Ongoing supply chain issues and delays have put the Drumheller solar project on hold and work has been pushed back, with an anticipated start in summer 2022.
In July 2021, the Mail reported the solar project changed hands from Longspur Developments and was acquired by Concorde Green Energy; at the time of the acquisition, Concorde estimated construction would begin later this year, with operations anticipated to begin in late 2022.
“There are a number of supply-chain related delays on key components. The most significant one is solar modules,” says Ian Sanchez, managing director for BowMont Capital and Advisory Ltd.
Sanchez notes most solar module panels are manufactured in Asia and several factories were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is having huge impacts on the industry as a whole.
Another challenge the industry is facing, which is posing “a major bottleneck,” is the availability of ships and shipping containers.
Due to these delays, construction on the 13.5-megawatt installation-which will be located on municipal land near the Drumheller Water Treatment Plant ponds-is estimated to begin in early summer 2022, with operations anticipated to begin January 2023.