Led by the Daylu Dena Council, the Tu Nétset Geothermal Project—formerly known as the Lower Post GeoHEAT Project—is a Kaska Dena-led initiative to explore geothermal energy as a path toward clean, community-owned energy sovereignty. “Tu Nétset,” meaning “strong water” in the Kaska language, reflects both the geothermal potential of the territory and the strength of the people leading this work.
Located in Lower Post, BC, near the confluence of the Liard and Dease Rivers, the community is 100% reliant on diesel for energy. This project aims to change that by identifying and developing geothermal resources that could provide renewable heat and power.
In Fall 2024, the project completed its first test drilling and testing program, with two thermal gradient wells reaching depths of over 400 metres. One well encountered a shallow thermal anomaly, supporting the case for future development. This technical work was guided by locally held knowledge, including the identification of unmapped springs near the drill location. Geochemical and geophysical analysis confirmed geothermal potential at this location, leading to its selection for drilling.
Community engagement has been central throughout, including school visits to the drill site, cultural programming, and integrating community-held knowledge in exploration planning.
Daylu Dena Council sees Tu Nétset as more than an energy project—it’s a long-term investment in clean energy leadership rooted in Kaska culture. Future phases will build on the current momentum through continued exploration, training, and planning for geothermal heat applications, including district heating, fish processing, and greenhouse agriculture.
This project is a key step toward energy sovereignty and climate resilience for the Kaska Dena.
This project has received funding from New Relationship Trust through the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) and Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathway Program (SREPs).