Facilities – Gas
In this decision, the AUC approved the applications from Versorium Energy Inc. (“Versorium”) for permission to construct and operate the natural gas-fired 5.044-megawatt (“MW”) Netook 1 Distributed Energy Resource Power Plant (the “Power Plant”), northeast of Olds, Alberta. The AUC also approved the application to connect the Power Plant to FortisAlberta Inc.’s (“FortisAB”) electrical distribution system (collectively, the “Project”).
Applications
The Power Plant and connection to the electrical distribution system will be located on private, cultivated land. The Project would include two gas-fired reciprocating engines, with a nominal capability of 5.044 MW, a switchgear building, a generator step-up transformer, a low-pressure natural gas pipeline to connect to the Foothills Natural Gas Co-op natural gas system, and a distribution line to connect to the FortisAB electric distribution system.
The applications included a participant involvement program, a noise impact assessment, air quality assessment report, environmental evaluation report, and a letter of non-objection from FortisAB, confirming that it would allow the interconnection. Versorium indicated that it expects the Project to be in service by February 2023 and requested a construction completion date of December 31, 2023, to account for any unforeseeable delay.
AUC Findings
The AUC reviewed the applications and found that the information requirements of Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations, Hydro Developments and Gas Utility Pipelines have been met. The AUC further found that the assessments and reports included in the applications indicated that the Power Plant and interconnection will meet the requirements of Rule 012: Noise Control and the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives.
Versorium submitted an Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act application to Alberta Environment and Parks on December 10, 2021, and had not received feedback on the application by the date of this decision. The AUC accepted Versorium’s submission that the Project will not result in significant adverse effects on the environment.
Decision
The AUC found the applications to be in the public interest and consequently approved the applications for construction and operation of the Power Plant pursuant to Section 11 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act. The AUC also approved the application to connect the Power Plant to the FortisAB electric distribution system pursuant to Section 18 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act.
