Alberta Utilities Commission approves solar farms near Hayes and Jenner

Applications to build solar power farms near Hayes and Jenner have been approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, though completion dates are likely dependent on securing long-term customers for the production.

The AUC announced Wednesday that two proposals by C&B Solar Developments for utility-sized production facility could be in operation by May 2019. However, the final go-ahead will depend on securing sales contracts to underwrite financing on the projects.

Documents state the company is planning to bid in to the ongoing Alberta Electric System Operator auction to provide low-cost green energy to the provincial grid.

The winning bids would be awarded a portion of long-term supply contracts for 400 megawatts of renewable energy starting in 2019.

The planned 24-megawatt facility near Jenner would involve 93,000 panels arrayed on a half-section of land near Township Road 200 and Range Road 90.

The proposal for Hayes involves a similar facility that would sit on a half-section near Township Road 130 and Range Road 130.

The Calgary-based company is a partnership between Canadian Solar Solutions Inc. and Bowmont Capital & Advisory Ltd.

In total, it is proposing to bring on more than 100 megawatts from a number of facilities spaced throughout the region, including Suffield, Taber, Tilley and Brooks.