Solar Power – Facilities
Application
Moon Lake Solar Inc. (“Moon Lake Solar”), wholly owned and operated by Voltarix Group Inc., applied to the AUC for approval to construct and operate the 25.49-megawatt Moon Lake Solar power plant (the “Project”). The Project will be located on 130 acres of cultivated private land, 20 kilometres north of Dayton Valley.
Decision
The AUC approved Moon Lake Solar’s application.
Applicable Legislation
Alberta Utilities Commission Act, SA 2007, c A-37.2 – s. 17.
Hydro and Electric Energy Act, RSA 2000, c H-16 – s. 11, 18.
AUC Rule 012: Noise Control
Pertinent Issues
The AUC reviewed the applications and determined that the Project met the applicable requirements of Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations, Hydro Developments and Gas Utility Pipelines (“Rule 007”). The AUC was satisfied that the participant involvement program (“PIP”) conducted by Moon Lake Solar met the requirements of Rule 007. The AUC was also satisfied that, as submitted in the PIP summary, the PIP met the Parkland County land use bylaw community consultation plan requirements.
Parkland County filed a statement of intent (“SIP”) to participate but was denied standing. Parkland County indicated in its SIP that Moon Lake Solar had not received a development permit for the Project.
The AUC found that it was not necessary to include, as a condition of approval, a requirement that the Project meets all specific use provisions as required in Parkland County’s land use bylaw. The AUC understood that Moon Lake Solar had or would file a development permit application with Parkland County that meets the application requirements for a development permit. The AUC considered that Parkland County, and its development authority, are in the best position to work with Moon Lake Solar through the development permit process to ensure that Moon Lake meets the requirements of Parkland County’s land use bylaw.
