For decades, Alberta has been the heartbeat of Canada’s energy sector. We have the technical expertise, the workforce, and the infrastructure to lead the world in responsible resource management. However, as we look toward a future defined by economic diversification and food security, we face a systemic challenge: how do we transition our existing assets into new, sustainable wealth?
At Algar Geothermal, we believe the answer lies beneath our feet. Specifically, it lies in the thousands of out-of-service oil and gas wells that dot our landscape. These are not just liabilities; many of these wells could be ready-made conduits to vast reservoirs of thermal energy. But engineering a solution is only half the battle. To turn a pilot project into a province-wide reality, we need more than just technology: we need a unified voice that can navigate the halls of government and shape the policy landscape of tomorrow. This is where our membership in the Canadian Geothermal Industry Association (CGIA) becomes our most strategic asset.
The Fragmented Voice: A Barrier to Progress
In the early stages of any emerging industry, individual companies often find themselves shouting into a void. Whether we are discussing regulatory frameworks, royalty structures, or land-use permits, a single voice: no matter how innovative: struggles to capture the attention of high-level decision-makers. Ministers and Deputy Ministers at both the Federal and Provincial levels are tasked with managing complex portfolios. They prioritize issues that demonstrate broad industry consensus and significant socioeconomic impact.
Without a unified organization like the CGIA, the geothermal sector risks being seen as a niche interest rather than a cornerstone of the circular economy. Fragmentation leads to inconsistent messaging, which in turn creates policy uncertainty. For an industry that relies on long-term capital investment and public-private partnerships, uncertainty is the ultimate progress-killer.
The Power of Collective Advocacy
The CGIA provides the “Policy Playbook” we need to bridge the gap between technical feasibility and large-scale implementation. By joining forces with other industry leaders, we transform from a group of individual startups into a recognized economic force. This unified front allows us to present a clear, cohesive vision to government officials.
When the CGIA meets with a Minister, they aren’t just representing one company’s interests; they are representing a sector that holds the key to:
- Decarbonizing industrial and agricultural heat.
- Repurposing thousands of inactive oil and gas wells.
- Creating meaningful work for our skilled oil and gas crews.
- Ensuring year-round food security for Alberta and beyond.
This collective strength is what gains us a seat at the table. It allows us to participate in the high-level dialogues that determine how funding is allocated and how regulations are written. It is the “Implementation Highway” that clears the path for projects like our 2026 pilot.
Targeting the Right Ears: Federal and Provincial Synergy
To move the needle on geothermal heat, we must engage with multiple layers of government. Provincially, we need the support of Alberta’s Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. We need them to see that using an out-of-service oil and gas well as a source of geothermal energy is a win-win for the province. It reduces the environmental liability of inactive wells while providing low-cost, reliable heat for our farmers.
Federally, we must engage with departments focused on Natural Resources and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development. The Federal government has a vested interest in meeting emission reduction targets and fostering sustainable technology. By presenting a unified “Policy Playbook” through the CGIA, we ensure that Alberta’s unique advantages: our existing wellbores and our deep drilling expertise: are central to the national conversation on renewable energy.
From Liabilities to Assets: The 2026 Pilot
Algar Geothermal is currently focused on a landmark pilot project slated for 2026. This project is designed to prove that “heat-only” geothermal energy is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical solution for space heating in large-scale greenhouses. By focusing on heat rather than electricity generation, we bypass many of the technical and economic hurdles that have slowed geothermal development in the past.
The success of this pilot is dependent on a supportive policy environment. We need a regulatory framework that simplifies the process of transitioning a well from an oil and gas license to a geothermal heat license. Through the CGIA, we are actively advocating for these changes. We are helping government officials understand the socioeconomic benefits of Algar Geothermal’s technology, positioning our pilot as the first step in a broader “Greenhouse Revolution.”
The Implementation Highway: De-risking the Future
One of the primary benefits of CGIA membership is that you will be helping with the development of an “Implementation Highway.” This concept involves creating a standardized, repeatable process for bringing geothermal projects to life. For the government, this means clear guidelines on how to provide grants, tax incentives, and low-interest loans to de-risk the initial phases of geothermal adoption.
When policy-makers see a clear roadmap, they are more likely to commit the necessary resources. This is why a unified voice is so critical. If every company proposes a different way to regulate or fund projects, the government will naturally hesitate. However, if the entire industry agrees on a set of best practices and policy recommendations, the “Implementation Highway” becomes much easier to pave. This streamlined approach is what will allow us to scale up quickly after our 2026 pilot is complete. We are working with other Canadian geothermal agencies to ensure a consistent message across Canada.
Strengthening Alberta’s Food Security
Beyond the energy and environment sectors, our work has a profound impact on how secure Alberta’s food supply is. Currently, Alberta imports a significant portion of its fresh produce, especially during the winter months. This reliance on long-distance supply chains makes us vulnerable to price fluctuations and logistics disruptions.
By providing consistent, low-cost geothermal heat, we can empower a new generation of local growers. The benefits of Algar Geothermal’s technology extend directly to the dinner tables of Albertans. When we advocate for geothermal policy, we are also advocating for a more resilient agricultural sector. We are telling Ministers that a vote for geothermal heat is a vote for local farmers and higher-quality, locally grown food.
Transitioning the Workforce: A Moral and Economic Imperative
We cannot talk about the energy transition without talking about the people who built our province. Alberta’s oil and gas crews are some of the most skilled and hardworking individuals in the world. They understand the subsurface, they know how to work safely in demanding environments, and they are masters of complex machinery.
Our vision for the 2026 pilot: and the hundreds of projects that could follow: is built on the foundation of this existing talent pool. Repurposing wells requires many of the same skills as drilling them. By fostering a “heat-only” geothermal industry, we are creating a path for these workers to transition into the green energy space without losing their self-respect or their livelihoods. Through the CGIA, we are ensuring that workforce development and transition strategies are a central part of the government’s policy playbook.
Conclusion: A Call for Strategic Partnership
The path to 2026 and beyond is clear, but it is not one we can walk alone. The complexity of energy policy, the urgency of climate goals, and the necessity of economic diversification demand a unified approach. Our membership in the Canadian Geothermal Industry Association is not just a professional affiliation; it is a commitment to a shared future.
We invite our partners in government, the greenhouse industry, and the traditional energy sector to join us in this conversation. Let us work together to refine the policy playbook, to build the implementation highway, and to turn Alberta’s inactive wells into a source of pride, heat, and prosperity for generations to come.
The potential is right beneath us. It is time we spoke with one voice to bring it to the surface.
To learn more about our progress and our vision for the future, we encourage you to explore the Algar Geothermal fall update and discover why Alberta needs a geothermal greenhouse pilot project. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, sign up for our newsletter, and visit us at WGC2026. Together, we can heat our province and feed our people. Finally, come visit us at WGC2026 where we will be manning the CGIA booth with our Geothermal colleagues.