The 2027 Reclamation Deadline Is Closer Than It Appears
By Shasta Kadonaga, Director of Renewable Energy, Solas Energy
Alberta renewable energy operators are approaching a critical regulatory milestone.
Under the Code of Practice for Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Operations, operating projects must register and comply with updated reclamation planning requirements for existing Alberta sites by January 1, 2027.
This requirement extends beyond simply completing a registration. Operators must evaluate the full regulatory and financial implications, including:
- Where reclamation security should be held — government or landowner
- How existing lease agreements affect security structure and obligations
- Internal financial planning to secure reclamation security before the deadline
To meet the 2027 requirement, owners and operators must:
- Prepare a Conservation and Reclamation Plan, including completion of intermediate soil site assessments
- Complete a defensible and independent reclamation security estimate
- Submit required documentation through the reclamation certificate portal
- Align with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) reclamation guidelines
- Account for regulator review timelines, which may range from weeks to several months
Solas Energy brings diverse regulatory, land, and financial expertise to help operators evaluate their options and tailor reclamation security strategies to suit each site’s unique circumstances.
What Is a Reclamation Security Estimate?
A reclamation security estimate determines the cost of reclamation for renewable energy projects at the end of life. It determines the financial security for reclamation that must be posted to satisfy Alberta reclamation regulations under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
Owner and operators are required to complete a reclamation security estimate that is prepared by an independent professional. In practice, this requires engaging a qualified third-party contractor to conduct an independent reclamation assessment.
Solas Energy is qualified and registered as a professional engineering firm in Alberta. Our engineers are authorized to provide professional sign-off on reclamation cost estimates for renewable energy projects and to support Alberta Energy Regulator reclamation submissions. As an independent reclamation assessment provider, Solas Energy delivers defensible, regulator-ready reclamation security estimates.
A comprehensive reclamation cost estimate for renewable energy typically includes:
- Equipment removal and disposal
- Scrap metal and recycling value calculations
- Labour and contractor pricing
- Transportation and mobilization costs
- Site grading and soil replacement
- Vegetation re-establishment and crop loss
- Disposal costs
- Local fees
- Administrative and contingency allowances
Without proper data gathering for reclamation estimates and independent verification, reclamation security submissions can face delays or regulator scrutiny.
Preparing for the Jan 1, 2027 Reclamation Deadline
Preparing for Jan 1, 2027 reclamation deadline requires back-planning reclamation for Alberta projects today.
Given regulator review timelines, waiting until late 2026 creates significant risk. Industry activity is expected to intensify in early and mid-2026, leading to potential bottlenecks in independent reclamation assessments and regulatory review capacity.
Work With Solas Energy Before the 2026 Planning Crunch
Solas Energy specializes in Alberta reclamation for solar and wind projects. As a qualified and registered engineering firm in Alberta, we provide independent reclamation assessments and reclamation security estimates that meet Alberta Environment and Protected Areas reclamation requirements.
Our team understands:
- How to scope sites for reclamation accurately
- How to conduct defensible reclamation cost analysis
- How to model realistic salvage values
- How to prepare regulator-ready submissions
- How to manage approval timeline management effectively
We work directly with owners and operators to deliver independent reclamation cost estimates for renewable energy projects and provide full support throughout the reclamation certificate approval process.
Waiting until late 2026 increases risk, cost pressure, and review delays. Engaging Solas Energy now ensures your reclamation security estimate is independent, defensible, and aligned with Alberta reclamation regulations.
If your organization is preparing for Jan 1, 2027 reclamation deadline, contact Solas Energy today to begin planning ahead.