A solar generation system and battery storage project located in Drumheller has received approval from the Alberta Utilities Corporation.
The Mail reported in November of last year that Longspur Developments was holding an Open House to discuss the project. It proposed a 13.5 megawatt installation with battery storage to be located near the Drumheller Water Treatment Plant ponds on town land. Longspur has developed a similar project in Innisfail. The Drumheller project was approved in late April.
“It is a big milestone achieved in terms of the project development,” said Robbie Donaldson, managing director for Longspur Developments. “Now we can move forward with the financing to build the project.”
He adds there were no objections to the project which is rare.
The land has been secured and they have secured a Municipal Development Permit to build as well. Now they will continue working with potential funding partners over the next few months.
The development is unique to Alberta. The electricity generated will be exported to the ATCO Electric 25 kV network and once operational is expected to generate enough power to meet the demands of about 3,000 homes. The arrays will also provide power to charge a battery energy storage system at times of low demands and then discharge at times of peak demands. This will help offset peak loads, easing stress on the system.
The total development costs are estimated at about $25 million and the storage portion of the project is supported by Emissions Reduction Alberta, through its Biotechnology, Electricity, and Sustainable Transportation Challenges.
The project has many potential benefits for the community. The town will be able to earn tax revenue from an unused parcel. The company also previously noted its desire to set up a community fund that residents could apply for to support the community. The construction could also offer opportunities for local contractors.
“These could be good things for the local economy,” he said.
Donaldson said the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the project.
“It has had a big impact on the Alberta power market which in turn has had an impact on this project, but the feeling is that it is short term and this is a 30-35 year project,” said Donaldson. “We are confident we will still be able to lock down the funding and get the project and construction started by the end of this year.”
