This award-winning pilot project was a collaborative effort to repurpose two orphaned well sites into micro-generation solar facilities. In partnership with the MD of Taber, Iron & Earth, Medicine Hat College, SkyFire Energy, Consultco, the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, and the Orphan Well Association. It simultaneously advanced Alberta's renewable energy transition while revitalizing local communities and economies.
Challenges
The RenuWell Project faced several challenges transforming orphaned oil well sites into solar energy facilities. Integrating solar infrastructure with existing features, such as roads and power lines, required meticulous planning to minimize disruptions and preserve valuable agricultural land. Securing local support was equally critical, involving close collaboration with landowners and stakeholders to maximize economic and social benefits. These coordinated efforts were pivotal in overcoming the complexities of site reclamation and ensuring the project’s success.
Solution
SkyFire Energy designed and constructed two ground-mounted solar arrays at two orphaned well sites in the MD of Taber. The first array, the Barnwell Solar Project, has a capacity of 860 kW DC / 750 kW AC, while the second, the Fincastle Solar Project, has a capacity of 591 kW DC / 500 kW AC. The systems feature 2,700 Longi bi-facial solar modules and five Sungrow string inverters, chosen for their efficiency and reliability. SkyFire managed numerous aspects of the project, ensuring optimal energy production and seamless integration with the unique site conditions.
Results
The RenuWell Project began producing solar energy in March 2023 and continues to feed clean energy into the grid and support the local community and economy.
Recognized with a Brownie Award in 2023 and an Alberta Emerald Award in 2024, the project generated $226,000 in revenue for IRRICAN in its first year while creating long-term property tax benefits for the Municipal District of Taber. It also accelerated land reclamation, preserved agricultural land, and supported economic growth by reducing reclamation costs, improving land access, minimizing the need for costly utility upgrades, and delivering distributed power generation for irrigation farmers.
Since its completion, SkyFire Energy's Operations & Maintenance team has helped support its continued production.
Since its completion, SkyFire Energy's Operations & Maintenance team has managed the site, ensuring optimal performance, proactive issue resolution, and sustained energy output.
AT A GLANCE
- Project Size: 1451 kW
- Barnwell Site: 860 kW DC / 750 kW AC
- Fincastle Site: 591 kW DC / 500 kW AC
- Number of Panels: 2,700 Longi (bi-facial)
- Number of Inverters: 5 Sungrow string inverters
- Type: grid-tied, ground-mounted
- Revenue: $226,000 in 2023 for IRRICAN
- Awards: Alberta Emerald Award (2024), Brownie Award (2023)
- Operational: Spring 2023 and currently managed by SkyFire Energy
