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Wind Power News: Alberta
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational mission to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law. The original articles, links to which are provided, may have additional links and photos and other media that were not included here.
Survey indicates ‘No!” to wind farm
A survey of almost 600 Smoky River region residents has indicated strong opposition to a proposed industrialized-size wind farm by ABO Wind Canada north of Falher. Manon Turcotte presented her findings to the M.D of Smoky River council Feb. 12, who received the survey for information. At a meeting in Guy June 28, 2023, it was suggested the M.D. do its own survey. At the time, Reeve Robert Brochu said council was open to the idea, but it never materialized. . . . Complete story »
TransAlta scraps wind farm project as energy market changes loom for Alberta
TransAlta, one of Alberta’s largest power generators, has cancelled a proposed wind farm development and is putting a hold on three other power projects, citing provincial rule changes and a lack of certainty in the market. In February, Alberta’s government announced new rules on the development of renewable power in the province. They imposed a new 35-kilometre buffer zone around areas deemed “pristine viewscapes.” Calgary-based TransAlta said those rules, coupled with a lack of clarity around the future of renewable . . . Complete story »
Wind energy developments won’t be allowed within 35 km of Rocky Mountains
Alberta sent a draft map to industry showing where renewable energy projects will and won’t be allowed. Large swaths of land near Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and foothills will be off limits for wind energy developments under the province’s new regulations for renewables projects. Alberta sent a draft map on Thursday evening to industry showing where renewable energy projects will and won’t be allowed, which restricts developments in national parks and UNESCO heritage sites, and creates a buffer along the eastern . . . Complete story »
Alberta to ban renewable power projects on prime agricultural land
Alberta, which produces most of Canada’s crude oil, will ban renewable power projects on prime agricultural land and erect buffer zones to ensure wind turbines do not spoil scenic views, the provincial government said on Wednesday. Last year, Alberta temporarily halted approvals of major new projects amid concerns over renewables’ reliability and land use, cooling investment in the rapidly growing industry and challenging the federal government’s clean energy ambitions. The western province has led the country in building renewable capacity . . . Complete story »
County of St. Paul residents voice opposition to bylaw amendments for wind turbines, saying it is not enough
During a public hearing at the County of St. Paul’s regular council meeting on Feb. 13, residents spoke against the County’s proposed amendment to its Land Use Bylaw (LUB), particularly regarding wind turbines. The section of the LUB that specifically refers to wind turbines is “Section 7.35 Commercial Alternate Energy Development.” Around 30 residents from the Elk Point area attended the public hearing. Members of Wind Concerns, a group composed of Elk Point area residents, were also present. Group members . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine concerns shared with Town of Elk Point council
Mark Mallett and Chris Habiak of Wind Concerns visited the Town of Elk Point’s Feb. 12 council meeting in the Northern Lights Library System board room, with close to 40 residents of Northern Valley and surrounding areas in attendance at what Mayor Parrish Tung made clear was “not a public hearing. Mark and Chris are here with a 15-minute presentation.” That presentation started with a seven-minute video outlining potential health affects on those living in areas with industrial wind turbines . . . Complete story »
Most of Alberta’s wind fleet shut down by cold Thursday night
UPDATE: By 7:28 a.m., wind output fell to less than 1 per cent of capacity. One of the first lessons any new engineering student learns in their materials class is “cold brittle behaviour” of materials. When it gets really cold, like −30 C or colder, many materials lose much of their strength and are prone to shattering. This applies to wind turbines as much as it applies to car bumpers. And as a result, most wind turbines are shut down . . . Complete story »
Another grenade lobbed at Alberta wind and solar
New information requirements for Alberta power generators including wind and solar projects will create further problems for a booming renewables industry that government policy has already slowed, said an industry advocate. “They introduced more questions than answers,” said Jorden Dye of the Business Renewables Centre, a group that links generators and purchasers of renewable power. On Wednesday, the Alberta Utilities Commission released a series of interim information requests that those proposing new projects will be required to answer. The requests . . . Complete story »
‘Will not be implemented’: Alberta pushes back against Ottawa’s new energy regulations
The draft federal regulations are intended to create a net-zero power grid across Canada by 2035, something Alberta and three other provinces have challenged as not being possible. The Alberta government is vowing to “chart its own path” in reaction to the federal government’s proposed clean electricity regulations (CER) for the energy industry that were released early Thursday, with Premier Danielle Smith calling the draft rules “unconstitutional and irresponsible.” The regulations are intended to create a Canada-wide net-zero power grid . . . Complete story »
Alberta suspends approvals for green energy projects, like wind or solar power
Alberta’s United Conservative government is pausing all approvals of large renewable energy projects in response to what it says are rural and environmental concerns. In a statement Thursday, the government said the Alberta Utilities Commission is to institute a six-month moratorium on approving all wind and solar power projects greater than one megawatt over issues of development on agricultural land, effect on scenery, reclamation security and system reliability. “We are proud of our leadership in responsible renewable energy development and . . . Complete story »
