Grainswest - Tech 2022

Tech 2022 grainswest.com 33 two existing projects—Blackspring Ridge Wind Farm and the Travers Solar Project—renewables would eclipse the County’s previous oil and gas property tax assessment. Large-scale projects carry construction and maintenance employment contract opportunities, though even large projects typically only employ a handful of permanent, full- time staff. “We expect up to 300 jobs during construction and 10 to 15 permanent local jobs,” said Cooper. “This will also lead to supply chain and contract opportunities for local businesses as well as contract opportunities during construction and operation including excavation, civil works, snow removal, road maintenance, fencing and reclamation.” Following the corporate trend, ABOWind Canada recognizes the value of voluntary investment in good neighbour relations. To this end, Cooper said the company plans to institute a Green Option program, which will provide annual payments to eligible landowners living within two kilometres of a Buffalo Plains turbine. He added the program will distribute around $1 million to local landowners over the lifespan of the project. The company also intends to create a Community Vibrancy Fund to provide and update public facilities in the surrounding area, an investment Cooper said will eventually contribute more than $600,000 to local community projects. Renewable energy projects such as Buffalo Plains also bring less obvious benefits. These may include road improvements and spinoff investment in economic diversification. There are also less concrete potential benefits. “Regardless of what your business is, if you’re a company that wants to be able to say, ‘We source our energy from renewable sources,’ then southern Alberta is a great place to set up operations,” said Lewington. “You can sign power purchase agreements and say you’re physically located right where that power is generated. Over time, sustainability is only going to become more of a focus and will very likely drive more investment in this region.” Benefits aside, renewable energy projects can be unpopular with neighbours. Wind turbines are topped with flashing