
Renewable cleanup rules making Alberta less competitive for investment; report
A report says new cleanup rules for renewable energy sites are hurting the competitiveness of Alberta’s industry.
Business Renewables Centre-Canada analyzed the reclamation security requirements for renewables in 27 jurisdictions and found Alberta’s are now the most costly.
Under a code of practice for solar and wind projects published last week, the Alberta government says operators must provide an estimate for the cost of dismantling turbines and panels, removing underground concrete infrastructure, hauling waste away, replanting vegetation and other items.
A 30-per-cent security is required upfront, rising to 60 per cent after 15 years to ensure there is enough money for proper cleanup at the sites’ end of life.