Alberta’s renewable energy sector continues to struggle, months after the provincial government lifted its moratorium on large-scale wind and solar projects. The pause, which ended in February 2024, has left lingering uncertainty that is pushing investment to other provinces where renewable energy development is thriving. Industry experts say that Alberta’s restructuring of its electricity market, combined with the earlier moratorium, has created an unpredictable environment for investors.
Sol Hutson, general manager of foundation solutions at Nextracker, highlighted the challenges facing Alberta’s renewable energy sector during the recent Electricity Transformation Canada conference in Calgary. “Wave after wave of uncertainty has hit the market,” Hutson explained. “When businesses face this kind of unpredictability, they pull back and explore safer investment opportunities elsewhere.” Alberta’s once-thriving renewable energy market, where wind and solar accounted for 30% of the province’s electricity production capacity, has seen a significant drop in new project announcements.
In stark contrast to Alberta’s situation, other provinces are moving full steam ahead with renewable energy investments. Quebec is a prime example, with Hydro-Québec launching projects aimed at generating 10,000 megawatts of wind energy by 2035. Meanwhile, Ontario is undergoing its largest procurement of electricity in history, with plans to use Crown land for renewable projects and add 3,000 megawatts of battery storage. Saskatchewan and British Columbia are also ramping up efforts to attract clean energy investment, while Atlantic Canada is eyeing federal legislation to develop offshore wind projects.
Jeremy Thompson, president of Eagle Spirit Business Development, described Alberta’s renewable energy market as stagnant, with companies now investing in other provinces. Thompson, who has helped form partnerships between renewable companies and First Nations, says, “There’s so little investment in Alberta, it feels like the moratorium is still in place.”
The shift in investment is a striking reversal from just a few years ago when Alberta led Canada in renewable energy projects. However, concerns about the impact of wind and solar developments on agriculture, municipalities, and the environment prompted the 2023 pause. While the moratorium has officially ended, new guidelines outlining where and how projects can proceed have yet to provide enough clarity to reinvigorate investor confidence.
According to Alberta’s Ministry of Affordability and Utilities, the province has approved 20 new renewable power projects this year, a slight increase compared to previous years. Despite these approvals, industry insiders remain cautious. “Until we have solid rules on market structure and transmission policies, it will be very difficult for energy projects to move forward,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, president and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
As Alberta moves toward a redesign of its energy market, the province must address the concerns of investors and industry leaders to regain its competitive edge in the renewable energy sector. Public consultations are set to begin soon, with proposed changes expected before the year’s end. However, until the rules are clear, Alberta risks losing more ground as other provinces attract the renewable energy investments once headed their way.
Source:Swifteradio.com
