Cardston County in southern Alberta has long relied on agriculture and tourism for revenue but wind energy is an emerging economic factor.
Therefore, the news that TransAlta is now canceling a large wind energy project planned for the area is a financial blow to the county.
“This project will contribute millions and millions of dollars to Cardston County’s coffers. It’s no longer on the table so that’s a huge shock. That money could have been used for a number of purposes,” said Cardston County Reeve Randy Bullock.
TransAlta CEO John Kousinioris said Friday the 300-MW Riplinger project near Cardston in southern Alberta will no longer proceed.
“(The project) has been affected by new restrictions on development near protected areas and ancient scenes and will not be able to proceed,” he said.
Bullock said most of Cardston County Council were looking forward to this investment.
“TransAlta would have been a willing partner like others, contributing substantially to the county tax coffers,” Bullock said.
He said it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise money to fund projects without imposing large tax burdens on area residents.
“The county council is making every effort not to place the tax burden on individuals. We want to stay out of people’s pocketbooks. We are also very reluctant to borrow money to improve infrastructure across the county. We would like to build water treatment facilities, more regional water lines as well as pave roads and other capital expenditures, Bullock said.
Latest news from Canada and around the world
As it happens, it will be sent to your email.
Bullock says the provincial government has played a role in taking away some of the ability to be self-reliant. The ability to attract and tax renewable energy projects is gone, he said.
“The projects will have to be put on hold until the province comes to the table and provides grant funding. We do not want to be a municipality that is always asking for grants or financial contributions. We want to be able to do projects on our own,” Bullock said.
“If we want to expand the economy and if we want to move beyond essentially being a province dominated by two cities and we want growth outside of those two cities, it’s Not helpful.”
Lander said the Alberta government needs to welcome more energy sources, not discourage them.
“When Alberta is talking about electricity overloads and we’re talking about blackouts, that type of thing could become a more regular type of occurrence when you’re not on power and energy, no matter where it comes from.” You also come? Who cares whether it’s wind or solar,” Lander said.
TransAlta has also had to put three other developments on hold as the government reshapes the province’s electricity market.
TransAlta’s CEO says he’s holding off until the company gets enough clarity.
“Without these rules and clarifications it really hinders investment,” said Jason Wang, senior analyst at the Pembina Institute.
“The Government of Alberta is restructuring the energy markets. It’s changing the rules of how companies are able to earn revenue. TransAlta cited the same to stop the development of its other projects, including a battery project and a gas project,” Wang said.
Those projects include the 100 MW Tempest wind project, the 180 MW Watercharger battery storage project and the 44 MW Pinnacle gas development.
The potential investment date has been extended to at least 2026.
“There is still tremendous uncertainty in the Alberta electricity sector due to government announcements and because the sector is still waiting for the government to come up with final details for all restrictions announced. “It is still in effect, the soft cap for the renewable energy sector in Alberta has been retained,” Wang said.
The province says Alberta continues to attract investment and new projects with more than 3,000 MW of wind projects currently under construction.
Those renewable projects and Cascade (900 MW), Suncor (850 MW) and Genesee’s transition from coal to natural gas (1332 MW) are changing the competitive landscape, according to a statement from the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities.
“Investors will take decisions based on market needs and their view of the feasibility of the project. As TransAlta said, Alberta’s changing energy landscape requires long-term solutions, and our government’s market restructuring and additional policy reforms are desperately needed to provide stability, reliability and affordability for our electricity needs now and in the future. “It is,” said Minister Nathan Neudorf. Affordability and utilities in a statement on sunday.
Bullock said his county hopes to attract the attention of the Prime Minister and his MLAs and other ministers who make decisions about the allocation of funds.
“We would hope that the government will come forward and fund projects within our municipality on a larger scale. We would ask the government to please bring your check book with you the next time you visit us in southwest Alberta as you enjoy our expansive views. We need your financial support”
Bullock said there were people who opposed the wind farm. He said the biggest concern is the lack of desire to see windmills.
In recent years the County has adopted a renewable tax incentive bylaw, which was designed to attract investment into our municipality.
Bullock said he will review the bylaw, which is still active, to make any necessary adjustments going forward.
©2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.