Southern Alberta shines as renewable energy grows 

Commentator/Courier Photo Courtesy of ACCIONA Energía

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

As the renewables industry continues to make inroads across the nation, major strides are being made in southern Alberta, with the County of Forty Mile No. 8 proving to be a leader in this area.

“The County has seen steady growth in renewable energy over the past several years. Today we have a mix of solar and wind developments at various stages of operation or construction,” says Reeve Stacey Barrows. “Our largest current project is a fairly large wind energy facility nearing completion southeast of Bow Island. We also have development interest expressed in more wind, solar, and battery storage projects, and the region continues to attract interest because of our strong solar resource, open landscape, and supportive regulatory environment. We continue to work closely with developers on road use, emergency response planning, and long-term reclamation, so these projects fit well within our rural setting.”

The impact on the environment is very positive, and so is the impact on the County.

Reeve Barrows explains, “Renewable projects now make up a large part of our non-residential tax base.”

This is thanks, in part, to the 238 wind turbines and three solar projects operating in the County, providing revenue that has helped to maintain stable taxes for residents while continuing to deliver the core services on which people rely.

“Public information from BRC-Canada shows that in 2024, renewables accounted for about 51 percent of our municipal tax revenue, or roughly $9 million,” she continues. “That revenue also plays a key role in catching up on a backlog of capital equipment needs. Like many rural municipalities, we have graders, firetrucks, and other essential equipment that are overdue for replacement. The added revenue is helping us to rebuild reserves and get back on a normal replacement cycle without having to shift as many costs onto farmland or homeowners. Overall, it makes the County more resilient, more predictable, and better able to plan ahead.”

Businesses are indeed taking notice of the opportunities. Recently, ACCIONA Energía announced that it has donated more than CAD$270,000 to non-profit organizations near its Forty Mile Wind Farm as part of its Social Impact Management strategy during 2025.

The organizations that benefited from the donations include the Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub in Medicine Hat, who will use the funds to install solar panels on its building. The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society also received funds, which will be used to help renovate its first aid, children’s activity, and family rooms. The Forty Mile Regional Family Community Support Services in Bow Island plans to use their part of the donation to support the Holiday Meal program and the Meals on Wheels program that deliver meals to the elderly and home bound community members.

Reeve Barrows continues, “Southern Alberta is one of the best wind and solar regions in Canada, and the County of Forty Mile offers a strong agricultural base, a large land base, and communities that understand how to work with industry. Our own strategic plan highlights this by setting a goal to attract renewable energy providers that contribute to the betterment of the community. That mindset is shared across much of the region.”

Continued advancements will come from:

• Clear, consistent land-use planning

• Strong partnerships between the County, landowners, and developers

• Investment in transmission and grid capacity

• Training and workforce development that supports both energy and agriculture

• Balancing development with long-term stewardship of farmland and the environment

“Our region has room to grow responsibly, and municipalities like ours can help the province maintain momentum by working collaboratively and making sure these projects create lasting value for the people who live here,” she concludes.

When there is investment in renewables, everyone – business, communities, residents, non-profits – benefit. It’s an investment that always provides an incredibly high ROI across all markers.