Province puts pause on renewable energy projects for six months

By Rob Vogt
The provincial government wants to re-think its plan for renewable energy.
Consequently, on Aug. 3, it announced starting that same day, the Alberta Utilities Commission will pause approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until Feb. 29, 2024, and review policies and procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation.
It was noted Alberta is Canada’s leader in renewables projects and investments and Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring the right processes are in place to support continued investment. It is critical Albertans can continue to rely on regular safe and reliable operations of the grid.
“We are proud of our leadership in responsible renewable energy development and we are committed to its continued growth. This approach will provide future renewable investments with the certainty and clarity required for long-term development,” said Nathan Neudorf, minister of affordability and utilities.
It was pointed out this approach is in direct response to a letter received from the Alberta Utilities Commission and concerns raised from municipalities and landowners related to responsible land use and the rapid pace of renewables development. At the end of this process, future renewable projects will be able to move forward at a pace that is conducive to business while maintaining responsible environmental stewardship and preserving Alberta’s reliable electricity supply.
Throughout the process, Albertans will still be able to install renewable energy products in their homes, and communities will be unaffected by this process.
“RMA (Rural Municipalities of Alberta) is pleased by this decision to develop a provincewide plan for how the industry can grow strategically and responsibly. Rural municipalities cover roughly 85 per cent of Alberta’s land and their voices must be included in the approval process for all renewable energy projects. We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta to create an approval process that balances provincial and local perspectives and positions Alberta as a leader in responsible renewable energy development,” Paul McLauchlin, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta.
The Alberta Utilities Commission inquiry will include reviewing the use of agricultural land and public land for wind and solar projects, land reclamation and the role of municipal governments in land selection for project development and review.
More specifically, the inquiry will inform government policy decisions around the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta and will look at issues, including:
• Development of power plants on specific types or classes of agricultural or environmental land.
• The impact of power plant development on Alberta’s pristine viewscapes.
• Mandatory reclamation security requirements for power plants.
• Development of power plants on lands held by the Crown.
• The impact of the increasing growth of renewables on Alberta’s generation supply mix and electricity system reliability.