The Fincastle Solar Project is a 591 kWdc (500 kWac) community solar generation installation built on an area of tame pasture formerly occupied by an orphan well site, and located 11 km north east of the town of Taber.
We are honoured to have received Pilot Project funding from MCCAC's Municipal Community Generation Challenge for this project.
The site
In August 2020, RenuWell Energy Solutions, in partnership with the MD of Taber, Irrigation Canal Power Co-op Ltd., Canadian Solar, SkyFire Energy Inc., Iron & Earth and Medicine Hat College received funding from the Government of Alberta through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre and Alberta Innovates, supporting deployment of two RenuWell Project pilots in the MD of Taber. One of the RenuWell Project pilots is the Fincastle Solar Project.
The Fincastle Solar Project, owned and operated by Irrigation Canal Power Co-op, was constructed in a tame pasture area once occupied by an orphan gas well site.
The installation
The timeline for the Fincastle Solar Project underscores the dedication and resilience of the RenuWell Project team, from site selection in Fall 2020 to achieving all necessary regulatory approvals, including interconnection, by the end of 2021. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions, effective collaboration among project partners and robust funder support allowed the project to successfully come online in March 2023.
“The best-abandoned oil and gas leases for solar construction are located on poor-quality farmlands near existing access roads and power lines, which preserves higher-quality land for agricultural uses and reduces the disturbance of reclamation. Irrigation farmers can utilize the power directly for their irrigation systems and also reduce the costs of electrical distribution and transmission, which obviously appeals to regional farmers” - Daryl Bennett, RenuWell Energy Solutions Inc.
A robust engagement program about the RenuWell Project opportunity was conducted in 2019, prior to pilot site selection, garnering strong support for the repurposing concept from landowners, regulators, Alberta Government ministries and the renewable energy and oil & gas sectors. When various stakeholders work together towards a common goal, it facilitates the creation of effective policies, streamlined processes, and innovative solutions as showcased by the RenuWell Project pilots.
Conclusion
Repurposing a legacy oil and gas site for a small-scale solar installation represents sustainable energy development. The Fincastle Solar Project showcases effective land use conversion, where the site is transformed into a source of clean energy generation, contributing positively to the environment and local community.
By opting for solar development over traditional reclamation and closure of the orphan oil and gas site, substantial time and cost savings have been realized as pre-existing infrastructure and land characteristics provided a foundation for efficient solar project implementation.
Credits
Construction Video
MD of Taber
Municipal Climate Change Action Centre
Alberta Innovates
Government of Alberta
IRRICAN Power
RenuWell Energy Solutions Inc.
Iron & Earth
Medicine Hat College
SkyFire Energy Inc.