The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has completed the first stage of hearings into a proposed solar power and battery storage project southeast of Stettler.
The three-day hearing, held June 16 to 18, considered an application from ABO Energy Canada Ltd. — formerly ABO Wind Canada Ltd. — to build a 25-megawatt solar array and a 16-megawatt battery storage facility.
The commission heard submissions from the applicant, the County of Stettler, and the Stettler South Preservation Group, a coalition of local landowners opposed to the project.
Concerns raised included emergency response planning in the event of a battery fire, visual screening through tree plantings, and the angle & layout of the solar panels.
The proposed development would be located on private land roughly two kilometres southeast of Stettler, near Township Road 38 & Range Road 19.
If approved, the facility would connect to a nearby ATCO Electric distribution line and could generate enough electricity to power about 10,000 homes.
The AUC is expected to issue a written decision around July 3, following a review of an updated noise impact assessment.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
