CLA South West’s Post

he changes, announced Wednesday by Premier Danielle Smith and Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf, are the culmination of a regulatory inquiry into the province’s renewable energy planning rules that began almost seven months ago. The province ordered a moratorium on renewable project approvals while the inquiry proceeded, a move that was widely criticized by the industry and environmental advocates. The new rules will come into force March 1, though many details have yet to be ironed out. Under the changes, Alberta will ban new projects from private property the government considers to have excellent or good irrigation capability, unless a proponent can demonstrate that crops or livestock can co-exist with power infrastructure on the site. The government gave no indication that similar restrictions would be applied to the development of fossil fuels or other natural resources. #cleanenergy #rules #netzero2050 #windenergy https://lnkd.in/ggQkYR74

Latest Scoop - FERC wants more power (lines) Microsoft signs carbon removal with re.green for Brazilian forestry projects Climeworks turns on Mammoth, largest DAC project in the world Cemvita Inc. achieves SAF feedstock breakthrough DOE Loan Programs Office gives $1.6 bn loan to Plug Power for six hydrogen production facilities Meta and SOLARPACK sign deal for 210 MW in solar projects in Indiana Oklo Inc and Atomic Alchemy Inc. team up on isotope production NYT - FERC’s changes for U.S. electric grid planning AEP Energy to sell distributed resources business to Basalt Infrastructure Partners for $315 million https://lnkd.in/dsGCdNnx

The Alberta government is lifting the pause on generation development at the end of this month, as planned, and announced the following changes today: Transmission Regulation - Changes to Alberta’s Transmission Regulation are expected in the coming months as the engagement process continues. Renewable projects should expect changes in how transmission costs are allocated. Viewscapes - Buffer zones of a minimum of 35 kilometres will be established around protected areas and other “pristine viewscapes” as designated by the province. - New wind projects will no longer be permitted within those buffer zones. - Other proposed developments located within the buffer zone may be subject to a visual impact assessment before approval. Agricultural lands -The AUC will take an “agriculture first” approach when evaluating the best use of agricultural lands proposed for renewables development. - Alberta will no longer permit renewable generation developments on Class 1 and 2 lands unless the proponent can demonstrate the ability for both crops and/or livestock to coexist with the renewable generation project. -Alberta’s government will establish the tools necessary to ensure Alberta’s native grasslands, irrigable and productive lands continue to be available for agricultural production. Reclamation security - Developers will be responsible for reclamation costs via bond or security. --- The reclamation costs will either be provided directly to the Alberta government or may be negotiated with landowners if sufficient evidence is provided to the AUC. Crown lands - Meaningful engagement will be required before any policy changes for projects on Crown land and would not come into effect until late 2025. - Any development of renewable development on Crown lands will be on a case-by-case basis. Municipalities - Automatically grant municipalities the right to participate in AUC hearings. - Enable municipalities to be eligible to request cost recovery for participation. - Allow municipalities to review rules related to municipal submission requirements while clarifying consultation requirements. Here's a link to the announcement for those interested in learning more: https://lnkd.in/g6mJtBCi Minister of Affordability & Utilities letter to the AUC: https://lnkd.in/gC-3W_Jr Link to recent Alberta government paper on transmission policy changes: https://lnkd.in/gbvx5SVJ

I think that this is interesting and the word agrivoltaics is one that I've been hearing of more and more; especially with flexible solar cells (like those from Ascent Solar and Shannon OReilly). Projects like the one below detailed by Jake Bolster signify the joining of ag, power, decarburization, steel, poser grid, batteries, control panels, water management in arid climates, and tax incentives. It's a complex, but winning Venn diagram. I can only imagine that as more DOE pilot projects take shape and costs come down, opportunity will grow. I see this focusing on high value ag first in a way that allows for duel use of land. I would imagine that this will spur secondary business models as well as installation and expertise will need to follow 'the sun'. #solarenergy #agriculture #agrivoltaics https://lnkd.in/dvV8PPRK

Some initial thoughts on breaking news in the Alberta renewables industry from Procido LLP Energy Group Leader Kevin Mehi. Stay tuned.

https://lnkd.in/dkrmbGFq Another piece of evidence that highlights the complexity of an orderly and socially sustainable #energytransition. We must avoid history repeating itself. The rush to install renewable capacity shall not replicate the drilling frenzy of the early days of the oil industry. We are still dealing today with the legacy of old #oilwells drilled with rudimentary technology in arable land and then abandoned without proper decommissioning in the absence of a holistic view and adeguate regulations.

Interesting article exploring the divide when it comes to the impact of solar expansion on food production and land economics. Food for thought.. Some key takeaways: - Solar expansion in the U.S. Midwest is encroaching on prime farmland, raising concerns about soil damage and loss of agricultural productivity. - Farmers leasing land for solar projects are experiencing issues like soil erosion and reduced crop yield potential. - Solar developers argue that the economic benefits of renewable energy outweigh the agricultural concerns. - Renewable energy growth is driving demand for land, sometimes leading to competition between farming and solar development. - The Biden Administration's decarbonization goals require significant solar energy capacity, raising questions about land use priorities. #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #FarmlandProtection #Agrivoltaics #Agriculture Read the full article below: https://lnkd.in/emrNXatB

"The state of Nebraska stands out in the United States’ energy landscape—there are no for-profit utilities operating poles and wires. The energy landscape is heavily localized with 166 municipal electric systems, public power districts, irrigation districts, and cooperatives together supplying all Nebraska’s customers with their electricity. These utilities have high reliability and affordability records, but lower scores on sustainability. Nebraska became a fully public power state in 1946, largely catalyzed by New Deal era programs and while Nebraska continues to hold pride in its public power energy system, national energy trends of deregulation as well as larger economic trends of neoliberalization have affected the structure of the public utilities’ organization and operations." #energy #nebraska #sustainability

Do you know why solar projects are often called "solar farms"? The analogy between solar energy production and traditional farming practices runs deeper than you might think. In this article, we explore the many similarities, highlighting how solar panels cultivate energy from the sun, the benefits of community solar "farming," and how these renewable energy projects can coexist with traditional agriculture practices, benefiting both farmers and local communities. Read on to learn more: https://hubs.li/Q02y0MmF0

Australia’s push towards net-zero emissions by 2050 is driving significant interest in renewable energy among farmers. In New England, farmers like Rachel and Tom Rummery are exploring wind and solar projects to boost income without impacting their primary agricultural activities. However, high upfront costs and a lack of regional expertise are major barriers, as highlighted by RE-Alliance's Andrew Bray. The need for better consultation and support for on-farm renewable energy solutions is evident to ensure farmers can navigate the transition effectively. Read about it here: https://lnkd.in/gCSyXFXi Source: The New England Times Mentions: Natalie Collard, Karin Stark, Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), ABARES, Farmers for Climate Action, NSW Farmers #RenewableEnergy #NetZero2050 #Farming #NewEngland #EnergyTransition