BC Hydro has announced the selection of nine wind energy projects through its 2024 call for power, marking a significant step in expanding British Columbia’s clean energy capacity. These projects, which will generate nearly 5,000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually—enough to power 500,000 homes—will bolster BC Hydro’s supply by 8%.
Premier David Eby highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Clean and affordable electricity is key to powering economic growth and unlocking private-sector investment that creates thousands of good jobs here in British Columbia.” The Premier also emphasized the role of these projects in positioning B.C. as a clean-energy leader while keeping electricity rates affordable.
$6 Billion in Private Investment
The development of these projects is expected to drive between $5 billion and $6 billion in private capital spending across the province. Eight of the nine projects will have 51% equity ownership by First Nations, representing an investment of up to $3 billion in Indigenous partnerships. All selected projects are required to have at least 25% First Nations ownership, ensuring equity and inclusion in the province’s clean energy future.
“We need these new energy generation projects urgently to meet growing demand for power and accelerate our efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive clean economy,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. He pledged collaboration with First Nations and BC Hydro to expedite construction and bring these projects online efficiently.
Streamlined Approval Process
To speed up deployment, the provincial government plans to exempt wind projects from the environmental assessment process. Minister of Environment and Parks Tamara Davidson assured that rigorous permitting will remain, along with protections for First Nations’ interests and environmental safeguards. “It’s clear there are enormous opportunities to generate clean electricity through wind,” she said.
Affordable and Sustainable Energy
The new wind projects align with a decade-long trend of decreasing renewable energy costs. Adjusted for inflation, the average price of electricity from these projects is 40% lower than BC Hydro’s 2010 clean power call. This cost efficiency is expected to help maintain affordable electricity rates for residents and businesses.
BC Hydro’s integrated system of hydroelectric dams will complement the intermittent nature of wind energy, acting as a backup to ensure reliability when wind power generation fluctuates.
A Growing Commitment to Clean Energy
In addition to these wind projects, BC Hydro is taking broader measures to meet growing energy demands. These include the addition of the Site C hydroelectric dam, energy efficiency investments, and exploring utility-scale battery storage. Together, these initiatives aim to power more than one million new homes and support B.C.’s economic growth.
As B.C.’s population and housing needs continue to expand, the province and BC Hydro remain committed to conducting regular calls for power, ensuring a sustainable and affordable energy future.