ECA Review - 2024-03-07

12 M arch 7'24 HANNA/CORONATION/STETTLER, AB. ECA REVIEW
ALBERTA GOVERNMENT
Renewed path
forward for
renewable energy
AGRICULTURE
Submitted
Alberta’s government is setting a
clear and responsible path forward for
renewable project development to
ensure the province’s grid is reliable,
affordable and sustainable.
Alberta municipalities and landowners
have been raising concerns
about the rapid growth of renewable
energy projects. Investors were also
seeking clarification on rules for
project development.
To address these concerns, Alberta’s
government introduced a short pause
on final approvals for large renewable
energy projects so the Alberta Utilities
Commission (AUC) could conduct an
inquiry and issue a report.
This pause on final approvals will
lift on Feb. 29.
With the pause lifting as the
Generation Approvals Pause
Regulation expires, Minister of
Affordability and Utilities Nathan
Neudorf has sent a letter to the AUC to
provide policy guidance based on the
first report (Module A) it submitted to
government.
Once the minister has reviewed the
AUC’s second report, Module B, a new
letter will be sent to the commission
with additional policy direction.
Alberta’s government remains committed
to ensuring Albertans have an
electricity grid that is reliable, affordable
and sustainable. Renewable
energy projects will continue to be an
important part of the province’s electricity
generation mix and the
government remains committed to the
security of the electricity grid.
The work done by the AUC lays the
groundwork for new government
policy so investors, municipalities and
landowners alike can rely on clear and
consistent rules when it comes to
responsible land development.
Summary of policy changes from the
AUC’s Module A Report
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
MASH (Management Alternatives for Soil Health)
Conference:
Change to Help Our Soils
Friday, March 15
Meeting Room, Canalta Hotel, Oyen, AB
“The Crucial Role of Soil
Mesofauna”
- Dr. Jeff Battigelli, NAIT
“Enhancing Soil Health through
Cover Crops and lntercrops”
- Lana Shaw, WARC
“Understanding of Plant
Interconnectivity 4 Soil Care”
- Rick Bieber, Bieber Farm
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.
“Positively Framing Change”
- Shorty Fensky, C. Fensky Farms
“Exploring the MASH-initiative
to Help Understand
Changes In Our Soils”
- Dr. Yamlly Zavala, CARASHLab
“Life Experiences that Lead to
Soil Balances”
- Rick Bieber, Bieber Farm
Registration:
$80/Producer Early Bird Pricing until March 8
Regular Price- $100/producer
SUMMER RESEARCH
Contact: (403) 664-3777 or cara-3@telus.net
Or Scan TECHNICIANS
QR code to purchase tickets on Eventbrite
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