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Province’s Moratorium on Renewable Energy Projects Sparks Debate
Province’s Moratorium on Renewable Energy Projects Sparks Debate
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Twenty-two days after the provincial government announced a “pause” on renewable power project approvals, the Alberta NDP called on the UCP to immediately end its moratorium on renewables and restore investor confidence.
At the same time, Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf issued a public statement on the matter. Neudorf said, “Alberta has a strong renewable energy sector and we are committed to ensuring its ongoing success.”
Neudorf said the Alberta Utilities Commission’s, (AUC) inquiry into regulations surrounding renewables production was being conducted “to ensure that, moving forward, every project will be subject to the same regulations and processes, we directed the AUC to pause approvals of renewable power projects until Feb. 29, 2024.”
As to how this decision could affect the provincial economy? Kyle Kasawski, NDP Critic for Municipal Affairs, MidSized Municipalities and Rural Alberta, said, “These stalled projects represent at least $33 billion in investment and 24,000 jobs. That kind of investment in the province is not something we can simply turn away while families are in need of lower-cost energy as bills skyrocket.”
According to the NDP, “Data released on Thursday, (Aug. 24) by the Pembina Institute, a national think tank, reveals the devastating impacts of the UCP’s moratorium on renewable energy showing there are 118 projects currently in development in Alberta that are either waiting for permitting approval or could submit an approval application within the next few months.”
Neudorf was clear that no projects have been cancelled, that projects underway would continue to be built, and that jobs are not at risk.
As to what this decision could potentially mean for Elemental Energy, which is proposing wind project in the Elk Point area? Elemental Energy Development Manager Liam Wolfe responded to a written request for comment by the Vegreville News Advertiser on Aug. 28.
Wolfe stated in part, “Elemental is continuing to move forward on indigenous, government, stakeholder and landowner engagement activities associated with preparing our Alberta Utility Commission (AUC) regulatory application for the proposed Northern Valley Wind Project.
We are preparing the Project’s AUC regulatory application consistent with project application information requirements described in AUC rule 007, while continuing to engage and solicit feedback from landowners, local residents and local governments, including on topics such as local land use, agricultural land values, as well as proposed Project decommissioning and reclamation activities, which have been described as areas of interest by the Alberta government and the AUC.
Elemental is committed to developing a project that considers and respects the existing environmental values and land use, provides economic benefits to the local community, generates clean electricity for all Albertans, and complies with Alberta laws and regulations. Should the review result in any changes to renewable energy regulations we are committed to updating our project proposal as required.”
Back on July 16, Elemental Energy hosted an open house in Elk Point. Wolfe said upwards of 60 people attended the event from the Town of Elk Point, County of St. Paul, County of Two Hills and County of Vermilion River.
Wolfe stated that most of the discussions centered around potential health affects associated with turbine noise to people, livestock, and wildlife as well as property values of those living in close proximity to the project.
Additionally, “There was interest in the economic opportunities associated with the project including increased tax revenues for the Two Hills, St Paul, and Vermillion River County’s. There were moratorium also representatives from local businesses and economic development agencies interested in contracting and employment opportunities associated with the project.” County of Two Hills Reeve Don Gulayec attended part of the open house. When asked to provide a follow up comment, he replied, “The open house was very well laid out, divided into areas from environmental to construction. It was going well until a group opposed to the project came in, formed a sit-in and totally disregarded everyone else in the room whom had questions.
Then at that point the evening was disrupted and I felt no need to stay longer and listen to a one-sided belligerency of the host. Up to that point, I was prepared to comment on the municipal point of view as you reported in your previous article. Many people felt uncomfortable and physically threatened. There was also a person from the aggressors’ group that was videoing the entire provocation without asking if those there would allow themselves to be videoed.”
