Two new wind-energy projects near Dawson Creek and another near Taylor are among four renewable energy developments selected through BC Hydro’s 2025 call for power.
BC Hydro said the projects will help expand the province’s electricity supply as demand rises across B.C.
The utility announced 30-year electricity purchase agreements for the Bessie Wind Project and Sweetwater Wind Project near Dawson Creek, along with the Taylor South Wind Project near Taylor. A fourth project, the Nicola Wind Project near West Kelowna, was also selected.
Together, the four projects are expected to generate about 3,500 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power about 350,000 homes, and increase BC Hydro’s current supply by about five per cent.
The northeast projects include:
- Bessie Wind Project, Dawson Creek — 251 megawatts
- Sweetwater Wind Project, Dawson Creek — 210 megawatts
- Taylor South Wind Project, Taylor — 201 megawatts
BC Hydro said projects are expected to begin coming online in 2032, with all expected to be operational by October 2033.
The utility said the developments are expected to generate up to $4.3 billion in private capital investment and create 1,500 jobs across the province.
All four projects include 51 per cent First Nations equity ownership, exceeding the province’s minimum requirement of 25 per cent.
West Moberly First Nations is partnered on both Dawson Creek-area projects, while Saulteau First Nations is partnered on the Taylor South project.
“Clean, affordable electricity is essential to strengthening B.C.’s ability to power itself, grow the economy and attract private-sector investment that creates good jobs across the province,” Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix said.
BC Hydro president and chief executive officer Charlotte Mitha said expanding wind generation will help diversify the province’s electricity supply while hydroelectric resources continue to provide reliability.
The utility said electricity demand in B.C. is forecast to rise by about 20 per cent by 2030.
