City of Burlington Renewable Energy Protocol Section 1: Background and Context

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1 City of Burlington Renewable Energy Protocol Section 1: Background and Context The Green Energy Act came into effect in It was created to expand renewable energy generation, encourage energy conservation and promote the creation of clean energy jobs. Under the Act, sources of renewable energy include: solar photovoltaic, on-shore wind, waterpower, biogas, biomass and landfill gas. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) administers three programs for renewable energy projects based on the kilowatts (kw) of electricity generated. Size Program Program Details 500 kw 10 kw & 500 kw Large Renewable Procurement FIT The Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) is a competitive process for procuring large renewable energy projects (generally greater than 500 kw). The Green Energy Act enabled the creation of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program. Through long-term contracts, the FIT program provides stable pricing for energy generated from renewable sources. The program includes a point system for evaluating projects. A portion of these points can be earned from the municipality in the form of a Council support resolution. As Planning Act approvals do not apply to renewable energy projects, Council does not have the ability to refuse or approve projects. However, by refusing or passing a resolution of support, Council could affect a project s ability to obtain a FIT contract. 10 kw microfit The microfit Program is a streamlined program for small renewable energy projects under the umbrella of the FIT Program. Municipalities have no involvement in this program. Council endorsement is not required. Section 2: Purpose of Protocol This protocol provides a framework for processing requests for Council support for all types of renewable energy projects under the FIT Program and LRP process. The protocol has been designed to be efficient and effective limiting the need for all projects to be considered by Council on an individual basis, while encouraging renewable energy projects in a manner consistent with the City s strategic plans and objectives. It also sets out submission requirements, fees and review processes.

2 2 Section 3: Protocol Projects are categorized into one of two streams: Category A or B. Category A Rooftop solar projects that are between 10 and 500 kilowatts are pre-approved for the municipal blanket council resolution. No review is required. A copy of the resolution is available on the City s website at under energy to download. Category B Projects that are not rooftop solar projects (Category A) will be considered Category B. Support for Category B projects will be determined through detailed staff review. The detailed review will serve to provide additional analysis and information for Council s consideration, as Category B projects are likely to be larger in scope and/or more complex in nature. Category B projects will be considered by Council on an individual basis. The review of proposed projects will include: Project location Project type Project size (kw of electricity generated) How the project may impact surrounding residents and businesses Land use and urban design considerations Staff will use the following criteria to guide their detailed review: Source of renewable fuel (i.e. solar, wind, water or bioenergy) Potential for nuisance: o Odour o Noise o Visual o Public health Land use considerations o Compatibility with surrounding uses o Official Plan designation and zoning permissions o Heritage o Urban design o Natural Heritage o Agricultural Community benefit (opportunities to offset potential nuisances) Potential traffic impacts (e.g. fuel to be brought to site or available at source) Potential waste and disposal

3 3 Fire impacts Building impacts Other considerations Note: Council support will be valid for one year. Section 4: Limitations The review of FIT and LRP projects does not include an endorsement of: Technical feasibility Building capacity (if roof mounted) Project viability Safety Considerations While a Building Permit from the City may be required, the Province is the approval authority for FIT and LRP projects. This protocol does not apply to the microfit program. Section 5: Process To facilitate the staff review, proponents of Category B projects will be asked to submit project details as listed in Section 6. These projects will be reviewed by staff to form a recommendation to Council, upon receiving a processing fee. The review will include consideration of the criteria listed in Section 4 and will be presented in a report to Council. Council will consider the staff report and recommendation to determine if they support the project. If Council supports the project, the IESO s prescribed form for a site specific council resolution will be signed and provided to the proponent. For projects subject to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change s Renewable Energy Approval (REA) process, the prescribed requirements of that process would then be followed. 1 Applicants are responsible for meeting the provincial REA requirements and should also review Halton Region s Guideline for Coordinated Municipal Responses to Renewable Energy Proposals. Proposed waterpower projects are subject to the Class Environmental Assessment process. See Appendix A to this protocol for a list of renewable energy projects which are subject to the REA process. 1 Rooftop solar projects are not subject to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change s Renewable Energy Approval process.

4 4 Section 6: Submission Requirements for Category B projects 1. Location key map 2. Project municipal address 3. Site photos or renderings 4. Description of existing land and/or building use 5. Plans and drawings size and dimensions of project 6. Description of project and renewable generation technology used 7. Construction schedule and anticipated completion and decommissioning date 8. List of all applicable municipal approvals and status 9. Letter of acknowledgement and support from the property owner 10. Letter of support from immediately adjacent landowners 11. Brief company profile of applicant, owner and/or developer 12. Project applicant, owner and/or developer contact information 13. Capital investment value 14. Description of community benefits 15. Confirmation that solar panels will be non-reflective to reduce glare 16. Confirmation that the installation will not ofccur on a Heritage designated property 17. Greenhouse gas emission reductions and environmental benefits 18. Urban design review to ensure that the project s aesthetics are consistent with the character of the surrounding neighbourhood/uses; 19. Details on proposed tree removal if necessary 20. Confirmation of zoning and OP designations, and information on whether the project is consistent with the relevant regulations/policies. 21. Consistency with the City s Strategic Plan, Official Plan, and Community Energy Plan; and, 22. Confirmation from Burlington Hydro that project can be connected to the grid 23. Any applicable Fire Department conditions/comments. Note: Additional information may be required for Category B projects (e.g. technical studies, description of community benefits, etc.) A request for a Project Specific Council Support resolution with the required details should be submitted to: Lynn Robichaud, Sr. Sustainability Coordinator Capital Works, Development & Infrastructure Division 426 Brant Street, Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6 lynn.robichaud@burlington.ca x7931

5 5 APPENDIX A Projects which require a provincial Renewable Energy Approval: 2 Wind projects: Class 2 facilities with a name plaate capacity over 3 kw but less than 50 kw Class 3 facilities with a name plate capapcity equal or greater than 50 kw with sound power level less than 102 dba Class 4 facilities with a name plate capacity equal to or greater than 50 kw with sound power level greater than or equal to 102 dba. Solar projects: Class 3 ground mounted solar facilities with a name plate capacity greater than 10 kw Bio-energy Facilities defined in the Renewable Energy Approval Regulation as: Anaerobic digestion Biofuel Biogas Thermal treatment facilities 2 Applicants are responsible for determining whether or not their project requires a Renewable Energy Approval from the provincial government. The list in Appendix A is subject to change.