Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Conservation and Reclamation Amendment Regulation · in-force

Conservation reclamation amendment regulation 2024 369

Amends the Conservation and Reclamation Regulation to incorporate a new Code of Practice for Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Operations, clarifies its application, and extends a compliance deadline for certain provisions.

Moderate impactCentralization of powerThe public, directly

What changed

  • Introduces the "Code of Practice for Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Operations" into the Conservation and Reclamation Regulation (AR 115/93).
  • Expands the scope of Section 17.1 to include operators of wind or solar power generation who apply for registration and provide land security.
  • Extends a compliance deadline in Section 25.1 from June 30, 2025, to January 1, 2030.
  • Replaces the Schedule to explicitly link renewable energy operations (wind/solar) to the new Code of Practice.

Why it matters

  • Establishes a specific regulatory framework for the environmental conservation and reclamation aspects of solar and wind energy projects in Alberta.
  • Clarifies the obligations for operators of renewable energy projects regarding land reclamation and environmental protection.
  • Provides a longer timeframe for compliance with certain regulatory requirements, potentially impacting project timelines or operational costs for affected entities.
  • Centralizes the regulatory standards for solar and wind energy operations under a single Code of Practice, promoting consistency.

Other governance concerns

  • Standardization of environmental protection requirements for renewable energy operations.
  • Clarity for industry on reclamation obligations.
  • Extended compliance timelines for certain operations.

Primary sources (1)

Secondary sources (3)