The B.C. government has granted approval for nine wind energy projects — including one on Vancouver Island — so as to help power the province’s economy and illuminate 500,000 homes, Premier David Eby declared on Monday.
B.C. Hydro opted the wind power projects immediately after gaining a strong response to its call for fresh renewable power-generation operations, he further stated at a news conference.
As per Eby, the development and construction will lead to private spending of $5 billion to $6 billion on the projects, in which four will be located in Vancouver Island, four in the North and four in the B.C Interior.
“We need more electricity,” Eby stated, further adding the probability of more people, more jobs and more companies in B.C. will result in increased need for clean, renewable energy. “We also want companies to switch away from polluting fuels that can add to climate change. To put it all together, we need a lot more juice and that’s what this announcement is about.”
Eby additionally stated that the nine wind energy projects will annually supply about 5,000 gigawatts of energy, advancing B.C. Hydro’s power supply by eight per cent.
The projects are targeted for its completion by 2031 at the latest where eight of them have a 51 per cent Indigenous equity ownership, he added.
On Vancouver Island, Wei Wai Kum First Nation and Capstone Infrastructure have grouped for the Brewster Wind Project, about 40 kilometres northwest of Campbell River, with a capacity of up to 200 megawatts, comprising of about 30 wind turbines.
The news of the power supply overlaps with a report released by the Business Council of British Columbia, which indicated concerns about the province’s economic future due to the wrapping up of mega projects like the Site C hydroelectric dam and a possible decline in private sector investment
The council’s report said B.C. faces an “economic plateau,” and with no major projects scheduled, the province’s upcoming remains uncertain.
“Where will B.C.’s economic growth come from is the question we’re asking,” announced the report’s co-author Ken Peacock, the business council’s chief economist, in a statement.
According to Peacock, the research recommended quick action as Canada’s trade relations became progressively unstable, especially with possible US policies that would impose tariffs on imports of Canadian and Mexican products.
According to Eby, the business council report was made public on the same day that British Columbia made a major announcement that could drastically affect the province’s future as a leader in clean power and an economic generator.
