Yukon's geothermal energy potential called large

• EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was originally published Sep. 22, 2011

The Yukon is sitting on a goldmine of sustainable energy, a new geological study says.

A Geological Survey of Canada report stated that there is enough heat trapped in rocks deep below the surface to generate enough electricity to light up a whole country.

Stephen Grasby, co-writer of the report and a scientist with the Geological Survey said that geothermal electrical generating stations are used in many countries around the world and that many areas of Canada have the potential to produce such power.

"The highest potential for producing electrical power is certainly in the West and the North, British Columbia, Northern Alberta, the Yukon and Northwest Territories," Grasby said.

Grasby said many countries use geothermal generation stations economically but the initial cost can be very high.

The technology, he said, would be well suited to power remote communities.