A projected $10.6-million geothermal testing project is expected to begin north of Rocky Mountain House in late 2026.
Calgary-based GeoGen plans to use an inactive oil and gas well to test patented technology designed to generate electricity underground more efficiently.
“Most geothermal lives under the paradigm that you bring the heat to surface, and then you make power — we’re bringing the power generation equipment down to the heat,” GeoGen CEO Matt Hogg said in an interview with 94.5 Rewind Radio.
Hogg said the project remains in the early stages, and crews have not yet gone to the site. Installation work is expected in late summer or early fall, and he says most residents likely will not notice the operation.
Once operational, the company plans to open the site for tours.
GeoGen CEO Matt Hogg speaking about the scope of a proposed geothermal project north of Rocky Mountain House
According to a media release, GeoGen’s patented technology is designed to generate electricity at the bottom of the well without fluid extraction or pumping. The company compares the process to a hydro dam, where gravity drives circulation.
Hogg said the company’s long-term goal is to convert abandoned oil and gas wells into geothermal energy sites.
“I think there’s a future where these wells will have a really positive impact on the province,” he said.
The company says the two-phase project aims for zero emissions, no freshwater consumption, minimal land disturbance, and no risk of induced seismicity.
Provincial grant funding
The Rocky Mountain House-area project is one of 15 receiving funding through Emissions Reduction Alberta.
The projects are sharing $69 million through the province’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund.
GeoGen has secured $2.7 million for the Rocky Mountain House geothermal demonstration project.
Other funded projects include livestock methane reduction research in Edmonton, a soil remediation study in Leduc County, and a $12 million contribution to a carbon capture project in Yellowhead County.
“Demand for Alberta’s responsibly produced energy has never been higher,” Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean said in a provided statement.
The province says the 15 projects are expected to reduce one million tonnes of emissions by 2030, create about 1,300 jobs, and contribute $212 million to Alberta’s economy.
You can read more about all the projects here.
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