Smoky River Wind

The Smoky River Wind Project is being proposed by ABO Wind Canada Ltd. and will have an expected capacity of 160MW. Smoky River Wind will provide a cost-effective source of enough clean energy for approximately 65,000 homes and will contribute to increasing Alberta’s percentage of electricity generation by renewable energy.

The Project would displace approximately 300,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, which amounts to 7.5 million tonnes of CO2 over the life of the Project. The Smoky River Wind Project Development Area was selected due to favourable wind speeds, land topography, grid capacity and the ability to sign land for project infrastructure. A meteorological tower was erected in the summer of 2022 to verify the wind resource.

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Project information

The Project is proposed on privately-owned land between the Village of Nampa and the Town of Falher, east of Highway 2 (see map). The Project would comprise of up to 25 turbines, each with an expected nameplate capacity of 6.2 to 7.2 MW, a hub height of 100 to 120 metres and a blade length of 80 to 90 metres.

The Project Development Area (see map) covers approximately 3,500 acres, in the Municipal District (M.D.) of Smoky River. The locations of the turbines are currently being assessed and are influenced by many factors including; environmental constraints, stakeholder feedback, and other setback requirements. ABO Wind will provide the forecasted turbine locations in future public materials as information becomes available.

Site Location

Setbacks

There are several setbacks that ABO Wind considers in order to minimize impact to the community and the environment. These include:

• 800 metre turbine setbacks from residences unless agreed upon with the landowner
• Setbacks needed to comply with the maximum sound levels at residences
• Setbacks needed to comply with shadow flicker guidelines
• Turbine setback of 100 metres from Class III+ wetlands
• Avoidance of Project development on Native Grasslands

Potential Impacts and Environmental Studies

ABO Wind is working with third-party experts, McCallum Environmental, to perform the required technical and environmental studies needed to support the siting of wind turbines. The studies include:

Noise

The Project will have sound-generating infrastructure, which includes wind turbines and a substation. ABO Wind will conduct a third-party noise impact assessment as per Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Rule 012: Noise Control guidelines, to ensure sound generated from the Project will be below required levels.

Shadow Flicker

Shadow flicker can occur at certain times of the year when the sun passes behind a turbine’s moving blades, casting a shadow over a window. Shadow flicker will be modeled and considered through the layout design process for the Project.

Visual Simulations

Visual simulations will be prepared to demonstrate how the Project will appear on the landscape from various viewpoints.

Environment

Environmental field studies commenced in April 2022 and concluded in November 2022. Studies included vegetation, wildlife, and wetlands. ABO Wind will submit the findings to Alberta Environment and Parks following all necessary reporting.

Historical Resources

Consultation with Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women for consideration of any potential archaeological, historical and paleontological sites in the Project Development Area. ABO will look to receive clearance for the Project under the Historical Resources Act. 

Decommissioning/Reclamation

The project will have an operational life of approximately 25 years, or longer. After this time, ABO Wind will adhere to ‘The Conservation and Reclamation Directive for Renewable Energy Operations’ (AEP, 2018) that stipulates the requirements needed to reclaim the land after the Project has been decommissioned.

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Preliminary Schedule

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Regulatory Process

A Renewable Energy Project Submission Report will be completed for Smoky River and submitted to Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) for approval. Once this report is issued an application is made to the AUC under Rule 007 – Application – Wind Power Plants 10 Megawatts or greater – urban and rural.

In addition, but not limited to, the following municipal, provincial and federal bodies will be engaged for permits and/or approvals that may be required for the Project:

• Alberta Environment and Parks
• Alberta Transportation
• NAV Canada
• Transport Canada
• Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
• Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women
• Municipality of Smoky River (Development Permits, Road Use Agreements etc.)

Community Benefits

ABO Wind commits to creating a lasting positive impact in the communities where we develop renewable projects. The Project will generate the following positive benefits for the surrounding community:

• Tax dollars for the M.D. of Smoky River
• Contracts for local goods and service providers
• Local employment opportunities
• Royalties for landowners with project infrastructure on their property
• Alberta Environment and Parks Community Benefit Fund set up to support local organizations and initiatives

Project Consultation

The consultation process is guided by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), Rule 007. ABO Wind commits to forthright and meaningful communication that is timely and respectful. Through the ongoing provision of project information, we aim to incite discussion with interested parties and commit to the thoughtful consideration of feedback into our project planning in order to mitigate and avoid impact. Consultation will continue throughout the life of the Project. All correspondence related to the Project will be recorded and submitted as part of the Participation Involvement Program for the AUC Application.

If you have questions about the Regulatory and Consultation Process, you can contact the AUC at 403-592-4500 or info@auc.ab.ca or visit their website at www.auc.ab.ca.