Pause Lifted for Renewable Energy Projects in Alberta After Introduction of Stricter Rules

Alberta is lifting its pause on developing renewable energy—but with an enhanced set of rules the province believes will make the playing field clearer for everyone. “We’ve been doing the work to ensure that we have clear rules for the regulator, investors, municipalities, and Alberta landowners,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told a news conference. The new rules direct the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to take an “agriculture first” approach when evaluating renewable projects proposed for agricultural land. That means, for example, that on class 1 and 2 farmlands, projects will not be allowed unless the developer can show that both crops and livestock can co-exist with the renewable project....