The Lone Pine Wind Project appears to have hit the pause button on its development.
The project is a 350MW wind installation and transmission line in Kneehill County. It is about 15 kilometres west of Three Hills near the communities of Torrington and Sunnyslope.
The project has attracted a groundswell of opposition in the area as it has been working its way through the approval process. In a letter to stakeholders from Project manager Najee Elbaroudi for Capstone Infrastructure Corporation, the proponent of the project, indicates it has hit the pause button.
“Capstone has recently decided to delay the project timelines, meaning we will not be conducting additional public meetings or making an application to the AUC this year. We will be restarting the connection process and postponing AUC application by about 2 years,” states the letter.
It notes the changes in the Alberta market.
“The Alberta electricity market is in a period of change, and for companies like Capstone, this uncertainty creates complexity when developing projects that are reaching key project milestones where design and financial decisions need to be made. As you may know, the Alberta government, AESO, and AUC have been consulting on potential changes in transmission regulations, and electricity market rules more broadly, intending to increase reliability and affordability for ratepayers. On-going regulatory consultation following the moratorium on renewable electricity development are expected to continue into late 2024/early 2025,” it notes.
With this pause, it potentially puts the Earliest Commercial Operation Date back from the fourth quarter of 2028 to the fourth quarter of 2029.
It goes on to say the proponent has seen more interest in the project as it was undertaking its public engagement.
“The feedback received has been a mix of common questions and concerns for wind projects, but also many myths and mistruths. Capstone is committed to ensuring thorough consultation and fact-based dialogue with local stakeholders about Lone Pine, including one-on-one meetings, open houses, newsletters, and more,” notes the letter.
Pausing the project may allow for more conversation.
Delaying the AUC application will provide further opportunity for Capstone to engage with the community after adapting the proposed project to the final regulatory outcomes,” states the letter.
Wind Concerns Kneehill County maintains a Facebook page, and in a post welcomes the changes.
“Wind Concerns Kneehill County is very pleased to hear about the official "ON HOLD" status of the Lone Pine Wind Project,” it states.
“Additionally, after a recent 1-on-1 meeting with Minister Neudorf, we look forward to changes coming to the AUC regarding renewable projects and how these changes will affect this particular project! Minister Neudorf indicated they hope to have the amended regulations in place by the end of the year.”
