Costs could rise at two southeast Alberta Capital Power solar plays

By Medicine Hat News on February 25, 2022.

Capital Power put major southeast Alberta wind farm expansions into operation in 2021, but told investors on Thursday costs may rise on two solar facilities in the region.

The Edmonton-based power producer reported in its year-end financial report unadjusted earnings of $1.12 billion last year, up 17 per cent from 2020, and a $250-million increase in cash flow from operations in Alberta’s high-priced power market.

That came as two concurrent expansions of the Whitla Wind Farm, totalling $253 million, were completed on budget in late 2021.

The Enchant Solar Project, in the M.D. of Taber, is still expected to be completed later this year, though the company estimates the total cost could rise about 17 per cent to $119 million on the 75-megawatt array.

Similarly, the 41-megawatt Strathmore Solar field is expected online this winter, but will see a $6-million cost overrun due to supply issues. That facility is linked to a 25-year power purchase agreement with Telus, while half the production at Enchant is contracted to Labatt’s Brewery for 15 years.

Other capital priorities are related to reducing environmental footprint and include completing an expansion of its Halkirk Wind facility in Central Alberta, adding battery power capability at the Genesee thermal facility which is being converted to a dual fuel (coal and gas), and advancing a carbon capture partnership with Enbridge Pipelines west of Edmonton.

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