The countdown is on, and the heat is rising! From June 7th to 11th, 2026, Calgary will transform into the global epicenter of renewable energy as we host the World Geothermal Congress (WGC2026). For those of us rooted in the heart of Southern Alberta, this isn't just another industry conference; it’s a homecoming for an idea whose time has come.

At Algar Geothermal, we are beyond excited to announce our participation alongside the Canadian Geothermal Industry Association (CGIA). You can find us right in the thick of the action at Booth 209 in the Canada Pavilion. We’re ready to talk about how we’re turning Alberta’s industrial legacy into a sustainable future, one well at a time.

A Systemic Challenge: Turning Liabilities into Assets

Alberta stands at a crossroads. We have a rich history of energy production that has fueled our economy for decades. However, that legacy has left us with a complex challenge: thousands of out-of-service oil and gas wells. These sites, once symbols of prosperity, are now often viewed as environmental hazards or economic liabilities.

But where some see a problem, we see a massive, untapped opportunity. These wells are deep, they are already drilled, and they sit on top of a literal goldmine of thermal energy. The infrastructure is already there. The subsurface data is already there. All that’s missing is the vision to repurpose them.

Our mission at Algar Geothermal is clear: we extract geothermal heat from these out-of-service wells to provide renewable, sustainable energy. We aren't looking to generate electricity, we are focusing on "heat-only" applications. Why? Because heat is the foundation of our local industries, from agriculture to commercial heating, and providing a low-cost, eternally available energy source is the most pragmatic way to ensure our community’s economic security.

The Implementation Highway: Why WGC2026 Matters

The World Geothermal Congress is more than just a gathering of experts; it is the "Implementation Highway" we need to de-risk these projects and secure the future of Alberta’s energy landscape. To make our 2026 pilot project in Southern Alberta a reality, we need a unified front.

We are calling on:

• Federal and Provincial Ministers: To recognize the strategic importance of repurposing existing infrastructure as a cost-effective path to net-zero.
• Oil and Gas Industry Leaders: To see the transition of these wells not as an end, but as a profitable and environmentally responsible new chapter.
• Environmental Stakeholders: To partner with us in transforming potential hazards into clean energy sources.

At Booth 209, we’ll be discussing how geothermal heat can provide a "win-win" scenario. It offers oil and gas companies a productive path for their inactive assets while providing local businesses with the price stability they need to remain competitive in a global market.

Feeding the Future: Geothermal and the Agricultural Advantage

One of the most exciting applications for our geothermal heat is within the agricultural sector. Southern Alberta is already a powerhouse of food production, but the rising cost of traditional heating fuels poses a significant threat to our greenhouse growers.

Imagine a future where a local tomato grower doesn’t have to worry about the volatility of natural gas prices. By tapping into the heat from a nearby repurposed well, they could enjoy a constant, low-cost energy supply year-round. This doesn't just improve their bottom line; it enhances our regional food security and creates high-quality, local produce regardless of the season.

When we look at global models, such as the incredible density of greenhouse operations in the Netherlands, we see what is possible when energy and agriculture are strategically aligned. Alberta has the land, the expertise, and most importantly, the heat beneath our feet to become a global leader in sustainable farming.

The Human Element: Transitioning Our Workforce

Beyond the technical and economic benefits, there is a deeply human story here. Our oil and gas crews are some of the most skilled subsurface experts in the world. As the energy landscape shifts, these workers deserve a transition that respects their skills and provides meaningful work.

Geothermal development requires the exact same expertise: drilling, well maintenance, reservoir management, and thermal engineering. By pivoting toward geothermal heat, we aren't asking our workers to start over. We are asking them to lead. This transition is about self-respect, community stability, and ensuring that the next generation of Albertans has a place in the green energy economy without having to leave their hometowns.

The Vision for 2026 and Beyond

We aren't just talking about abstract theories. Algar Geothermal is actively working toward a landmark pilot project in Southern Alberta, scheduled for 2026. This project will serve as a proof-of-concept for the "heat-only" model, demonstrating that repurposed wells can provide the thermal energy needed for district heating and industrial applications.

The scale of the opportunity is staggering. When you compare the land area of Manhattan to the hectares of greenhouses in Europe, you begin to see the potential for geothermal-driven agriculture in Canada. We have the space, and with the help of the government and the energy sector, we will have the sustainable heat to fill it.

Join Us at Booth 209

We invite you to be part of this journey. Whether you are a farmer looking for energy solutions, a government official interested in de-risking the energy transition, or an industry professional curious about the subsurface potential of inactive wells, we want to meet you.

• Where: Calgary, Canada Pavilion, Booth 209 (CGIA Booth)
• When: June 7-11, 2026
• Who: Blair Shunk and the Algar Geothermal team

The road to a net-zero future doesn't have to be built from scratch. Sometimes, the best way forward is to look at what we’ve already built and find a new way to make it work for us. Let’s stop seeing inactive wells as a burden and start seeing them as the batteries that will heat our homes and grow our food for generations to come.

Are you ready to see how Southern Alberta can lead the world in geothermal heat?

Come visit us at Booth 209! In the meantime, stay updated on our progress and the latest industry insights by following Algar Geothermal on LinkedIn. Let’s heat things up together!