Sudbury Community Solar Projects LP MUNICIPAL COUNCIL SUPPORT RESOLUTION Information Package Prepared for the City of Greater Sudbury
Executive Summary SUN Co-operative has partnered with Soventix, a local solar PV developer, to develop small Feed-in Tariff (FIT) (less than 500 kw) solar projects with local landowners in the Sudbury area, and is preparing submissions for the upcoming FIT application window. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) will procure renewable electricity from small FIT projects through a FIT 4 application window scheduled to open September 30 th, 2015. Applications for FIT contracts will be awarded by the IESO based on a number of criteria, with demonstration of municipal support providing an advantage to applicants in the process. A 500 kw ground mount system requires approximately 5 acres of land, generates approximately 840,000 kwh per year and is not permitted to be sited on prime agricultural lands. Additional requirements include a visual buffer where sight lines exist and setback requirements as set out by the Ministry of Energy. Any projects awarded contracts are required to comply with various municipal approvals such as site alteration, tree removal, signage and access permits. Soventix is proposing that the City of Greater Sudbury provide a Municipal Council Support Resolution for the projects detailed in this document. Soventix kindly requests that resolutions be provided in the form prescribed by the IESO, provided completed to the City via email. The sole purpose of the resolution is to facilitate applications made for local renewable energy projects to the FIT 4 process. About Soventix and Sudbury Community Solar Projects LP The projects being applied for in Sudbury will be through the partnership name Sudbury Community Solar Projects LP. This entity is jointly-owned by Sudbury SUN Co-operative and Soventix Canada Inc. and is designed to facilitate community investment from renewable energy co-operatives. SUN Co-operative, a community-owned non-profit solar power co-operative was founded by local individuals in Greater Sudbury with the help of rethink Green (a network of local environmental community organizations).
SUN s goal is to build solar energy projects in Greater Sudbury, with the proceeds going to both rethink Green for its community work, and into a Community Environmental Fund for local community environmental projects. Soventix Canada Inc. is a turnkey project provider and has been active within the Ontario market since the start of the FIT program. The company has established a track record of success within its niche, providing investment-grade projects to community co-operatives located within their respective project areas. The goals of the co-operatives Soventix partners with are to foster clean sources of local power while creating local employment and community involvement. Currently, Soventix has approximately 10 MW of ground-mounted and rooftop solar projects either completed or under construction, with an additional development pipeline exceeding 30 MW. Community Benefits For any projects that receive generation contracts, the benefits to the community are plentiful. Each project represents a total investment of over $2.5M, with approximately 40% of the costs consisting of local labour and supply. Soventix finds it extremely advantageous to partner with local contractors as a thorough understanding of local ground conditions is crucial to successful construction. In addition to this, there is provision for community ownership in the project, allowing for revenue generated by the project to be shared by local landowners in City of Greater Sudbury. Overview of Project Siting Requirements and Approvals Process The following regulatory bodies provide oversight throughout the application and approvals process. Ontario Ministry of Energy Independent Electricity System Operator Ontario Ministry of Environment Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Local Conservation Authorities Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Electrical Safety Authority
Local Distribution Company Land Use Requirements Ground mounted solar facilities are subject to several land use restrictions under the FIT program, including the following: A project cannot be located on a Specialty Crop Area A project cannot be located on Canada Land Inventory Class 1, 2, 3 or Organic Lands. A project cannot be located on a residential property unless it is an Exempt Residential Property. A project cannot be located on lands abutting a residential property unless that property is an Exempt Residential Property. An Exempt Residential Property is defined as a Residential Property in respect of which a Lawfully Permitted Use is agriculture and residential uses are permitted as ancillary to such agricultural use. Setback and Screening Requirements Ground mount solar PV projects awarded a contract are mandated to comply with Provincial requirements for setbacks and screening. Currently, these include a 20-metre setback from all property lines, 100-metre setback from residential clusters, and visual screening where any sight lines may exist. The visual buffer is composed of a mixture of native deciduous and coniferous trees to be at a height of 3 metres following commercial operation. Ongoing maintenance of the visual screen over the lifetime of the system is mandated by the FIT contract. Municipal Permit Requirements For any project awarded a contract under FIT 4, the following municipal permits could apply: Site alteration permits Tree removal permits Site access permits Signage permits Environmental Approvals All projects that receive contracts are required to undergo an environmental approvals process in which the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of
Tourism Sport and Culture as well as any local Conservation Authorities are consulted with. At a high level, the process ensures projects meet requirements pertaining to natural heritage sites, noise setbacks and water setbacks. It also ensures the protection of any Provincially Significant features. Project Details Project details are attached in Appendix A. Next Steps Soventix and SUN Co-operative kindly request that, if the City of Greater Sudbury chooses to provide support for these projects, that they do so in the Prescribed Form attached. We believe this is an exciting opportunity for the City of Greater Sudbury to showcase clean, sustainable energy project within its jurisdiction, bringing together the Township, other regulatory authorities, and local stakeholders. We appreciate the opportunity to work closely with Sudbury and help increase the region s renewable energy profile. We welcome any questions the City of Greater Sudbury may have and are happy to meet and discuss further.
Appendix A Project Details
PROJECT SU5 Site access through 4840 Capreol Rd. Facility size Legal Description Project Location GPS Zoning 500 kw. 5 acres. PCL 3499 SEC SES SRO; PT LT 10 CON 3 CAPREOL AS IN LT14773 EXCEPT LT197864, UNIT 1 EXPROP PL D58, EXPROP PL D160 & PT 1 & 2 53R15773; S/T EASEMENT IN GROSS OVER PTS 2, 3, 7 & 8 53R18545 AS IN SD150505; GREATER SUDBURY 46.662343, -80.923428 Rural. Soil Classification Sub-prime soil. Canada Land Inventory Classes 4 to 7. Site Conditions Substantial native vegetation in place surrounding proposed project site. Full visual screening from all lines of sight to be provided. Majority of adjacent uses commercial and/or light industrial in nature. Well buffered from any residential uses (400 m minimum setback). Residential uses to SW and NE presently buffered by native vegetation. Site access is proposed using an existing road allowance.