Canadian oil and gas giant Suncor has unveiled plans to build several wind and solar projects in Alberta after the province pledged to add more renewable energy.
The Schuler proposal in Cypress County comprises 80MW wind and 80MW solar, the Hand Hills scheme east of Drumheller includes 80MW wind and 80MW solar and the Forty Mile development near Medicine Hat includes 200MW wind and 80MW solar, said Suncor spokesperson Nicole Fisher.
“We are in the very preliminary stages,” said Fisher. “Given the recent announcement from the government of Alberta, Suncor is working to secure future growth opportunities in renewable energy in Alberta.”
The province, which operates Canada’s only deregulated electricity market, expects to issue its first competition for renewable energy projects in late 2016, part of an effort to curb carbon emissions.
Suncor aims to co-locate wind farms and solar systems to gain efficiencies, said Fisher. The three developments are greenfield projects.
The company has submitted system access service requests to the Alberta Electric System Operator.
After transmission availability is determined Suncor plans to conduct environmental work and public consultation. Next, the company would seek approval by the Alberta Utilities Commission.
Image: Suncor’s 30MW Magrath project in Alberta (Suncor)
