BC Hydro is seeking expressions of interest for projects that would increase the province’s baseload energy capacity to meet growing demand.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix said at an announcement in Vancouver on Wednesday the projects could include geothermal and hydroelectric developments.
Dix said there’s no target yet for the amount of firm power the province is looking to add with the new projects. Firm power refers to electricity that is always available, including baseload power.
“We want to see what’s out there, get those proposals in place,” said Dix. “We don’t want to limit ourselves.”
The Crown utility is also seeking expressions of interest for “market-ready” projects aimed at energy conservation and efficiency.
BC Hydro president and CEO Chris O’Riley joined Dix for the announcement, saying “we’re also focused on energy efficiency, because … the cleanest and most cost-effective energy … is the power that we don’t use.”
BC Hydro expects electricity demand to rise 15 per cent by 2030. The utility also launched a call for power in April 2024 to acquire about 3,000 gigawatt hours per year of clean electricity. Projects from that call are expected to be online in 2028.
Meanwhile, the province is experiencing a multi-year drought that has affected hydroelectricity production. Documents filed with the BC Utilities Commission show BC Hydro imported 13,600 gigawatt hours of electricity in the 2024 fiscal year.
Dix said the drought forecast looks better this year than last, though B.C. is “still facing the impact of drought conditions.”
He said the new call for expressions of interest is part of building out B.C.’s clean energy supply and addressing the province’s growing population.
Dix said submissions are open through September and decisions will be announced later in the year.
