New facility will harness geothermal power for farming innovation

Canada’s Oppy has partnered with DEEP Earth Energy Production to build an integrated greenhouse fuelled by geothermal energy on the site of Canada’s first geothermal power facility.

Kevin Batt and Kirsten Marcia

Kevin Batt and Kirsten Marcia

The companies said the collaboration marks a significant step forward combining sustainable energy and agriculture practices in the country.

DEEP is set to build Canada’s first-ever geothermal power facility at Saskatchewan’s US border, strategically positioned near the CanAm and the Trans-Canada Highways for optimal distribution access to all four cardinal points.

Kirsten Marcia, founder, president and CEO of DEEP, said: “We are looking forward to beginning the construction of this project after years of meticulous planning, once financing is secured. Our future collaboration with Oppy will mark a crucial step toward creating a sustainable future with this plant, marking an impact not only in power generation but in agriculture too”.

DEEP’s facility will use the earth’s natural heat reservoirs, ensuring low-emission power generation to support its operations alongside its state-of-the-art greenhouse. This initiative, in partnership with Oppy, aims to establish a new model of sustainable agriculture, channelling geothermal energy, heat and CO2 for year-round cultivation.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with DEEP,” said Oppy’s category director of greenhouse Kevin Batt. “By integrating a greenhouse into their facility, we’re not only promoting local Canadian produce but also reducing environmental impact and food miles. This partnership symbolises the future of farming, aligning with Oppy’s commitment to innovative practices.”

Construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin soon.