Renewable energy developments in Alberta face new rules

Salay Prayzaan MNA Solar Panel Project in Smokey Lake. Photo by the Metis Nation of Alberta.

The provincial government put out policy changes for future renewable energy projects on Feb. 29 after concerns were being raised over ongoing projects.

Some of the new policies state that the Alberta Utility Commission (AUC) will take an “agriculture first” approach when evaluating the best use of agricultural lands proposed for renewable energy developments, buffer zones of a minimum of 35 kilometers will be established around protected areas and other “pristine viewscapes” as designated by the province, and allow municipalities to participate in AUC hearings pertaining to proposed renewable energy projects.

Last August, the government imposed a temporary pause on renewable energy projects so they could study issues related to the land they use, as lots of projects were set back due to concerns from landowners and municipalities over agricultural land being used for the projects.

As the calendar flipped to March, all projects are allowed to continue under the new policy changes.

The policy changes have been met with some criticism to date.

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