Wind Energy

BC Hydro selects four new projects under Clean Power Call

In total, the four projects will generate more than 450 gigawatt hours (GWh) of clean, reliable electricity annually – enough to supply close to 40,000 homes in B.C. The projects, which include one wind power, one waste heat and two run-of-river projects, are in addition to 19 projects selected earlier in March, bringing the total amount of energy to be generated from the Clean Power Call to close to 3,000 GWh per year, which is enough to power more than 260,000 homes.

In the weeks ahead, BC Hydro is continuing discussions with the proponents of eight Clean Power Call proposals and expects to sign more agreements with renewable power producers as the Crown Corporation continues to acquire cost-effective clean energy.

"In addition, companies that were not successful in this call could have opportunities in the future with the introduction of the Clean Energy Act as the Province develops a strong, sustainable energy industry – harnessing new green technologies that will complement our publicly owned large hydro-generating facilities," said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

"These Clean Power Call projects will complement electricity purchase agreements awarded in the last year and a half under the Bioenergy Call for Power, the Standing Offer Program, as well as bilateral agreements with industry that have enabled BC Hydro to acquire close to 4,300 GWh annually of clean, reliable electricity," said Bev Van Ruyven, acting Chief Executive Officer and President of BC Hydro.

Following execution of the contracts, BC Hydro will submit the electricity purchase agreements to the British Columbia Utilities Commission for its review. Further contract details, including the range of electricity prices to be paid, will be available in BC Hydro’s filing to the commission.

BC Hydro Rejects Naikun Wind Energy Project

The company has announced its wind farm project is no longer under consideration in B.C.’s Hydro’s Clean Power Call procurement process. Naikun Wind President Paul Taylor says they’re "very disappointed" and will seek discussions with B.C. Hydro to fully understand its decision and "determine the most effective path forward for the wind power project".

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