Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

It could cost tax payers billions of dollars to clean up the 100,000 plus abandoned oil and gas wells throughout Alberta. However, if used as geothermal energy, many of these wells can be an asset instead of a liability. Abandoned wells can cost $300,000 each to reclaim. Converting those same wells to operate as geothermal greenhouses may be much cheaper and more cost effective. The Living Energy Project at the Leduc #1 Energy Discover Centre is converting an abandoned oil well to capture geothermal energy. This energy will be used to heat the building and an 8000 square-foot greenhouse. Provided that Government gives the green light, this could be the first time in Canada’s history that a disused well will be used as a tool for agricultural production, which in turn could help increase local food security and make it possible for farmers to profit. The potential for Canadian geothermal greenhouses are extensive. Clean local heating and electric energy for smaller and remote communities are also possibilit