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:
Develop a Geothermal Energy Royalty Regime
Build and Promote Local Private Markets for Geothermal in Alberta
Support Municipalities and Community Generation
Incentivize Geothermal Innovation in Alberta
Create Synergies with Oil and Gas
Convert Oil and Gas Liabilities into New Assets
Work with the Federal Government on Advancing Geothermal Opportunities
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.