EQUS along with Thermal Creek Geothermal and Truman with support from Alberta Ecotrust evaluated a 89-unit development to compare the cost of a natural gas system and a geothermal system. The study found that geothermal energy is technically viable and highly effective for the development. The proposed Onsite Utility Cooperative (OUC) model helps overcome upfront cost barriers by spreading infrastructure costs over the system’s long lifespan. This approach can reduced capital cost by over 50%(compared to Natural gas), provide long-term cost stability for residents, improve comfort through heating and cooling, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 50%. Overall, the project was determined to be technically feasible with strong environmental and economic benefits. The presentation will walk the participants through the economics analysis of the project and the structure of the Onsite Utility cooperative.
