Westbridge receives AUC approval for Red Willow project

Executive Summary

• Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp.'s subsidiary, Red Willow Solar Inc., has received power plant and battery energy storage system (BESS) approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for the Red Willow Solar and Battery Energy Storage Project.
• This approval allows the company to construct and operate the project located in Stettler country, Alberta, marking the fourth of five Alberta projects to secure AUC approval.
• The project is now considered close to "ready-to-build" status, with interconnection approval applications anticipated to be filed within the current calendar year.

Key Details

• Project Name: Red Willow Solar and Battery Energy Storage Project.
• Location: Stettler country, Alberta.
• Regulatory Body: Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
• Decision Reference: Decision 29258-D01-2026.
• Approvals Granted:
  • Power plant approval.
  • Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) approval.
  • Substation permit and licence for the Birch 1075S substation.
• Project Specifications:
  • Solar Power Plant Capacity: Up to 225 MWac (megawatt alternating current).
  • BESS Capacity: Up to 200 MWh.
• Portfolio Context: This is the fourth of five Alberta projects to receive AUC approval; previously approved projects include Georgetown, Sunnynook, and Dolcy.
• Next Steps: Applications for interconnection approvals are expected to be filed within the calendar year.
• Conditions: Approval is granted subject to provisions by the Hydro and Electric Energy Act and the Alberta Utilities Commission Act.

Notable Quotes

• Maggie McKenna, Director and Chief Operating Officer: "We are pleased to announce AUC approval for our Red Willow project, marking another key milestone for Westbridge. This achievement, combined with the previously obtained approvals for Georgetown, Sunnynook and Dolcy means that we have secured AUC approval for four out of our five projects in Alberta. This progress is a crucial step forward in advancing the Red Willow project towards the ready-to-build stage."
• Stefano Romanin, Director and Chief Executive Officer: "This approval is further recognition of the teams proven ability to originate, design and deliver successful approval of greenfield utility-scale solar and BESS projects. This final regulatory milestone for Red Willow advances the project close to ready-to-build status in just over three years."