Alberta Government Shares Proposed Framework For Geothermal Energy Development

On October 7, 2020, the Government of Alberta (the Government) announced its plan for geothermal energy development in the province (Setting the Stage for Clean Geothermal Development).

The Government proposes to begin discussions this fall with key stakeholders, and introduce legislation for the exploitation of geothermal energy. According to the Government, a strong geothermal sector has the potential to create jobs in the oil and gas industry and create economic opportunity for Indigenous and rural remote communities, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The proposed geothermal legal and policy framework will create greater policy and regulatory certainty, provide industry with clarity on rules and processes, establish an approach to land use and liability management, and protect landowners and mineral rights owners. The announcement follows on the heels of the Government sharing its Natural Gas Vision and Strategy. These plans are particularly important to