British Columbia is considering two new large hydroelectric projects as part of a sweeping strategy to meet electricity demand projected to rise 20% by 2030 and 50% by 2050.
The plan, Powering Growth, Fueling Opportunity, sets out a three-pronged approach focused on conserving electricity, optimising BC Hydro’s existing infrastructure and building new generation and transmission projects. The strategy comes as peak electricity demand is forecast to increase by 44% over the coming decades, driven by population growth, electrification and industrial development.
“This is B.C. and BC Hydro’s defining opportunity to build on our clean energy advantage,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Rising demand for clean electricity is a good thing and shows our plans to build B.C. and grow our economy are working. Now, we’re planning ahead with renewed long-term vision to power growing communities, support industry and keep our economy strong.”
The province already generates 98% of its electricity from clean and renewable sources, with hydropower forming the backbone of the system. Recent additions, including the John Horgan Dam and Generating Station, formerly known as Site C, together with new renewable energy procurement and efficiency programmes, are expected to increase overall electricity supply by 25% – enough to power around 1.5 million homes.
However, officials say additional firm and flexible resources will be needed to maintain reliability as demand rises.
Under the new strategy, BC Hydro will continue investing in upgrades to existing hydroelectric assets through its Resource Smart programme. The utility is adding a sixth generating unit at Revelstoke Generating Station and upgrading generating units at the G.M. Shrum Generating Station, alongside other system improvements.
Together, these projects are expected to add more than 1,000 MW of dependable capacity to the system – equivalent to around a 7% increase – while avoiding the higher costs and environmental impacts associated with greenfield developments.
“Generations of building trades members have built the hydro infrastructure British Columbians have depended upon,” said Brynn Bourke, executive director, BC Building Trades. “We’re excited to support BC Hydro as it enters this next chapter to optimize and build the future projects and the energy our province will need.”
The most notable element of the plan is the province’s decision to begin exploring two potential new large hydroelectric developments.
BC Hydro is in the early stages of assessing Site E on the Peace River, which could provide up to 750 MW of capacity, and the Homathko project near Bute Inlet, which could add up to 900 MW.
While the government stressed that no decisions have been made and both projects remain at an exploratory stage, the move signals a renewed willingness to consider large hydropower as part of British Columbia’s long-term energy mix.
The utility is also evaluating other sources of firm clean power, including geothermal energy, expanded biomass generation, utility-scale battery storage of up to 400 MW and emerging technologies designed to improve system flexibility.
At the same time, BC Hydro is planning significant transmission investments to connect new sources of power and support industrial growth. The proposed North Coast Transmission Line would more than double transmission capacity between Prince George and Terrace, while upgrades are also planned across the Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Energy efficiency remains the first pillar of the strategy. BC Hydro’s recently launched Power Smart 2.0 programme represents more than C$1 billion of investment over three years and is expected to deliver 800 MW of capacity savings and 2,200 GWh of annual energy savings by 2030 – enough electricity to power 220,000 homes.
“As we look ahead, our focus is clear: conserve, optimize and build,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “By taking action across all three areas, we’re ensuring we can meet growing demand, keep electricity affordable and maintain a reliable system for our customers.”
For the hydropower sector, the strategy represents a potentially significant shift. British Columbia already operates one of North America’s largest hydroelectric systems, and the decision to investigate two new large-scale schemes alongside major upgrades to existing facilities suggests hydropower will remain central to the province’s plans to meet rising demand and support economic growth for decades to come.
