The Alberta Energy Regulator's (AER’s) mandate is to provide for the efficient, safe, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of energy and mineral resources in Alberta through our regulatory activities. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans.
The 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.
Regulatory frameworks permitting pilots under site-specific conditions are essential for enabling technological innovation, process advancements, and operational optimization.
Pilots play a critical role in fostering innovation within Alberta’s energy and minerals industry by enabling the evaluation of novel approaches that may not be expressly contemplated within the existing regulatory framework.
The AER is committed to working with regulated industries and stakeholders to identify opportunities within the regulatory framework for accelerating the demonstration and deployment of new technologies and processes, and to respond to innovation that requires a regulatory approval. In keeping with its mandate, we will evaluate and approve applications for pilots where appropriate.
We have developed the Quick Guide to Innovation, a visual guide to the innovation process.
Assessing Innovation
Are you an innovator—someone who is developing a new technology, product, or service?
Whether you’re working on a basic concept or part of a product team preparing to commercialize tested technology, we can assess your innovation and provide information and regulatory support.
An innovator can be an AER-regulated licensee or anyone seeking a partnership with one.
We can help innovators progress their innovation by
- clarifying relevant rules and regulations,
- facilitating information exchange within our organization, and
- providing regulatory support for field trials or pilots.
The Assessing Innovation online form is available to start an assessment process with the AER.
Proponents seeking to apply for a pilot are encouraged to meet with us before submitting and application or request.
Applying for a Pilot
Pilots provide approval holders and licensees the opportunity to test new technologies, optimize processes, and enhance value-added learning. This facilitates risk-reduction in investments, strengthens stakeholder confidence, and supports the successful implementation of full-scale operations.
The AER has developed Manual 031: Guidelines for Pilot Applications for New Technology or Processes to provide regulatory clarity and guidance on the AER’s processes for regulated parties regarding how to apply for and obtain approval for field-level pilots for new technology or processes. The manual applies to pilots for all energy and mineral development sectors under the AER’s jurisdiction.
Manual 031 defines 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.”
The AER’s requirements, including acts, regulations, rules, and directives contain requirements and processes that energy and mineral companies operating in Alberta must follow. Companies are responsible for reading and complying with all requirements.
