CBU to explore geothermal potential at mines

Cumberland County’s former mines will be studied by Cape Breton University students as a potential geothermal resource.
The research is made possible with a partnership Cumberland Energy Authority.

Faculty members at the university’s Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy & the Environment will analyze the potential commercialization of geothermal resources with the hopes of stimulating economic development in the Springhill area.

Geothermal energy, or the natural warmth from within the Earth, has been of interest to the region due to the significant number of abandoned mines in the Springhill area.

Authority officials say harvesting geothermal energy from mine water would make mine-water management more economically appealing.

In Springhill, there are five buildings that use geothermal energy, including the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre.

The forthcoming research will be presented at an inaugural energy symposium occurring Sept. 24 at the Springhill Community Centre.