The Sunrise Solar Project is in the development phase. Evolugen hosted two in-person Community Open Houses, in 2023 and 2024 to introduce the Project and gain feedback. In February 2024, Evolugen submitted its project application with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).

When selecting a potential solar project location, we consider many factors such as landowner interest, available land, proximity to transmission lines or substations with available capacity, and a favourable sunlight resource.

We chose this location because the Project will tap into an existing transmission line that runs along the northern edge of the site and has capacity for new electricity to be injected. This location does not require us to build new power lines.

Through consultation with local landowners and municipalities, we try to site solar farms on lands that are less desirable for agriculture; however, due to the location of existing power lines, this is not always possible.

Standard 100.1 of Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Wildlife Directive for Alberta Solar Energy Projects Alberta states that solar energy projects should not be sited in areas of native grasslands and other areas important to wildlife or plant species of management concern.

Environmental studies are an important part of our development process. Between April and November 2022, our consultants completed environmental assessments on the lands that we intend to build on, including wildlife, wetland and waterbody, and vegetation studies, to ensure the Project has minimal impact on species and habitats. In February 2023, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas – Fish and Wildlife Stewardship (AEPA-FWS) reviewed the Project and determined that the risk to wildlife, habitat, breeding and key features for species and risk is low. Evolugen will secure all required environmental permits to build on the land.

For our utility-scale projects, we use Photovoltaic solar (PV) panel technology. They are dark in color and are treated with an anti-reflective coating. The purpose of solar panels is to absorb as much sunlight as possible to produce energy efficiently, so the purpose of the panels is to be as minimally reflective as possible. Solar panels are generally less reflective than windows.

As part of our project development activities and permitting requirements, a solar glare hazard analysis was completed for all residences and transportation routes within 800 metres of the Project and aerodromes within 4 km of the Project, and the results are posted above.

Project-related noise will occur primarily during the construction phase of Project development since solar panels do not generate noise. The inverter stations that change the current of electricity do produce a slight hum during operations.

We conducted a Noise Impact Analysis to ensure that any noise past the property boundaries is under the established thresholds. This assessment was done for all residences within 1.5 km of the Project and the results are posted above.

Safety is our top priority. The project will be surrounded by a security fence and entrance gates will be locked. In addition, the area will be monitored by security cameras, which will be installed prior to operation.

A Project-specific Emergency Response Plan will be developed in consultation with the Town of Pincher Creek and the M.D. of Pincher Creek to ensure proactive and collaborative fire and emergency planning. For emergency and maintenance vehicles, gravel access roads along with emergency procedure signage will be installed throughout the Project site.

During construction, there will be increased traffic to the sites during normal commuting times, as workers, transport vehicles, and construction equipment mobilize. However, the active construction zones will be designed with laydown & loading areas, and parking areas, to minimize congestion on public roadways. Once the solar farm is in operation, the only traffic directly associated with the site will be light in nature from Operation and Maintenance employees.

At the end of the Project lifespan (typically around 25-30 years), there are two main options:

1. Re-power the site: Install new panels and continue generating power
2. Decommission/Reclamation: Remove the physical equipment and restore the site to its initial condition

The Project has committed to establishing a Decommissioning Fund that will ensure funds are in place at the end of the Project’s life to cover the cost of decommissioning.

In addition, a Conservation and Reclamation Plan will be submitted with our application to the AUC that follows the Conservation and Reclamation Directive for Renewable Energy Operations. The Plan will outline how to conserve soil resources during construction and how we will ensure the land is returned to the same condition it was before the Project.

Solar arrays are typically 2 to 3 m high, depending on which model is chosen, and follow the contour of the land.

We are preparing visual simulations to show the community how the Project will look on the landscape.

We are exploring mitigation measures for the potential visual impact at surrounding properties as a part of our detailed design and planning process. This may include further setbacks from the property line, planting hedges and/or trees, creating berms, or installing fencing.

We are committed to the environmental, social and economic well-being of the
communities where we live and work. We engage proactively with communities during the planning and design of our projects, and once operational, we ensure that our company is giving back to the community.

The Project will also make direct property tax payments to the M.D. of Pincher Creek to support the delivery of public services. In addition, utility-scale solar projects create local construction jobs and increase business for local services such as hotels and restaurants. We intend for our Project to create long-term jobs for operations and maintenance.

The land that supports the solar farm will be revegetated with a mixture of low-growing grasses that will prevent soil erosion and encourage soil nutrient cycling. We plan to use sheep for weed and vegetation control but may use mowing or spraying if required.

Dust management will be an important part of the construction and operations plans. This may include imposed speed limits for construction crews along access roads, application of tackifiers to exposed soils, interim reclamation during construction, and watering. During operation, most of the site will be covered with grass, so dust generation would be minimal.

A Solar Glare Assessment will be conducted in the coming months and shared on our website. This requires us to conduct an assessment for all residences and roads within 800m, including the airport.