Regulatory Approvals

The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is the regulatory body for power generation in Alberta. For the 3NE solar farm to get approval as a Community Generator, the first step was to complete an environmental assessment of the area. The breeding bird surveys, vegetation survey and soil survey were all completed in the summer of 2019 and three migratory bird surveys were also completed in the fall of 2019.

The 3NE Solar Farm Facility Application, which included detailed findings from the environmental assessments, along with the ATCO Facility Application for Batteries and Controls, was submitted on August 30, 2019. On January 15, 2020, the AUC granted approval to 3NE to construct and operate phase II of the solar farm, completing the final regulatory approval needed.

The solar farm construction project came in under budget allowing 3NE to purchase one more row of solar modules (approximately 400) that added 150 kW of additional capacity. 3NE submitted the facility application to the AUC and it was approved in February of 2021.