Land Use Pressures in Alberta

Briefing note to the House Standing Committee on Natural Resources (RNNR)

The Pembina Institute participated on a panel of witnesses for the House of Commons' Standing Committee on Natural Resources (RNNR) as part of its study of Canada's Electricity Grid and Network. 

This briefing note is a follow up to questions received during the hearing regarding wind and solar electricity development in context with other land uses in Alberta. It shows:

  • Wind and solar power plants are minor users of land in Alberta.
  • The largest drivers of agricultural land loss in Alberta are pipelines, oil and gas infrastructure, and other industrial sites.
  • Wind and solar energy development is currently disadvantaged relative to other land uses.