gov't issues cabinet directive on regulatory and permitting efficiency for clean growth projects

​Federal
The Cabinet Directive on Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects is set to streamline federal regulatory processes, which can indirectly benefit the geothermal industry by creating a more predictable and coordinated regulatory environment. This Directive replaces the 2007 directive on regulatory performance for major projects and complements other cabinet directives, focusing on efficient, environmentally sustainable economic opportunities while respecting existing legislative authorizations. The Directive's objectives include accelerating federal decision-making, enhancing confidence in regulatory processes, clarifying roles and responsibilities of federal entities, and reducing burdens on Indigenous groups through coordinated processes. 

Although permitting for geothermal projects primarily falls under provincial jurisdiction, the federal government may influence environmental assessments, Indigenous consultations, and projects that span multiple provinces. The Directive promotes principles such as certainty and predictability, interjurisdictional cooperation, meaningful Indigenous partnerships, urgency, and comprehensive decision-making. This holistic approach can help streamline federal aspects of the permitting process, facilitating smoother project development for geothermal developers.

The Directive identifies key sectors, including clean electricity, clean fuels, and greening industry and hard-to-abate sectors, where geothermal energy is poised to be a crucial contributor. The support for innovation and development of new technologies within this framework positions the geothermal industry to capitalize on emerging opportunities and contribute significantly to Canada’s clean energy future.

​More details here.