New geothermal regulatory scheme set up in Alberta, Canada

Gathering at Eavor Technologies project site in Alberta, Canada 2019 (source: Eavor)

In December 2021, the government of the province of Alberta in Canada proclaimed into law the Geothermal Resource Development Act (GRD). The new act “establishes a regulatory regime administered by the Alberta Energy Regulator for the responsible development of geothermal resources and related wells and facilities in Alberta.” The new act can be accessed here. With the new act, the industry is presented with greater regulatory certainty for potential investors in development of the significant geothermal resources of the province. The Geothermal Resource Development Act (GRDA)  establishes the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) as the primary regulator for deep geothermal energy developments in Alberta; amendments to other supporting acts to manage geothermal resources were also included. AER is currently working to finalize the details of the regulatory framework, including the application process and technical requirements for development of geothermal resources. The organisation will implement the application process with the release of the rules, directives, and guiding documents. The final requirements are expected to be published in the spring of 2022. While AER is not able to accept geothermal applications until the rules and associated regulatory instruments are drafted and in force, it will work with industry and other stakeholders to answer any questions about the regulatory system, application processing, timelines, or procedures. Questions about geothermal resource development, including application submission, licences, and transfers, can be emailed to geothermal@aer.ca. Questions may also be sent to our inquiries line at 1-855-297-8311. Source: Alberta Energy Regulator