Alberta releases new rules and no-go zones on wind and solar projects

The Alberta government has confirmed new rules for wind and solar energy projects it says are needed to protect the environment, food security and the province's scenery.

The new regulations stem from Premier Danielle Smith's February announcement that Alberta was going to take an "agriculture first" approach toward renewable energy development moving forward following the government-imposed seven-month moratorium on project approvals in 2023.

Among the new regulations is a prohibition on wind projects within a specified 70,000-square-kilometre "buffer zone" that surrounds the Rocky Mountains and reaches to the western half of Calgary, according to a map published by the government Friday.

Renewable energy projects also won't be allowed on top-grade agricultural land unless developers can prove the projects can productively coexist with livestock and crops.

Renewable, and non-renewable, electricity projects located in other select areas — including around Cypress Hills provincial park and large pockets of southern Alberta — will need to be assessed for their effect on landscape views before possible approval.

According to the government's map, more than 82,000 square kilometres of the province is covered under this visual impact consideration.

The new regulations state projects in these areas will require "visual impact assessments," wherein project proponents will have to demonstrate to the Alberta Utilities Commission, the provincial utilities regulator, what effect the proposed development will have on the surrounding area.

The regulations state that these assessments must include "visual simulations from key vantage points" as well as potential mitigation measures that could be taken.

Also set out in regulation now is a requirement for renewable energy developers to pony up ahead of time all reclamation costs through a mandatory security or bond either to the province or to private landowners.

"By conserving our environment, agricultural lands and beautiful viewscapes, our government is protecting and balancing Alberta's long-term economic prosperity," said Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf in a news release Friday.

"Our government will not apologize for putting Albertans ahead of corporate interests."

The zone requirements take effect immediately, while the reclamation security requirement comes into effect Jan. 1.

Jason Wang, senior electricity analyst with the Pembina Institute clean energy think tank, says he's glad the regulations have been finalized but he thinks the new rules still leave unanswered questions.

"It doesn't do much to restore confidence in renewable energy developments," said Wang, whose organization has estimated the government moratorium led to the abandonment of 53 renewable energy projects across the province.