An Introduction to Energy Law
Many Albertans would argue that energy is a crucial part of our provincial identity – our economy and our government have long had significant reliance on oil and gas revenues. In this section we will focus on energy and, in particular, how we create energy in Alberta. We will discuss the various forms of energy …
Law & Energy
Often, when travelling around the country (or even the world) the mention of Alberta conjures up images of the oil sands, an area of Northern Alberta, centered around Fort McMurray and home to some of the largest oil deposits on the globe. It is these oil sands that have provided Alberta with its worldwide reputation …
Non-Renewable Energy Resources
Non-renewable resources have been the backbone of the energy industry around the world since the beginning of the industrial revolution. However, these resources have also become increasingly controversial as their connection with climate change has become more evident. One important characteristic of non-renewable resources is the length of time is takes for these resources to …
Non-Renewable Energy Resources: Coal
Coal is one of the most abundant fossil fuels in the world and can be found in 70 countries, with Canada’s coal deposits ranking 13th largest in the world. More specifically, about 85% of all Canadian coal deposits are located in Alberta and British Columbia.[1] The essential ingredient in coal is carbon. The carbon was …
Non-Renewable Energy Resources: Oil
It took a lot to deter Albertans of the past century from focusing largely on the easy and relatively effective use of coal but that time did come, primarily after the Leduc No. 1 oil discovery. This discovery occurred on February 13, 1947, when Imperial Oil, after drilling 133 dry holes in a row finally …
Renewable Energy Resources
In contrast with non-renewable resources, renewable resources are those that are replenished at a rate equal to, or faster, than the rate at which they are consumed.[1] In particular, renewable resources are often defined as an energy resource that occurs naturally and that can be replenished or renewed within a human lifespan.[2] Currently, there is …
Renewable Energy Resources: Solar
You may think that solar power makes no sense in a province that experiences such long winters, so you may be surprised to learn that Alberta is actually a perfect candidate for solar energy. Currently, Germany is the global leader in solar implementation, demonstrating what success would look like as they strive towards a 100% …
Renewable Energy Resources: Wind
In December 2017, the former provincial government announced the winners of a bid for future renewable energy generation in the province and, after a number of competitive bids, ALL of the winners were wind energy projects. This meant that in the end 3 companies were chosen to build 4 wind farms in the southern part …
Renewable Energy Resources: Bioenergy
Bioenergy is produced through the incineration of biological materials in solid, liquid or gaseous form that store sunlight in the form of chemical energy.[1] Bioenergy materials can be burned directly to produce heat and electricity or can be converted biochemically, catalytically or thermally to produce liquid fuels – such as ethanol. It can also produce …
Renewable Energy Resources: Geothermal
Geothermal energy uses heat energy that is generated and stored in the Earth’s crust. This energy is captured and is then used for heating or electricity.[1] Geothermal has a lot of potential benefits: it is renewable; it can use existing infrastructure; and it is a baseline power which means that it isn’t weather dependent like …
Energy Law
- An Introduction to Energy Law
- Law & Energy
- Non-Renewable Energy Resources
- Non-Renewable Energy Resources: Coal
- Non-Renewable Energy Resources: Oil
- Renewable Energy Resources
- Renewable Energy Resources: Solar
- Renewable Energy Resources: Wind
- Renewable Energy Resources: Bioenergy
- Renewable Energy Resources: Geothermal
- Renewable Energy Resources: Hydropower
- Key Players in the Energy Industry
- Section Review
Curriculum Connections
Newsletter
Join our new Alberta Environmental Laws 101 Facebook group to ask questions, participate in discussions and keep up to date on environmental news. Please share this widely so that the high school teachers and students in your circles hear about this great new resource for supplemental online learning. Alberta Environmental Laws 101 Facebook Group
