TransAlta cancels wind power project over new government rules on development

A major Alberta utility has cancelled a large wind power project in response to new government rules on where such developments can be built.

A major Alberta utility has cancelled a large wind power project in response to new government rules on where such developments can be built.

TransAlta CEO John Kousinioris said Friday the 300-megawatt Riplinger project near Cardston in southern Alberta will no longer proceed.

"We've reassessed our growth plans in the province," he said in a conference call to analysts.

"(The project) has been impacted by the new restrictions on development near protected areas and pristine viewscapes and will not be advanced. The project has been removed from our growth pipeline."

TransAlta is also to put three other developments on hold, as the government goes through a redesign of the province's electricity market.

The 100-megawatt Tempest wind project south of Lethbridge is affected by that delay, as is the gas-fired, 44-megawatt Pinnacle generator west of Edmonton and the 180-megawatt WaterCharger battery storage facility near Cochrane.

"They have been placed on hold until we receive sufficient clarity," Kousinioris said.