BC Hydro seeking biomass projects to benefit B.C. communities
VANCOUVER – BC Hydro has issued a request for qualifications for innovative, community-based biomass projects. BC Hydro is seeking projects no larger than five megawatts that produce electricity from carbon-neutral biomass sources and create local or regional economic benefits.
"We are encouraging communities, First Nations, municipalities and renewable power producers to step forward with their ideas for small-scale electricity production," said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. "This process for small projects helps meet the B.C. Energy Plan's goal of electricity self-sufficiency while also generating economic opportunities within the province."
"Community-level electricity that is produced and consumed locally is potentially a significant part of British Columbia's energy future," said Bev Van Ruyven, BC Hydro Acting President and CEO. "These community-based projects will use carbon-neutral biomass fuel sources to provide cost-effective power for the BC Hydro grid, and will provide additional benefits to the community such as improved reliability."
Biomass projects must be no larger than five megawatts and must meet the province's definition of clean or renewable electricity [PDF]. This includes underutilized forest-based biomass (for example, trees and wood chips) and other forms of biomass from renewable organic matter, such as crops, aquatic plants, manure or clean organically sourced material separated from municipal solid waste.
BC Hydro is seeking to qualify at least two community-based projects with which it will negotiate after the request for qualifications process is complete. Those negotiations may result in electricity purchase agreements. BC Hydro is planning workshops to assist registered respondents in better understanding submission requirements.
Contact:
Dag Sharman
Media Relations
Phone: 604 623 4022