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ARTICLE · 27 JANUARY 2022

Next Steps For Alberta's New Geothermal Resource Regime

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
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On December 8, 2021, the Government of Alberta proclaimed into law the Geothermal Resource Development Act (GRDA). The GRDA establishes a new regulatory framework for the development of geothermal resources in Alberta ...

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
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On December 8, 2021, the Government of Alberta proclaimed into law the Geothermal Resource Development Act (GRDA). The GRDA establishes a new regulatory framework for the development of geothermal resources in Alberta and grants oversight to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). The GRDA provides greater regulatory certainty for potential investors in Alberta's significant geothermal resources and is an important step towards realizing continued growth across the province's renewable energy sector.

Following the GRDA's proclamation, the AER announced in Bulletin 2021-46 that it is working to finalize the province's regulatory framework for geothermal resource development, including application and technical requirements for project proponents. The AER expects to publish rules, directives and guiding documents to implement the application process in spring 2022.

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