At the 2025 Grassland Restoration Forum Fall Information Session, Karen Sundquist from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation delivered a comprehensive presentation on Alberta’s evolving approach to renewable energy development on agricultural land.

Her session highlighted the Province’s new Agriculture First direction, an approach designed to support renewable energy growth while safeguarding Alberta’s most productive farmland and sensitive native grasslands. This work stems from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) inquiry and the development of new regulations, including the Electric Energy Land Use and Visual Assessment Regulation (EELUVAR) and updates to AUC Rule 007.

Karen outlined how the new Guidelines to Evaluate Agricultural Land for Renewable Generation offer practical direction for proponents and landowners. These guidelines focus on:

• Protecting LSRS Class 1 and 2 agricultural lands unless clear agricultural and energy coexistence can be demonstrated

• Prioritizing the ongoing use of irrigated lands, productive lands, and native grasslands for agriculture where feasible

• Establishing expectations for coexistence plans, productivity targets, and ongoing reporting

• Supporting wildlife and habitat protection through alignment with existing provincial wind and solar wildlife directives

Stakeholder engagement played a central role in shaping the guidelines, bringing together renewable energy developers, municipalities, producers, irrigation districts, and Métis settlements to refine the province’s approach.

Overall, Karen’s presentation offered clarity on how Alberta aims to balance clean energy development with long term agricultural stewardship, ensuring that growth in renewable energy continues while keeping Alberta’s working landscapes productive, resilient, and ecologically sound.