers deep where temperatures are less than 80°C can be developed for direct heating applications
  • electricity generation – heat can be recovered from underground reservoirs where temperatures exceed 80°C, generating steam that activates a turbine and generates electricity

Benefits of geothermal energy

Geothermal energy offers many benefits to Nova Scotia, including:

  • clean and reliable – available 24-7, geothermal energy is a stable power source unaffected by weather
  • cost savings – geothermal systems reduce heating and cooling expenses, offering long-term savings
  • environmental impact – geothermal energy has minimal emissions, helping Nova Scotia meet its clean energy and climate goals
  • energy efficiency – ground-source heat pumps use significantly less electricity compared to traditional heating and cooling systems

Nova Scotia's geothermal energy advantage

Nova Scotia has many advantages to support geothermal energy growth, including:

  • geothermal resources
    • areas in Hants and Cumberland counties have relatively high geothermal potential for electricity generation
    • most of the province’s sedimentary basins have geothermal potential for direct use of heat
    • new and emerging technologies show promise for expanding potential areas for direct use and electricity geothermal development
    • the province’s legacy of coal mining offers interesting opportunities to use abandoned mines for space heating and cooling
  • government support – incentives and funding are available for geothermal adoption in homes and businesses
  • government policy – Nova Scotia’s target of 80% clean electricity by 2030 is the most aggressive in North America and creates opportunities for geothermal to play a role in this clean energy transition

Support and training

Nova Scotia is building the expertise and training to support growth. This includes:

  • Efficiency Nova Scotia rebates – homeowners can access rebates for installing ground-source heat pump systems, making geothermal heating more accessible and affordable
  • Nova Scotia Community College – offers courses on geothermal energy systems, equipping professionals with the skills needed for installation and maintenance
  • Geothermal Canada – provides support, research, and advocacy to advance geothermal projects in Nova Scotia
  • Clean Economy Grants Program – helps master's students research areas of importance to Nova Scotia's energy sector

Contact

Department of Energy

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