Alberta energy and minerals industries are continually innovating and seeking technological advancements to support resource recovery, environmental protection, and public safety. We believe that a modern and efficient regulatory system supports innovation.
Today, we released Manual 031: Guidelines for Pilot Applications for New Technology or Processes. The manual provides regulatory guidance about our processes for regulated sectors seeking to apply and obtain approval for a field-level pilot.
We define a pilot as a field test of technology, process, or both that is untried or unproven in a particular application. Pilots are supported by evidence and have a defined scope. Pilots have predetermined objectives, duration, size, and scale and may not be expressly contemplated under the parameters of the current regulatory framework.
We can assess innovations and provide regulatory information and support to proponents working on early-stage concepts or product teams preparing to commercialize tested technology. For more details, see the AER Innovation webpage.
Manual 031 includes
• contact information,
• definitions of a pilot,
• application information,
• sector-specific submission processes,
• confidentiality considerations, and
• pilot findings and reporting expectations.
Proponents wanting a better understanding of what constitutes a pilot or seeking to submit a pilot application are encouraged to contact us before submitting an application or request.
The manual consolidates and updates our regulatory approach and criteria for pilots. Consequently, we have rescinded the following information letters (ILs):
• IL-OG 78-12: Policy on Experimental Schemes – Conventional Pools or Oil Sands
• IL 80-23: Experimental Schemes
• IL 81-30: Experimental Schemes Involving a Large Array of Wells and Close Well Spacing
• IL 87-12: Horizontal Wells Conventional Oil and Gas Pools
• IL 91-11: Coalbed Methane Regulation
• IL 92-11: Experimental Schemes – Release of Information
Manual 031 is available on the Manuals landing page.
If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre at 1-855-297-8311 or email inquiries@aer.ca.
