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By Liam Verster

Wind Power Projects

B.C. Hydro plans wind projects for the Interior, across the province

Dec 9, 2024 | 3:34 PM

Alternative power generation projects are planned for the Southern Interior and throughout B.C.

B.C. Hydro, through its 2024 call for power, selected nine wind projects to be awarded 30-year purchase agreements that would supply clean, affordable electricity to growing populations throughout the province.

“Clean and affordable electricity is key to powering economic growth and unlocking private-sector investment that creates thousands of good jobs here in British Columbia,” Premier David Eby, said.

“These new projects will significantly expand our electricity supply – making B.C. a clean-energy superpower, while ensuring rates are affordable for people and for industries looking to expand.”

The projects are:

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• Boulder and Elkhart Wind Project (Southern Interior) – 94 megawatt hour production
• Highland Valley Wind Project (Souther Interior) – 197 megawatt hour production
• K2 Wind Power (Southern Interior) – 160 megawatt hour production
• Mount Mable Wind Project (Southern Interior) – 143 megawatt hour production
• Nilht’l Ecoener Project (Central Interior) – 140 megawatt hour production
• Brewster Wind Project (Vancouver Island) – 197 megawatt hour production
• Nithi Mountain Wind Project (North Coast) – 200 megawatt hour production
• Stewart Creek Wind Project (Peace) 200 megawatt hour production
• Taylor Wind Project (Peace) – 200 megawatt hour production

The province said these projects, which were projected to produce enough energy to power 500,000 new homes once online, would generate between $5- and $6-billion in private capital spending throughout the province.

“We need these new energy generation projects urgently to meet growing demand for power and accelerate our efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive clean economy,” Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, said.

“Now that the projects have been selected, we’re going to work together with B.C. Hydro, First Nations and proponents to get these projects built quickly, responsibly and efficiently, and get those turbines spinning.”

The province noted the cost of wind had dropped significantly over the past several years, stating the average price of these projects would be 40 per cent lower than than it would have been in 2010, adjusting for the current dollar value, and adding that having these wind farms online will diversify B.C.’s energy generation sources.

First Nations were consulted and included as partners in these projects, including the Upper Nicola Band, Westbank First Nation, Lower Nicola Indian Band, and Ashcroft Indian Band in the Southern Interior.

“First Nations have been leading the clean energy sector, developing projects that further energy independence, creating new economic opportunities for everyone, and powering their communities,” Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said.

“First Nation leadership is essential to moving B.C. to a better future where we achieve our clean energy goals.”