The Geothermal Atlas of Alberta is a web-based GIS application providing data and information related to geothermal resource characterization and geothermal energy potential across Alberta. It serves as a valuable resource, enabling users to conduct queries such as depth, thickness, and temperature assessments at specific locations, as well as accessing geological and geothermal statistics for areas of interest.
This digital atlas features maps highlighting geologically favourable geothermal areas within evaluated geological units. It provides estimates for gross thermal energy potential, gross thermal power potential, and gross electrical power potential using the United States Geological Survey (USGS) volumetric heat-in-place method.
First released in 2024, the Geothermal Atlas of Alberta includes formation-scale geothermal favourability maps for the Leduc Formation, combined Swan Hills / Slave Point formations, and the Granite Wash. These maps are the province's first and were developed using a systematic knowledge-based geographic information system (GIS) multi-criteria approach.
In addition to the formation-scale favourability maps, the atlas offers maps depicting temperature distribution at the base of select geological units, thermal gradient, porosity thickness, aquifer indication, hydraulic head, water chemistry, and distribution of gross thermal energy potential and gross electrical power potential of the evaluated units.
Version 1.1 supersedes version 1 of the Geothermal Atlas of Alberta and incorporates new regional datasets, with a focus on recent analyses of the Precambrian basement, including rock mechanics and thermal properties. It also integrates updated depth grids and a province-wide aeromagnetic residual magnetic intensity (RMI) grid. These additions are intended to enhance the overall understanding of geothermal potential across the region.
The Geothermal Atlas of Alberta was developed under the Mineral Grant provided by the Government of Alberta on June 22, 2021.
Onojeghuo, A., Nakevska, N., Geng, H., Rabbani, A. and Babakhani, M. (2024): Geothermal Atlas of Alberta, version 1.1; Alberta Energy Regulator / Alberta Geological Survey, AER/AGS Interactive App and Map 016, updated by A. Loai (2026).