Fossil government demand’s agrivoltaics, creates “view scapes”, and visual tests to limit renewables

government of Alberta has implemented a new “agriculture-first” approach to approving solar and other renewable energy projects on land in the Canadian province

new laws follow a seven-month pause on all new renewable power project approvals, assessment of the viability of 26 solar generation projects was suspended

Alberta will no longer permit renewable generation development on class one and class two lands unless the proponent can demonstrate the ability for both crops, and/or livestock, to co-exist with the renewable generation project

protected areas and what Smith called “pristine viewscapes” will now be surrounded by a 35km area in which new wind projects will not be allowed to be constructed due to concerns that they will impact views of the local area

renewable power facilities, such as solar and storage, will also be subjected to what Smith called a “visual impact assessment” as part of the permitting process

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