Wind Power News: Alberta
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Final pitch starts today for windfarm near Oyen
Three days of hearings are set to begin today in Oyen, near where EDP Renewables plans to build an 83-turbine windfarm next year at an estimated cost of $500 million. The Alberta Utilities Commission will hear the company’s final proposal to locate, construct and operate phase one of the Sharphills Windfarm. The company says the economic impact will be a boost for the area, local government and landowners. A group of residents however, oppose the project on the grounds that . . . Complete story »
Lots of problems, few benefits from wind farms
We just wanted to add our voice and agreement with James Cook, Westerose, regarding wind farms in the Winfield area or, for that matter, any other area in Alberta. Wind farms are a mistake as has been shown worldwide; we do not want them anywhere in Alberta. Not only are they a subsidized liability, they are far from being “green”—from the materials used to construct them, the concrete needed to hold them in place, to the environmental damage they do . . . Complete story »
AUC rejects Battle River Group’s late request; Landowners fight proposed wind turbine farm near Halkirk
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) denied the Battle River Group’s (BRG) request to file more information in their fight against Capital Power’s proposed Halkirk 2 Wind Turbine project. The group wanted to file two late submissions in response to Capital Power’s amended filing in January to its proposed routing for the collector system after some participating landowners withdrew their support of the project. The AUC accepted the information earlier in March but last week ruled there wasn’t enough evidence to . . . Complete story »
Alberta exploring ways to soothe landowner angst as wind and solar takes off
With a wave of renewable energy development arriving in Alberta, the province is examining ways to strengthen protections for landowners that allow wind and solar development on their property. The province has had renewable energy projects – such as wind turbines – since the 1990s, but landowner advocates have long complained that some of the rules are insufficient. Among their worries, landowners want to make sure their property is properly reclaimed when wind and solar facilities have expired – and that they . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines affect property values
The Alberta Climate Leadership Plan (ACL), which aims to end coal-fired electricity generation facilities by 2030, has companies like Capital Power scrambling to meet the province’s increased power needs. To meet this increased need, Capital Power applied with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for Halkirk 2 that would see 74 wind turbine generators, a collector system and a substation erected five miles north of Halkirk. Halkirk 2 would generate 148 megawatts and meet the needs of about 500,000 Alberta homes . . . Complete story »
AUC rejects Paintearth County group’s late submissions to hearing
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) denied the Battle River Group’s (BRG) request to file more information in their fight against Capital Power’s proposed Halkirk 2 Wind Turbine project. The group wanted to file two late submissions in response to Capital Power’s amended filing in January to its proposed routing for the collector system after some participating landowners withdrew their support of the project. The AUC accepted the information earlier in March but last week ruled there wasn’t enough evidence to . . . Complete story »
Caution urged with renewable energy contracts
TABER, Alta. – Southern Alberta’s abundance of sun and wind continues to attract proposals for wind and solar farms, but landowners should be wary about the contents of any contracts they sign, says a landowner advocate. Daryl Bennett, vice-president of industry and government regulatory affairs for the My Landman Group, said those who negotiate contracts for renewable energy projects have no licencing requirements or standard of conduct, unlike the land agents who negotiate oil and gas leases. “We’re very worried about . . . Complete story »
Wind Farm proposed for Sedalia area
EDP Renewables Canada Ltd. Received was selected as one of three companies in the opening round of the Renewable Electricity Program, which will result in about $1 billion of private-sector investment in green power generation in Alberta. While the company isn’t local, they plan to set up shop near Sedalia and New Brigden with an 83-turbine wind farm. “I’m pleased to see our plan is working to make life better and more affordable,” noted Premier Rachel Notley in December when . . . Complete story »
Wind power projects in southern Alberta get green light from province to develop
MEDICINE HAT, AB – Three companies have been selected to build wind power facilities in the province, including two in southeastern Alberta, following the first bidding round for Alberta’s Renewable Electricty Program. The provincial government made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, noting the three projects will add approximately 600 megawatts of renewable power, or enough to power up to 255,000 homes. The projects represent 200 more megawatts than originally planned. Capital Power, EDP Renewables Canada and Enel Green Power North American . . . Complete story »
Province downplays bird death issue as it expands wind power
Environment Minister Shannon Phillips says Alberta is taking precautions to ensure minimal effects on bird and bat populations as it expands the use of wind power in the province, but says allegations that wind energy is a major killer of winged wildlife have been vastly overblown in the past. Conservationists aren’t so sure, however, and believe the province must do more to mitigate an increasing threat to birds and bats from new turbines in the province coming over the next . . . Complete story »
