Geothermal energy is heat that is provided by the natural furnace that is Earth. Though the country does not use this resource as prevalently as wind or hydroelectric power, Canada is eyeing this renewable energy as yet another upon which to focus.

Over 4 billion years ago when cosmic forces gave birth to our planet, the nuclear generator created by the elements of Earth's core was surrounded by a shell of rock that cooled and allowed for an abundance of life. Under this shell the furnace still churns, providing free and limitless heat with which to heat and light our homes. There are few, if any, renewable energies that operate as cleanly as geothermal energy.

Several countries such as the United States and the Philippines have been utilizing Earth's natural heat for years and Canada has signed the Kyoto Protocol to show their commitment to follow suit. The Kyoto Protocol is an initiative produced for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to halt the progress of global warming. Though this protocol is aimed at eliminating greenhouse gases by any and all renewable energy means, Canada came aboard in part to encourage their own proliferation of geothermal energy production.

For some, though, simply signing up for the Kyoto Protocol is not enough. Ed Schreyer has pointed to Manitoba as one location in which to increase the use of geothermal energy in Canada. The former governor general has expressed his desire to take the next step in the alternative fuel industry by heating and cooling more homes and businesses in Manitoba. Although Schreyer wishes to increase the use of geothermal energy in all sectors of the province, his primary focus is to power, heat, and cool the public schools using this renewable energy. Schreyer maintains a position on the board of the Manitoba Geothermal Association and hopes that this body is able to influence the rest of Canada to further employ Earth's heat to generate power. He told CBC News that Canada "could sign 10 [Kyoto Protocols]" and that it wouldn't make any difference unless Manitoba displays the will to use its technical skill in reaping the benefits of geothermal energy. The Manitoba Geothermal Association has recently gained ground, and a spokesperson for Manitoba has stated that the province may provide geothermal options for all newly constructed schools.

As Canada continues to top the world with their list of renewable energy industries, they hope to add geothermal energy to that list in the near future.