BC Hydro has received an overwhelming response to its call for renewable power projects, reflecting growing interest in clean energy and its potential to drive job creation across British Columbia. The utility announced that it received 21 proposals from independent power producers, offering more than 9,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy annually—triple its initial target of 3,000 GWh.
The proposals, largely wind and solar projects, span various regions, from the southern and central Interior to Vancouver Island. This initiative is part of BC Hydro’s 10-year capital plan, which aims to strengthen the province’s electricity grid and support clean growth.
Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, emphasized the long-term benefits of clean energy, stating, “Building an economy powered by clean, reliable, and affordable electricity is one of the job-creation opportunities of our generation.” With private investment expected to range from $2.3 billion to $3.6 billion, the construction of these new projects could generate up to 1,500 jobs annually.
As BC Hydro prepares to award electricity purchase agreements by December 2024, these new projects could start generating power as early as fall 2028. The initiative is also bolstered by B.C.’s natural hydroelectric infrastructure, which allows for the integration of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.
BC Hydro’s updated 10-year plan, with $36 billion in investments, includes significant upgrades to Vancouver’s power grid to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population, further cementing B.C.’s role in Canada’s clean energy future.