The location on the proposed Ranier Solar renewable energy facility, southwest of Brooks, is shown on this map provided to Alberta Utilities Commission by the developer, Solar Krafte.--Supplied Image
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A plan to construct a large solar power farm near Brooks is proceeding through the regulatory process even though there is a mandated pause on final approvals until the new year.
The Rainier Solar Project, first proposed in the mid-2010s, would be built on 1,100 hectares (about 2,600 acres) of land about six kilometres southwest of Brooks near Highway 36.
It would have a top production capacity of about 450 megawatts and would be connected to the Alberta transmission grid system via a new substation, which is included in an application filed Aug. 31 with the Alberta Utilities Commission.
The project was designed by Calgary-based Solar Krafte, which has built several large solar projects in the MD of Taber. Last spring, the project was acquired by “Kinbrook Solar,” owned by Kansas-based Diode Ventures, a subsidiary of power infrastructure firm Black and Veatch. Solar Krafte is still handling the application.
According to its application, the $700-million project could be built in one phase, and, if approved, be operational by mid-2025.
It also states the land, owned by the Eastern Irrigation district, is heavily impacted with oilfield facilities.
Public comment is being accepted on the project, known by application No. 28439, until Nov. 8.
The AUC has stated that a review of how renewable power projects are considered will be complete Feb. 29, 2024, and that some initial work on applications may proceed up until final approval until that time.
