Pincher Creek M.D. sees potential energy development

Pincher Creek’s managing director can expect two new energy investments, according to notices reviewed at the MD board meeting on May 14.

These proposals include a notice to the Alberta Public Utilities Commission of the submission of an application for a solar power plant and a notice of a community information session on a proposed carbon-neutral natural gas generator.

Sunrise Solar Project GP Ltd. has submitted an application to build a 75-megawatt solar power plant, and the AUC will hold a hearing to consider the application.

According to AUC documents shared with the MD board, the project would be located on approximately 500 acres in Maryland, approximately one mile northwest of Pincher Creek.

The official hearing will be held virtually on August 26 at 9:00 a.m., and interested parties will be able to make presentations during the hearing, evidence of which will be submitted to the AUC by July 5. To participate as an intervener or for more information, go to AUC.ab.ca online or contact Chief Application Officer Victor Choy at [email protected].

The Council of Ministers adopted the application to join these proceedings.

Captus Generation will host a community information session at the Twin Butte Community Hall on May 23 at 6 p.m. Representatives will give a presentation on the proposed clean energy hub near the Drywood wood generating plant, near St. Patrick’s Church. Henryk.

The plan is to produce natural gas-fired electricity while using carbon capture mechanisms to remain carbon neutral. This means capturing carbon from hydrocarbons and pumping it deep underground.

According to information provided by Captus, the captured CO2 is transported through a pipeline to a depth of up to 3,000 meters and injected into the aquifer, where it is permanently stored in a rock formation.

The interchange is expected to be located near the Drywood Power Plant, southeast of Pincher Creek.

“They will source their gas either from TC lines or directly from Shell,” said Coun. Tony Bruder told council at its May 14 meeting.

“They will be installing four new generators that will be powered continuously, not just run, and then they plan to capture all emissions with a carbon capture system.”

He noted that Captus is currently in the information gathering phase.

More information can be found at www.captusgeneration.com/the-opportunity.

Mia Parker, reporter for local journalism initiative, Shootin’ the Breeze