Deep Listening: Assessing the social acceptance of geothermal energy in Alberta and British Columbia

Technical Paper #2026-03

Version Number: 1.0

June 10, 2026

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Katherine Matos Meza, Carlos Gorraez Meraz

This report presents the first empirical assessment of public perceptions and social acceptance of ultradeep geothermal energy in Alberta and British Columbia, based on a survey of 2,603 adults conducted in May and June 2025.

Findings indicate that the public is cautiously optimistic — ultradeep geothermal is broadly accepted but not yet well understood — with acceptance driven primarily by perceived benefits and trusted social endorsement.

Drawing on regression analysis and audience segmentation, the report provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, geothermal project developers, and communicators seeking to build informed public confidence in this emerging clean energy technology.

This research is supported by the Accelerating Community Energy Transformation initiative.

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