Premier Danielle Smith (middle) and Affordability and Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf (left) announce new rules regarding the development of renewable energy in Alberta. February 28, 2024. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta announces ‘renewed path forward for renewable energy’

Feb 28, 2024 | 12:13 PM

The Government of Alberta has outlined how it plans to regulate new renewable energy projects.

Premier Danielle Smith, along with Affordability and Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf, said the province is setting a “clear and responsible path forward” for the development of wind, solar, and other types of green power.

The government had paused new approvals on such projects over the last six months so that it could review issues related to the sector such as land use and reclamation.

Smith said Alberta has led the country in renewable energy investment in recent years and that it will continue to be important going forward.

“At the same time, we must grow our renewable energy industry in well-defined and responsible ways,” said Smith. “The past months have enabled us to do the work that we need to do to ensure that the standards we have in place serve Albertans best while continuing to guarantee the affordability and reliability of our electricity grid.”

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Some of the key policy changes, as outlined in a provincial news release, include:

• Agricultural lands
  • The AUC will take an “agriculture first” approach when evaluating the best use of agricultural lands proposed for renewables development.
  • Alberta will no longer permit renewable generation developments on Class 1 and 2 lands unless the proponent can demonstrate the ability for both crops and/or livestock to coexist with the renewable generation project.
  • Alberta’s government will establish the tools necessary to ensure Alberta’s native grasslands, irrigable and productive lands continue to be available for agricultural production.
• Reclamation security
  • Developers will be responsible for reclamation costs via bond or security. The reclamation costs will either be provided directly to the Alberta government or may be negotiated with landowners if sufficient evidence is provided to the AUC.
• Viewscapes
  • Buffer zones of a minimum of 35 kilometres will be established around protected areas and other “pristine viewscapes” as designated by the province.
    • New wind projects will no longer be permitted within those buffer zones.
    • Other proposed developments located within the buffer zone may be subject to a visual impact assessment before approval.
• Crown lands
  • Meaningful engagement will be required before any policy changes for projects on Crown land and would not come into effect until late 2025.
  • Any development of renewable development on Crown lands will be on a case-by-case basis.
• Transmission Regulation
  • Changes to Alberta’s Transmission Regulation are expected in the coming months as the engagement process continues. Renewable projects should expect changes in how transmission costs are allocated.
• Municipalities
  • Automatically grant municipalities the right to participate in AUC hearings.
  • Enable municipalities to be eligible to request cost recovery for participation.
  • Allow municipalities to review rules related to municipal submission requirements while clarifying consultation requirements.

    @lethbridgenewsnow New regulations for renewable energy development have been announced in Alberta. Learn more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com #YQL #LNN #Lethbridge #Alberta #News ♬ original sound – Lethbridge News Now

Neudorf said these policy changes came as a result of the first of two reports from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). A second report will provide direction on additional policies in the future.

“Thank you to everyone who provided their input throughout the inquiry. I am confident that this process has provided the clarity needed for the future. We are committed to continue listening to Albertans on this issue as we set a clear and responsible path forward for energy development,” said Neudorf.

Vulcan County Reeve Jason Schneider called the announcement a “very balanced and thoughtful approach” to the sustainable development of renewable power in Alberta.

“We greatly appreciate the province and Minister Neudorf’s willingness to listen to concerns brought forward by our residents and feel the policy changes being announced will help create ‘win-win’ opportunities for our municipality, our residents, and for developers,” said Schneider. “Wind and solar has become a very large part of Vulcan County, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Minister Neudorf wrote in a letter to the AUC that there area currently 3,300 megawatts of wind and solar energy projects under construction, 2,760 megawatts of AUC approvals, and 22900 megawatts of additional announced wind and solar projects in Alberta.