The province and BC Hydro will be building a 100 megawatt battery storage project in North Cowichan, officials announced on Monday, July 20.
The project will be the first of its kind in the province. The purpose of the utility-scale battery energy storage project is to strengthen reliability and prepare for the growing electricity demand in the region as the island continues to experience population growth, housing development, economic investment and increasing electrification.
“This first project will help ensure we continue delivering reliable electricity to our customers as demand grows across Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia,” said BC Hydro President and CEO Charlotte Mitha. “As the first utility-scale battery storage project in B.C., it will allow us to use a new technology that can store electricity when it is available and deliver it back to the grid when customers need it most. It is an important step in preparing our system for the future, while making the most of the infrastructure we already have.”
The announcement was made at the BC Hydro facility at 7056 Bell McKinnon Rd. just outside of Duncan. The battery storage facility will be built adjacent to the existing substation there.
“I’m thrilled that BC Hydro has selected the Cowichan Valley as the site for its very first battery energy storage system,” said Cowichan Valley MLA Debra Toporowski. “It recognizes the exciting growth and opportunity that we’re seeing in our region and around Vancouver Island, and provides added assurance that our communities and businesses will continue to benefit from a strong, resilient and modern regional electricity grid.”
Kicking off the speeches was B.C.’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix.
“As demand for electricity continues to grow throughout British Columbia, we are making strategic investments to continue to deliver reliable, affordable and clean power to homes and businesses,” said Dix.
Battery storage can respond within seconds to changing system conditions. The project will deliver at least 100 megawatts of battery storage capacity.
“This is a major milestone in our journey toward a modernized, clean and resilient electricity grid,” said Clean Energy BC Executive Director Stephen Rayner. “BC Hydro’s identification of 500 megawatts of potential battery storage across the province represents a significant economic opportunity for local businesses and First Nations partners. The clean-energy sector is ready to help deliver the expertise, innovation, partnerships and investment needed to build a reliable and competitive electricity system for generations to come.”
BC Hydro expects to own and operate the grid-scale battery energy storage system. On Thursday, July 30, BC Hydro will issue a request for supplier qualifications to identify and pre-qualify experienced companies capable of designing and delivering the project.
Based on a review of responses received to the request for supplier qualifications, a pool of respondents will be invited to participate in a request for proposals expected this year.
The new facility is targeted to be in service by 2030. By using BC Hydro owned land it will be efficiently integrated into the existing electricity system, while minimizing development impacts. To learn more about BC Hydro’s Powering Growth Plan visit bchydro.com.