Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Canada: Provincial Government Looks to Convert Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells to Geothermal Energy

Alberta Government Eyes Geothermal Fix to Abandoned Well Crisis (Alberta Oil)

AB considers converting disused wells to geothermal energy systems. Oil firm to coproduce oil and geothermal heat in Saskatchewan - two firsts for Canada.

Alberta Energy may promote the conversion of disused oil and gas wells into geothermal systems as a partial solution to the province’s abandoned well crisis.

“Using abandoned wells for geothermal is a complex issue that requires further input and consultation from a broad range of stakeholders,” says Alberta energy minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd. “I have asked government staff to consider this option as we move forward with our climate plan and also in our considerations of the entire liability management system.” A government official says the province aims to have policies in place before April, which may include tax and carbon credits.