Alberta NDP Releases Geothermal Proposal

On Nov. 6, 2020 Alberta’s NDP Caucus released a geothermal industry proposal called “Picking Up Steam: Geothermal and Alberta’s Energy Future” as part of their Alberta’s Future project. This follows the Alberta Government’s introduction of Bill 36: the Geothermal Resource Development Act, announced on Oct. 20, 2020.

In regards to the geothermal framework, the Opposition calls on the government to address a Crown Royalty system, an appropriate dispute resolution mechanism for landowners, an a framework for liability management.

The Alberta NDP’s framework plan includes eight proposals:

1. Develop a Geothermal Energy Royalty Regime

2. Build and Promote Local Private Markets for Geothermal in Alberta

3. Support Municipalities and Community Generation

4. Incentivize Geothermal Innovation in Alberta

5. Create Synergies with Oil and Gas

6. Convert Oil and Gas Liabilities into New Assets

7. Work with the Federal Government on Advancing Geothermal Opportunities

8. Promote the Export of Alberta Geothermal Services and Technology

The Alberta NDP estimates that these proposals will cost approximately $14-$26 million and $100 million in existing funds.

Geothermal Session at 55th Rock Mechanics and Geomechanics Symposium

The 55th Rock Mechanics and Geomechanics Symposium will take place on June 20-23, 2021 in Houston, Texas.

A big session on geothermal is being developed for the symposium, which will include the following topics:

• Collab Measurements, Simulations and Learnings

• Enhanced Geothermal System: Recent Experience and Opportunities

• General Geothermal Considerations: drilling and reservoir characterization

• Geothermal Simulations: hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulation

• Nonconventional Geothermal Applications: Thermal Storage, Lower Temperature Exploitation

Abstract submission for a conference paper and oral/poster presentation is now open and the deadline to submit is Nov. 1, 2020. The paper submittal deadline is Feb. 25, 2021.

During the submission process, you can find the “Geothermal” Track.

This post was originally sent by:

Chairs: Dr. Maria Nikolinakou, The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Gang Han, Aramco Americas
International Chairs: Dr. Weiguo Liang, Taiyuan University of Technology, Dr. Mao Sheng, China University of Petroleum-Beijing

Government of Alberta Announces Plan to Introduce Regulatory Framework for Geothermal Projects

Oct. 7, 2020- This morning, the Government of Alberta announced that discussions will be held this fall to introduce legislation to create a policy and regulatory framework for the geothermal energy industry. Currently, geothermal projects in Alberta are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the Government of Alberta has recognized that a framework specifically designed for for geothermal projects is necessary for the future of the industry. This geothermal policy will help projects develop in Alberta while protecting landowners and mineral rights owners, as well as establish an approach to land use and liability management.

There are currently 3 active geothermal projects in Alberta:

• Eavor: Eavor-Lite demonstration project near Rocky Mountain House

• Razor Energy: Oil-geothermal co-production project near Swan Hills

• Alberta No. 1: Direct heat use and power project south of Grande Prairie