January 28, 2015 – The second phase of a study focused on assessing the potential of geothermal energy development in the Yukon has received a boost from the Canadian government.

The Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation is behind the study, situated in the Ross River area, and will receive $247,310 from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).

According to the government, the investment will help determine the potential a local geothermal energy source has to be developed into a commercial scale electricity generation facility.

Kaska First Nation has been actively involved in striving for clean energy projects within their traditional lands through their nationally owned company Kaska Energy Corporation since 2011. The Dena Nezziddi Development has taken the lead on behalf of Kaska Energy to complete the initial research.

The Kaska Geothermal Project offers the potential for development of a much-needed energy source in southeastern Yukon, said CanNor. Grid loads in the area are expected to exceed capacity in the next five years as new mines such as MacTung and Selwyn are developed in Kaska territory, CanNor added.