Transforming Alberta’s Orphan Wells

What On EARTH Can We Do?

Alberta is facing a growing challenge with over 170,000 abandoned oil wells across the province, creating environmental risks and economic burdens for rural communities. RenuWell Energy Solutions is addressing this issue by converting these orphan well sites into community solar projects that generate clean energy and support rural communities. Keith Hirsche, founder of RenuWell, joins host Bri to explain how this innovative approach works, the positive impacts on Albertan communities, and what it means for Alberta’s renewable energy future.

Key Topics:

• Understanding orphan wells (01:33) and their environmental and economic impact (05:31)
• RenuWell’s journey to repurpose orphan wells for solar energy (07:58)
• Social, economic, and environmental benefits of the RenuWell Project (18:00)
• The path forward (21:00)

Guest:

Keith Hirsche, Founder of RenuWell Energy Solutions

Resources Mentioned:

• 170,000 abandoned oil wells in the province
• Environmental risks of orphan wells
• Estimated cost to clean up Alberta’s orphan wells
• Orphan Well Association
• Municipal Climate Change Action Centre
• St. Mary River Irrigation District
• RenuWell Energy Solutions

The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.