Calgary-Based Westbridge Secures Final Approval for Major Dolcy Solar + Storage Project Amidst Evolving Alberta Energy Landscape
Major Renewable Project Clears Final Hurdles
Westbridge Renewable Energy Corporation, a Calgary-based leader in clean energy development, announced on December 2, 2025, that its Dolcy Solar + Energy Storage Project has received final transmission and connection approvals from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) through Decision 30228-D01-2025. This significant milestone, achieved by Westbridge's wholly-owned subsidiary Dolcy Solar Inc., authorizes the construction and operation of a 300 MWac solar photovoltaic (PV) facility and a 100 MW / 200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61.
Navigating Alberta's New Regulatory Environment
The approval comes at a pivotal time for Alberta's renewable energy sector, following a seven-month pause on project approvals that ended in February 2024. The province has since introduced new policies emphasizing an "agriculture first" approach, mandatory reclamation security, and stringent buffer zones around "pristine viewscapes." Westbridge's success, acknowledged by Director and COO Maggie McKenna, highlights the company's ability to navigate this "challenging and ever-evolving regulatory environment," with the AUC and Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) playing critical roles in implementing new directives and market designs.
Economic Boost for Calgary and Alberta
The Dolcy project, which is Westbridge's third to reach "Ready-to-Build" status in Alberta following the successful sales of the Georgetown and Sunnynook projects to Metlen Energy & Metals, underscores the province's commitment to energy diversification. Expected to power over 58,000 Alberta homes, such utility-scale developments contribute to grid stability and energy supply. For Calgary, Westbridge's corporate base, this growth translates into high-skilled jobs in engineering, project management, and finance, aligning with the Alberta Energy Transition Study's projection of 170,000 new jobs and a $61 billion annual GDP contribution from a net-zero future by 2050.
Leadership's Vision for Growth
Stefano Romanin, Director and CEO of Westbridge Renewable, praised the achievement, stating, "This approval represents the final regulatory milestone for Dolcy, confirming our ability to originate and advance high-quality renewable projects from concept to construction readiness." Westbridge Renewable Energy (TSXV: WEB), with its global portfolio spanning Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Italy, continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions.
