2009 Phase II – Biomass Projects RFP

The Biomass Projects Request for Proposals (RFP) is a competitive call for larger-scale biomass projects. Any form of biomass will be eligible, including wood waste sourced from new forest tenure enabled through provincial legislation enacted in May 2008. The target is to acquire up to 1,000 GWh per year of cost-effective energy through this stream.

Project eligibility criteria are under development and designed to be consistent with the 2008 BC Bioenergy Strategy, BC Hydro's 2008 Long Term Acquisition Plan (LTAP) and past calls. It is expected the criteria will specify that projects need to:

• Use biomass as fuel to generate electricity;
• Meet the Province's Clean or Renewable Electricity Definitions [PDF, 38 Kb];
• Be entirely located in British Columbia;
• Have the ability to connect to BC Hydro's integrated electricity system;
• Be able to provide a comprehensive fuel supply plan;
• Use proven technology.

October 9, 2009 Update

BC Hydro is continuing to work to resolve key aspects of the Biomass Projects RFP. These include:

• Analysis and development of potential fuel risk sharing options and mechanisms.
• Supporting the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the Ministry of Forests and Range to analyze the contribution of bioenergy as part of a broader innovative, integrated solution that helps to maximize the value of forest fibre, meet B.C.'s clean and renewable energy needs, and promote sustainable rural communities.
• Consideration and integration of new First Nations-related requirements into RFP design.
• Refining the eligibility criteria to limit participation by customers who are eligible to receive funding under the Government of Canada's Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program.

To maximize the opportunity of having a successful RFP, BC Hydro is holding off on issuance of the Biomass Projects RFP until all aspects noted above are fully addressed.

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