Considering Energy Options
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Even with conservation, purchases from independent power producers, and reinvestment in existing generation assets, we will need to explore additional sources of power in British Columbia that can provide a large, dependable supply of electricity throughout the year.

BC Hydro remains committed to investigating all large-scale options that can fulfill the BC Energy Plan's goal of providing clean energy to British Columbians. Our province is fortunate to have several resource options, including hydroelectric dams, biomass facilities, clean coal facilities (not yet available) or natural gas plants. Each option presents unique advantages and disadvantages.

Analysis of energy alternatives is generally done as part of BC Hydro's energy planning process, which incorporates developing Integrated Electricity Plans (IEP) and Long-Term Acquisition Plans (LTAP) on a regular basis. Both plans are filed with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for review and consideration.

In 2006, BC Hydro prepared a combined 2006 IEP/LTAP, and Site C was identified as an attractive potential resource option. Some stakeholders, however, expressed interest in having updated information about Site C, through project-specific studies and consultation, before being able to compare Site C to energy alternatives. BC Hydro filed its 2008 LTAP in June which includes a description of energy options for meeting B.C.'s long term electricity needs.

As part of the Stage 2 review of Site C, BC Hydro is seeking input from stakeholders and the public about key factors to consider in evaluating Site C as a potential resource option. A summary of energy options, and their attributes, are summarized in the table below.

B.C.'s Potential Electricity Resources
Resource	Financial Cost	Energy Quality and Capacity	Environmental Impact
			Air*	Land	Water
Conservation	Low operating cost No fuel cost Can require initial capital investment	Reliable reduction in firm energy requirements Reliable reduction in dependable capacity requirements	None	None	None
Small hydro (run-of-river)	Low operating cost Water rentals Large initial capital investment	Intermittent - seasonal Low dependable capacity	None	Affects wildlife habitat, traditional and recreational uses	Diverts a portion of stream flow; may impact recreational uses
Large hydro (such as Site C)	Low operating cost Water rentals Large initial capital investment	Flexible, firm energy Dependable capacity	Minimal	Affects wildlife habitat, traditional and recreational uses, agriculture	Changes portion of river flooded; may affect flows downstream and fish habitat
Natural gas**	Low operating cost Significant fuel cost Moderate capital investment	Flexible, firm energy Dependable capacity	Nitrous oxides largely controllable; carbon dioxide emissions must be offset	Limited to plant site	Consumptive water use
Clean coal	Even split between fuel cost (coal) and service on capital	Firm, base-load energy Dependable capacity	Some sulphur oxide or mercury emissions; carbon dioxide emissions must be captured	Footprint would include mine and transportation infrastructure	Consumptive water use
Geothermal	Low operating cost No fuel cost Large initial capital investment	Reliable, firm energy Dependable capacity	None	Limited to plant site	Consumptive water use
Wind	Low operating cost No fuel cost Large initial capital investment	Intermittent Low dependable capacity	None	Visual impact of towers and may affect wildlife such as bats and birds	Potential impacts on ocean floor, mammals and fisheries at some offshore sites
Biomass	Low operating cost Low to moderate fuel cost Large initial capital investment	Firm, base-load energy Dependable capacity	Dependent upon fuel burned; possible local air impacts	Limited to plant site	Consumptive water use
Solar	Low operating cost No fuel cost Large initial capital investment	Intermittent Low dependable capacity	None	Utilizes buildings; no change to existing footprint	None
Tidal	Moderate operating cost No fuel cost Large initial capital investment	Intermittent Low dependable capacity	None	Limited to powerhouse footprint	May affect fish, marine mammals and fishing operations

*Based on emissions during operation. However, all resources except conservation have a greenhouse gas impact during construction and filling of reservoirs (for hydro with storage).

**The BC Energy Plan mandated that 90 per cent of total electricity continues to be clean or renewable, which means no more than 10 per cent may be generated through options such as coal or natural gas.

Last Modified: Jun 24, 2009

Planning & Regulatory