Sunset windmills producing green energy on a harvested wheat field with a small rustic barn on a prairie landscape near Pincher Creek, Alberta. (Photo 267461257 © Ramon Cliff | Dreamstime.com)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Ministry of Affordability and Utilities

Alberta government releases online fact sheet regarding pause on renewable project approvals

Aug 25, 2023 | 3:53 PM

The Ministry of Affordability and Utilities has released an online fact sheet regarding the Alberta Utilities Commission’s (AUC) pause on renewable power project approvals.

Minister Nathan Neudorf said the sheet was created ““in response to misinformation being developed and released by interest groups”.

READ: Renewables pause in Alberta affecting 118 projects worth $33 billion, think tank says

“Alberta has a strong renewable energy sector and we are committed to ensuring its ongoing success,” he said in a statement.

On August 3, the Alberta government announced they would be conducting an inquiry into regulations surrounding renewables production to review that the right processes are in place to support continued investment in the industry.

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As a result, the province says they directed the AUC to pause approvals of renewable power projects until February 29, 2024 to help the inquiry and ensure that every project will be subject to the same regulations and processes moving forward.

At the same time, the AUC announced it will be engaging with industry partners to provide the best focus to the inquiry and to determine how it will implement a pause on approvals. After receiving a significant amount of feedback, the AUC released a statement earlier this week explaining its approach to the inquiry.

READ: AUC says it will still process applications during renewables moratorium

“This feedback reflects industry’s commitment to ensuring Alberta remains a leader in renewable energy projects while meeting the needs and concerns of Albertans going forward,” said Neudorf.

“I am confident in this process and the clarity it is providing to our partners in the renewable energy space. I also want to reiterate that, throughout the inquiry, the AUC will continue to process applications up to the approval stage for new projects that produce renewable electricity. To be clear, no projects have been cancelled. Projects already underway will continue to be built. Jobs are not at risk.

“We need to protect the reliability and affordability of our electricity grid when it comes to adding intermittent power sources in a short period of time. We also need to consider and address concerns about land usage, reclamation, and protecting Alberta’s world-class views. Following the inquiry, we anticipate that there will be changes to the regulations for renewables in Alberta. Any changes will consider the needs and concerns of regulators, landowners, municipalities, investors and Albertans.

“Alberta has the most investor-friendly system in Canada for renewables and this pause will help set a regulatory standard for all projects to attain now and into the future.”