The Alberta government on Wednesday revealed its renewable energy project rules. (Canadian Press)  

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

UPDATED

Landscapes protected from windmills, cities to have more say: New rules revealed for Alberta renewable energy projects

Feb 28, 2024 | 2:19 PM

Alberta’s best landscapes will be protected from new wind projects as part of the United Conservative government’s first round of rules for major renewable energy projects.

The rules will prevent windmills from interfering with Alberta’s “pristine viewscapes”, Premier Danielle Smith said Wednesday as her government revealed a series of policies that will guide project approvals.

Renewables development on Crown lands will be determined on a case-by-case basis, cities will have more say in the approval process and project developers will be responsible for reclamation costs, officials said.

The new rules are based on an initial report from the Alberta Utilities Commission put together after the province put a pause on approvals for large renewable energy projects last year.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

18h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“Alberta has led the country in renewable energy investment, and we will continue to lead the country,” Smith said during a news conference.

“At the same time, we must grow our renewable energy industry in well-defined and responsible ways,” she added.

“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.”

Affordability and utilities minister Nathan Neudorf has sent a letter to the utilities commission to provide policy guidance based on the rules.

A second report from the commission is expected that will lead to additional policies.

The New Democrat’s energy and climate critic Nagwan Al-Guneid said the moratorium on renewable energy projects caused “major harm to Alberta’s economy.”

“It added new red tape, investor uncertainty and impacted Alberta’s reputation as an investment destination, while undermining the strength of the renewables sector and the creation of thousands of new jobs, potentially forever,” Al-Guneid said.

She also called on the UCP to release the utilities commission reports that the government said informed its new policies and claimed the rules results in more red tape.

“Alberta has the potential to be the home of a thriving and competitive renewables industry and this new red tape will result in further investment uncertainty and send a signal that Alberta isn’t open for business,” she said.

Agriculture industry, reclamation

When it comes to agricultural lands, the commission will take an “agriculture first” approach when evaluating the best use of those lands.

Alberta will no longer permit renewable generation developments on Class 1 and 2 lands unless the proponent can demonstrate the ability for both crops or livestock to coexist with the renewable generation project.

The Alberta government will also establish the tools necessary to ensure native grasslands, irrigable and productive lands continue to be available for agricultural production, officials said.

As for what happens when a project comes to a close, the province said developers will be responsible for reclamation costs by 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 utilities commission.