Facilities – Solar Plant – Capability Decrease
In this decision, the AUC approved the application from Concord Vulcan G2 Ltd. (“Concord”) to amend its power plant approval and finalize its generation equipment for the Vulcan Solar Project.
Background
In Decision 26172-D02-2020, Concord had been granted approval to construct and operate the Vulcan Solar Project Power Plant. Concord applied to decrease the power plant capability from 25 megawatts to 22 megawatts. Concord also submitted its selection of generation equipment.
An updated solar glare assessment for the project was conducted, and the glare predictions were compared with the glare assessment submitted for the original application. It concluded that proposed amendments to the project would decrease or eliminate yellow glare for most of the previously assessed receptors. However, yellow glare was expected to increase to up to 2,823 minutes per year, compared to zero in the original application, for the receptor at Range Road 243. However, vehicle operators using the impacted transportation routes would experience only a fraction of the predicted glare as they would travel past the project site and do not stand still while looking at the project solar arrays. Further, an existing shelterbelt along the western side of the project would partially mitigate glare effects on Range Road 243. The solar glare assessment concluded the project would be unlikely to create hazardous glare conditions for nearby dwellings, transportation routes, or heliport.
AUC Findings
The AUC found that Concord demonstrated that the requested amendments met the requirements of Sections 11 and 12 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Regulation.
The AUC accepted the conclusion of the solar glare assessment that the project is unlikely to create hazardous glare conditions for nearby dwellings, transportation routes, or heliport. The AUC noted its expectation that any glare issues associated with the project would be addressed by Concord in a timely manner and added conditions to reflect that expectation. Subject to those conditions, and pursuant to sections 11 and 19 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act, the AUC approved the application from Concord Vulcan GP2 Ltd.
