Energy and resource development in Alberta encompasses a diverse range of activities and understanding these activities—such as coal mining, oil sands development, natural gas production, and geothermal energy—helps frame our regulatory role throughout the life cycle of industry led projects. We regulate every stage of resource development—from exploration and production to decommissioning to reclamation. We are responsible for ensuring energy producers adhere to our regulatory requirements. Our oversight promotes the safe, efficient, and orderly development of Alberta’s energy and mineral resources, while upholding the safety of the public and the environment.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage | The AER regulates two types of CCUS processes: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). |
| Coal | An overview about how the AER regulates coal mining, and how we ensure that the public and the environment are protected. |
| Coalbed Methane | Coalbed methane is a form of natural gas that is produced from coal beds. It is composed mostly of methane, with small amounts of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and heavier hydrocarbons like ethane. |
| Commingling | In commingled production, resources like oil and gas are produced from multiple pools beneath the ground. They are brought to surface together through a common wellbore. Commingling is a longstanding practice in Alberta. |
| Dams | Many energy companies in Alberta use dams when developing energy resources. Dams are barriers designed to hold back fluids and are often constructed using earthfill materials, such as clay and sand. |
| Drilling | Both oil and gas can be retrieved by drilling. The only AER-regulated resource that cannot be retrieved through drilling is coal. |
| Flaring and Venting | Energy companies in Alberta must manage all waste at their oil and gas facilities, including waste gases. |
| Geothermal Resource Development | Geothermal energy is heat from below the Earth's surface that can be used for heating or generating clean electricity. |
| Hydraulic Fracturing | Hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) is a technique used to break up the rocks deep inside the earth to help get the oil and natural gas flowing. It has been used in more than 180 000 wells in Alberta since the 1950s. |
| Hydrogen | Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, flammable gas. It is the simplest element and the most abundant element in the universe. |
