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VANCOUVER – BC Hydro has received a vigorous response to its recent call for new renewable power-generating projects.

In April 2024, BC Hydro launched a call for power to acquire approximately 3,000 gigawatt hours per year (GWh/y) of clean electricity, which would add five per cent to its current supply in its first competitive call for power in more than 15 years, a release said.

The utility received 21 proposals from independent power producers throughout the province representing more than 9,000 GWh/y, three times more energy than it targeted.

“We need more clean energy to power our homes, businesses and industries, to power growing communities and to power our future. Building an economy powered by clean, reliable and affordable electricity is one of the job-creation opportunities of our generation. Through regular calls for power and BC Hydro’s 10-year capital plan, we are creating over 10,000 construction jobs and driving sustainable growth across the province,” said B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne in a statement.

Of the proposals received, approximately 70 per cent are wind projects, 20 per cent are solar and 10 per cent include biomass and hydro.

Eight proposals were from the province’s southern interior, four from the central interior, five from the north coast, two from the Peace Region and two from Vancouver Island.

BC Hydro will award electricity purchase agreements in December and expects projects to start coming online as soon as fall 2028, the release said. The development and construction of new clean-energy projects in response to the call for power will generate an estimated $2.3 billion to $3.6 billion in private capital spending throughout the province.

In January 2024, the provincial government announced BC Hydro’s updated 10-Year capital plan, which contains $36 billion in regional and community infrastructure investments across B.C., a 50 per cent increase in investments over its previous capital plan.