Alberta Introduces New Legislation To Lay The Groundwork For Geothermal Resource Development

Following the release of Alberta's Recovery Plan, which included plans to diversify Alberta's economy and develop a new energy strategy, the Alberta government has made a series of announcements on plans to develop strategies and regulations to assist in the diversification of the province's energy industry. 

After its announcement on October 7, 2020, to develop a geothermal strategy, the Honourable Sonya Savage, the Minister of Energy, introduced Bill 36, Geothermal Resource Development Act, on October 20. When enacted, Alberta will be the second province in Canada after British Columbia to have geothermal-specific legislation.

Policy Background

In introducing Bill 36, the Alberta government has emphasized the role of geothermal energy in energy diversification and low-carbon emissions. In addition, in its press release, the Alberta government highlights the repurposing of inactive oil and gas wells and associated infrastructure as one of the purposes of Bill