Phase II – Community-Based Biomass Projects RFQ Questions & Answers

Print This Page

The following are frequently asked questions and BC Hydro's answers to the questions about the Bioenergy Call Phase II – Community-Based Biomass Projects RFQ (Phase II CBB).

BC Hydro's answers are only for general information and do not constitute legal or other advice.

November 18, 2009

12. On February 18, 2009, the B.C. Court of Appeal issued two decisions which have significant implications for BC Hydro's role in First Nations consultation with respect to the proposed sale of power to BC Hydro. The decisions are the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council v. British Columbia Utilities Commission, (2009 BCCA 67) and the Kwikwetlem First Nation v. British Columbia Utilities Commission (2009 BCCA 68). How will these decisions impact Bioenergy Call Phase II?
As Phase II of the Bioenergy Call is still in relatively early stages, BC Hydro has the ability to incorporate new requirements with respect to First Nations consultation into call documents and timelines. BC Hydro will update the Bioenergy Phase II website as new information on both the Community-Based Biomass (CBB) and Biomass Projects (BP) streams becomes available.

Please see First Nations Consultation for information on BC Hydro's role with respect to First Nations consultation.

March 31, 2009

11. What is the timeline for Phase II CBB and what types of projects will be eligible?
High-level schedules and draft eligibility criteria have been released and can be found on the Documents page.

10. How is the fuel eligibility different in Phase II than in Phase I?
In the Phase I RFP, fuel was limited to forest based biomass, including sawmill and pulp mill residues, roadside debris and standing timber. In Phase II, all forms of biomass identified under the Province's Clean or Renewable Electricity Definitions [PDF, 38 Kb] will be eligible.

9. How will BC Hydro evaluate other local benefits in Phase II CBB?
BC Hydro will be seeking input on methods for identifying, quantifying and evaluating other local benefits in ways that also demonstrate continued focus on cost-effective electricity supply and fair process.

8. Are projects in non-integrated areas eligible?
Under the 2007 BC Energy Plan, BC Hydro has direction to consider alternative electricity sources and energy efficiency measures in energy planning for remote communities.

The needs of non-integrated areas are being addressed through other initiatives and call processes, and may result in new bioenergy projects in BC Hydro's non-integrated service areas. As a result, biomass generation projects that cannot be connected to the integrated electricity system will not be eligible to participate.

For more information on BC Hydro's programs for remote communities and non-integrated (off-grid) areas, contact Non-Integrated Areas at 1 866 901 8088.

7. Will greenfield and brownfield projects be eligible in Phase II?
Yes, both types of projects will be eligible for Phase II.

6. Will these projects require Environmental Assessment approval or local zoning approval?
The permits, licences and authorizations required prior to project construction will vary depending on the Project. Projects could require local zoning approval if they are new sites, whereas existing facilities may not require any zoning changes.

March 5, 2009

5. What is the Bioenergy Call for Power – Phase II?
Phase II will encourage opportunities for clean, carbon-neutral energy from biomass fuel sources, including underutilized forest-based biomass (e.g. trees and wood chips) and those using other forms of biomass derived from renewable organic matter such as crops, aquatic plants, manure or clean, organically sourced material separated from municipal solid waste. The biomass source used as fuel must comply with the Province's Clean or Renewable Electricity Definitions [PDF, 38 Kb].

4. How is Phase II different from Phase I?
Phase II will involve two separate streams. Building on what was accomplished in Phase I, the Biomass Project stream will focus on the use of underutilized forest-based biomass to produce clean, carbon-neutral electricity, widen the scope to any form of biomass, and include wood sourced from new forest tenure enabled through new provincial legislation in May 2008. Consideration will be given to value variations proposed regarding fuel risk.

It also introduces a Community-Based Biomass stream aimed at exploring innovative, community-level electricity supply solutions that could provide cost-effective electricity to ratepayers as well as other tangible energy-related benefits at a local level such as improved reliability.

3. How much electricity is BC Hydro targeting in Phase II?
In keeping with its 2008 Long Term Acquisition Plan, BC Hydro is targeting a total of 1,000 GWh per year of energy generation in Phase II, through the first stream. BC Hydro may secure more or less than that amount, depending on the cost effectiveness of the proposals.

For the Community-Based Biomass stream, BC Hydro is seeking to identify at least two smaller-scale projects.

2. Will unsuccessful projects from Phase I be eligible?
Yes, such projects can compete again provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

1. How can I participate in the Bioenergy Call Phase II process?
BC Hydro will continue to provide updates as more information is developed. Continue to check this website for updates and request to be added to our mailing list for notifications.