Nine wind projects rolled out to meet B.C.’s surging clean energy demands

BC Hydro has unveiled nine new wind projects to meet the growing demand for clean energy while keeping rates affordable for public and industrial users. 

Adrian Dix, the new Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, announced the projects alongside Premier David Eby on Monday. Dix said the projects will enhance B.C.’s clean energy supply, strengthen the economy and uphold the province’s commitment to affordable rates and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. 

So they can be completed as quickly as possible, the province intends to exempt the new wind projects — and any future wind energy projects — from environmental assessment, while ensuring First Nations' interests and environmental concerns, Dix said. 

The successful proponents were among 21 proposals submitted to BC Hydro in response to its open call for renewable power in April. 

Located throughout the province, the successful proponents will get 30-year electricity purchase agreements with BC Hydro and nearly 5,000 gigawatt hours per year of electricity, boosting BC Hydro's current supply by eight per cent, Dix said. 

First Nations own 51 per cent of eight of the projects, and 49 per cent of the ninth energy initiative — representing as much as a $3-billion investment in renewables, well above the minimum requirement that Indigenous partners have a one-quarter stake in any project. 

The quality and breadth of the selected projects reflect the strength of the renewable sector in B.C. and First Nations leadership on clean energy, Dix said. 

“In short, we need more power. This gives us more power. We need urgent action on climate change. This is urgent action on climate change,” Dix noted. 

“We need to ensure that First Nations are involved in the economic development of the province and have an equity interest, and this does just that.” 

Overall, the new projects are estimated to result in $6 billion in private capital spending and create approximately 2,000 jobs during construction. 

Wind energy affordable and competitive 

Wind energy costs have dropped significantly, and the average price for energy from the new projects is about 40 per cent lower than BC Hydro’s last call for clean power in 2010, Dix said, adding the province has the second-lowest residential rates and third-lowest commercial and industrial rates in North America. 

The wind projects diversify BC Hydro’s power-generation options, Dix added. 

When the wind is blowing, hydro reservoirs can be saved for future use, much like a battery reserve, or sold to export markets at peak times to generate more revenue, which will keep provincial rates low. 

The province — with 98 per cent of the grid powered by renewable resources — is a clean energy leader in North America, Eby said, giving the province strong, competitive advantages in the market and the production of low carbon products. He said that aspect of the business case is only bolstered by barriers to clean energy elsewhere, as Alberta constricts the growth of wind energy and south of the border, the clean energy sector faces uncertainty following the recent election. 

All products produced in B.C., like aluminum or fossil fuels, have the lowest carbon profile in the world, he noted. 

“We're going to take all the steps we can to secure that advantage, including using our clean electricity to ensure we're a world leader in the inevitable zero carbon future we're moving towards.” 

Clean energy ownership empowers First Nations

The new energy initiatives involve five companies and nine First Nations, with four wind projects located in the southern interior, four in northern B.C. and one on Vancouver Island.

The new projects will empower First Nations and drive sustainable economic growth, said Kwaatuma Cole Sayers, executive director of the Clean Energy Association of B.C.  

“This announcement is a testament to the progress we're making in climate actions and reconciliation,” said Sayers, a member of the Hupačasath Nation, at the press conference.

In addition to providing jobs, training and education, the project will uplift communities and lay the foundation for economic and energy sovereignty, Sayers said, adding that he expects clean electricity will also power the sustainable growth of industries like transportation, manufacturing and mining. 

“Indigenous ownership goes beyond economic opportunity. It is a powerful expression of self-determination,” he said. 

Rochelle Baker / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer