The Tier 1 Canada Research Chair on Sustainable Geoenergy Systems Analysis examines the potential of energy resources found within the Earth’s crust to support Canada’s transition to a carbon‑neutral future. By focusing on geothermal energy, underground green hydrogen storage and natural hydrogen, the Chair aims to accelerate the energy transition and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The research contributes directly to strengthening the energy autonomy of rural and northern communities while supporting national efforts to address climate change.
Chairholder
The Chair is led by Professor Jasmin Raymond, an internationally recognized expert in geothermics and heat transfer processes. His work combines cutting edge numerical modelling, thermohydraulic property analysis, and fieldwork to better understand how geological systems can provide reliable and sustainable energy solutions. The Chairholder collaborates closely with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities—particularly in Northern Canada—conducting research directly in natural laboratory environments located on their territories.
Background
As the effects of climate change intensify, protecting and conserving our land and water while responsibly developing natural resources has become more essential than ever. In this context, green technologies play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while Earth sciences provide the critical knowledge required to design cleaner, more resilient energy systems.
Sustainable geoenergy systems—whether naturally occurring or engineered—draw on geological reservoirs to meet energy needs while safeguarding the environment. These include:
- geothermal systems used for heating, cooling, and electrical power generation
- underground reservoirs for green hydrogen storage to help stabilize energy grids
- natural hydrogen system, an emerging resource with significant potential requiring new exploration strategies
The Chair seeks to deepen understanding of fluid flow and heat transfer within geological medium to better predict the performance of these systems and support the development of low‑carbon energy solutions.
Objectives
The work integrates numerical modelling, geological characterization, and experimentation conducted in natural laboratories of remote communities. The team uses advanced scanning techniques to analyze the hydraulic and thermal properties of rocks. These data support models simulating system operation to better:
- evaluate the geothermal potential of sedimentary basins
- assess the feasibility of green hydrogen injection‑withdrawal cycles
- understand the geological conditions that favour natural hydrogen generation
Priority study sites include:
- the Franklinian Basin in the Arctic, for energy transition of northern communities and strategic security
- the Magdalen Islands Basin, for seasonal storage of wind‑generated energy in the form of hydrogen
- the Mistassini and Otish basins, being investigated for their natural hydrogen potential
The Chair generally contributes to:
- assessments of sustainable geoenergy resource potential
- decision‑support tools to enhance community‑level energy autonomy
- scientific foundations for community driven pilot projects
Ultimately, the Chair’s work will serve as a catalyst for the development of sustainable geoenergy systems that respond to the environmental, technological, and economic challenges faced across Canada—particularly in the North.
