RfQ open for 700 MW of renewables in Alberta

The Canadian province of Alberta has issued a Request for Qualifications (RfQ) related to a plan calling for the procurement of 700 MW of renewable energy capacity.

The move is part of a tendering process aimed at helping the state achieve its goal to install 5,000 MW of renewables by 2030. The RfQ, launched on Friday by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), follows a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) under Rounds 2 and 3 of the state’s Renewable Energy Programme (REP).

Round 2 will seek to add up to 300 MW of renewables capacity and will include a partnership requirement for a minimum 25% equity ownership by Indigenous communities. Meanwhile, Round 3 of the programme will have a procurement goal of up to 400 MW and will be conducted through an open competition as in the first round. Projects under both rounds must have capacities of at least 5 MW, with commercial operations targeted by June 30, 2021.

AESO will accept proposals in the RfQ by June 21, 2018. Bids will be evaluated between June and September.

A Request for Proposals (RfP) stage is to start on September 17, with successful projects to be announced in December.

At the end of 2017, Alberta awarded 600 MW of wind capacity under the first round of the REP programme. According to the Canadian wind energy association (CanWEA), Alberta has 1,479 MW of installed wind power capacity, which is meeting about 8% of the province's power demand.

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