Meili, NDP commit to increasing geothermal energy presence in Sask.

Ryan Meili and the Saskatchewan NDP want to make geothermal energy a focal point in the province’s future.

In an emailed new release, Meili and Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon said an NDP government “would harness the power of our Crowns and the expertise of the oil patch to explore the development of affordable, scaleable, renewable baseload geothermal power in Saskatchewan.”

Meili also indicated he is committing to reaching 50 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 and a target of 100 per cent emissions-free electricity by 2050. His government would work with SaskPower to explore an expansion of baseload geothermal power capacity.

Meili said an NDP government would tap into the expertise of the oilfield to make it happen.

“We know Saskatchewan families are feeling stretched and stressed, struggling to make ends meet. This is especially true in oil patch communities where challenges have been made worse by the pandemic,” Meili said in the release.

“Today we have the opportunity to put people to work with the skills they already have, as we take advantage of new technology and incredible untapped opportunities in clean, renewable energy production under a Sask First model that puts Saskatchewan companies and workers first.”

Meili said geothermal power has the capacity to provide a boost to industries and communities impacted by the oil downturn.

“Geothermal energy presents an incredible opportunity to be at the leading edge of changes in the industry and diversify and expand opportunities for skilled workers like drillers, surveyors and geologists. Smart investments in affordable, renewable energy will drive investment, create jobs and are central to building the energy infrastructure of the future,” Wotherspoon said.