Trees regrow in blocks on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains north of Calgary on June 1, 2021. Alberta is blocking off large sections of the province to renewable power development. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken



The Alberta government has unveiled new restrictions on wind and solar energy development, releasing a map delineating areas where such projects will not be permitted or will face limitations. These measures aim to address concerns about the visual impact of renewable energy infrastructure and its compatibility with agricultural activities.

According to Ashley Stevenson, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities, wind projects will no longer be allowed in specified buffer zones due to their visual footprint. However, development on agricultural lands will still be permitted as long as it can coexist harmoniously with farming activities.

The newly designated "no-go zone" encompasses the entire Rocky Mountains range, extending eastward to Calgary and Highway 2 in the south. Additionally, large areas surrounding natural landmarks such as Cypress Hills, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park will be subject to visual impact reviews before any renewable energy projects are approved. However, the exact process for conducting these reviews has not been defined yet.

These restrictions are expected to affect 57 projects totaling $14 billion in investment, according to Jason Wang, an analyst at the Pembina Institute. Of these projects, 35 will be impacted by the agricultural limitations, while 22 will either require visual impact assessments or fall within the designated no-go zones. Wang notes that many of these projects are situated in areas with optimal wind resources, making them particularly vulnerable to the new regulations.

The decision to implement these restrictions follows a report from the Alberta Utilities Commission, which emphasized the importance of considering the visual impact of renewable energy development. However, there are concerns about the unequal application of these restrictions, as they only target the wind and solar energy sectors.

Evan Wilson of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association questions why the rules are exclusive to wind and solar projects, especially considering the presence of numerous oil and gas facilities and other industrial developments within the restricted zones. He emphasizes the need for clarity regarding how these zones were delineated and how visual impact is defined in a landscape already characterized by various forms of human activity.

Despite these concerns, Wilson acknowledges that the new map is less restrictive than initially feared. However, he emphasizes the need for clarity on the next steps for developers and the criteria used to assess visual impact. Additionally, he suggests that the definition of a "pristine viewscape" should consider the coexistence of different energy sources alongside Alberta's natural beauty.

Ultimately, stakeholders in the renewable energy sector are seeking greater transparency and consistency in the application of these regulations to ensure a fair and balanced approach to energy development in Alberta's landscape.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Finnish Locals Claim Overtourism is Affecting Santa's Village

In the cold December chill, Santa Claus Village, located on the edge of the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland, draws....

Major changes expected in UK and European travel by 2025.

Starting January 8, 2025, travellers from non-European countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, will need to register for....

Experience a 75-Hour Luxury Train Journey Through Australia’s Outback

The Australian outback is one of the world’s most remote and rugged regions, covering around 80% of the country. This....

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris reopens to visitors after restoration

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has officially reopened to the public after undergoing extensive restoration following a devastating fire....

Canadians opt for local travel as weak dollar affects U.S. trips

Travel habits in Canada are shifting as the holiday season approaches, with many Canadians opting for domestic destinations over international....

UK to Introduce Electronic Travel Authorization by 2025

Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens visiting the United Kingdom will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA)....

The hidden cities carved into cliffs, revealing ancient burial sites

The Lycians, who once ruled the region of modern-day southwestern Turkey, were pioneers in democracy long before it became a....

Mexico to charge $42 fee for each cruise passenger docking

Next year, visitors to Mexico via cruise ships may face higher costs. The Mexican government is set to introduce a....

Explore These Hidden Gems in Thailand to Skip the Crowds

Thailand, one of the world’s top holiday destinations, has attracted around 26 million international visitors this year. Known for its....

Italy prohibits self-check-ins for Airbnb rentals

Italy has implemented a ban on self-check-ins for Airbnb and similar rentals, requiring property managers to conduct in-person check-ins for....

Belize Launches New Digital System for Visitor Entries

Belize has introduced a new online immigration and customs declaration system designed to make the travel experience smoother for visitors.....

These 10 Countries Offering the Most Affordable Five-Star Hotels

Traveling to luxurious destinations doesn't always have to break the bank. According to a recent study, some countries provide the....