Stettler Solar and Storage

The Stettler Solar + Storage Project (the Project) is a 34 megawatts (MW) solar and storage project proposed by ABO Wind Canada Ltd. (ABO Wind) that would displace approximately 120,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually and 3.6 million tonnes of CO2 over 30 years. The Project would provide a cost-effective source of enough clean energy for approximately 10,000 homes and will contribute to Alberta‘s increasing percentage of renewable energy generation.

The Project is located on privately owned, cultivated land approximately 2 kilometers southeast of the Town limits of Stettler. The Project would export up to 25 MW of capacity to the Alberta electricity grid. 

News

Posters from our Open House

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Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Construction Stages

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Construction Stages

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Map

Stettler Solar Project: Project Benefits

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Noise and Glare

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: The Project at a Glance

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Environmental Studies

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: How does PV Work?

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Noise

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Preliminary Schedule

What does energy cost?

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Visualizations Map

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Visualizations

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Visualizations

Stettler Solar and Storage Project: Condition of Land/Soil after the Project

What will be recycled and who will pay for decommissioning?

Project information

The Project will include:

Photovoltaic (PV) Panels – Approximately 72,000 PV panels will be used to convert sunlight into electricity. The Project will use bifacial PV modules that are approximately 2 metres long and 1 metre wide. Due to continual innovation and availability of PV modules, the modules and layout are subject to change.

Ground-mounting Systems – The solar panels will be placed on a ground-mounted racking system. The racking will be supported by pile foundations. The Project will also look to utilize a single-axis tracking system. This will allow for the PV panels to follow the sun’s path throughout the day which will maximize power generation.

Inverter/Transformer Stations – The electricity generated from the PV panels will be in the form of direct current (DC). Inverter/Transformer Stations will convert DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity before increasing the voltage in order to connect to the Alberta electricity grid.

Access roads – The Project will be accessed via existing County roads and only pre-determined locations secured with locked gates and fences. The Project may also require upgrades to existing County roads in the area. All road upgrades will result from consultation with the County of Stettler.

Interconnection – ABO Wind will look to connect the Project to the grid via a distribution line that will link directly to the Stettler 796S substation. The substation is owned by the local DFO (Distribution Facility Owner), ATCO Electric. Grid studies are ongoing with the DFO and the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO).

Energy Storage/Battery – The proposed (16 MW/48MWh) battery will store electricity in periods of excess generation from the solar site and discharge the electricity to the grid during periods of high demand. This allows for shifting the renewable energy generation to times when it is most needed. The inclusion of storage will also allow for more penetration of intermittent renewable resources.

Other Infrastructure – In addition to the components listed above, the Project will also look to include a fence, laydown yard area to store materials and parking, as well as an Operation and Maintenance building to be used for the solar development once operational.

Site Location

The Project Development Area is located between Range Roads 194 and 195 on the North West and North East quarters of Section 20, Range 19, Township 38 West of the 4 Meridian, which is in close proximity to an existing ATCO Substation (see map). The site was selected based on availability of existing private cultivated land, grid capacity, proximity to substation and suitable access.

Setbacks

There are a number of setbacks that ABO Wind adheres to in order to eliminate or minimize impact to people and environment. These include:

• Project Infrastructure placed a minimum of 100 metres from Class III+ wetlands
• Required setbacks from County roads
• Setbacks needed to comply with the maximum sound levels at residences as per AUC Ruled 12

Potential Impacts and Environmental Studies

ABO Wind is working with third-party experts to perform the required technical and environmental studies needed to support the Project. The studies include:

Environment

Environmental studies commenced April 2022 and will continue throughout the year, concluding in Q4, 2022. These studies include vegetation, wildlife, and wetlands and are performed to understand potential project-related effects. The results of the studies will be submitted to Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) – Fish and Wildlife Stewardship, for review and feedback by way of a Renewable Referral Report, which will form part of our application to the Alberta Utility Commission (AUC).

Furthermore, Water Act applications will be submitted to AEP for construction activities in Ephemeral Water Bodies (“Class I”) and Temporary (“Class II”) wetlands. In-lieu wetland replacement fees will be paid to AEP for any wetland losses; these fees contribute to wetland replacement initiatives throughout in the province.

Noise

The Project will have sound-generating infrastructure, which include the inverter/transformer stations and the battery storage units. Third-party experts will conduct a noise impact assessment as per AUC Rule 012: Noise Control guidelines to ensure sound generated from the Project will be below required levels.

Glint and Glare

Glare can occur when an individual sees a reflection of the sun off the surface of a PV module. Third-party analysis of glare will be performed at various locations, including known residences at the time of assessment, within 400m of the Project Development Area.

Visual Simulations

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

Historical Resources

Historical Resources, including archaeological and paleontological sites, will be considered for the Project. ABO Wind will consult with Alberta Culture and Status of Women in order to obtain clearance for the Project.

Download

Preliminary Schedule

Photos

Project Development Area

Project Development Area and Surrounding Land

Examples of solar and storage facilities:

Example racking system

Example PV panels

Example inverter/transformer station

Example energy storage/battery

Community Benefits

ABO Wind commits to creating a 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 County of Stettler
• Contracts for local goods and service providers
• Local employment opportunities
• ABO Wind commits to financially supporting local initiatives that build community spirit and will attribute a set amount each year of Project operation for these initiatives.

At ABO Wind, we believe that we are more than just the projects we develop but are a part of the communities where they are developed.

Project Consultation

The consultation process is guided by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), Rule 007, Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations, Hydro Developments and Gas Utility Pipelines. ABO Wind commits to forthright and meaningful communication that is timely and respectful. If you have questions about the Regulatory and Consultation Process, you can contact ABO Wind. Alternatively, you can contact the AUC at 403-592-4500, info@auc.ab.ca. or visit their website at www.auc.ab.ca.