CanWEA: Britsh Columbia Government called on to consider all renewable energy options

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) has called on the Government of British Columbia to consider a broader range of cost-competitive, clean energy options as it determines whether or not to proceed with the Site C hydroelectric project.

“Wind energy now represents the bulk of British Columbia’s lowest-cost, emission free renewable energy generation opportunities,” says Robert Hornung, CanWEA president. “British Columbia has an abundance of world-class wind sites that can be developed flexibly on a scale that matches changing economic conditions and electricity demand, addresses environmental concerns, and reduces the potential financial risks of new electricity generation to British Columbia ratepayers and taxpayers.”

The government has given conditional environmental approval to British Columbia Hydro’s proposed Site C dam on the Peace River.  The Province must still decide whether Site C is the best investment decision for generating new, large-scale electricity generation.

Hornung says that wind energy developments already enjoy the strong support of First Nations and British Columbians.

“Wind is producing enough electricity to power every household in northern Britsh Columbia,” he says, “and continues to help spread economic benefits to many more British Columbia communities; creating permanent revenue streams and sustainable jobs in local communities and for First Nations interested in participating in the development and ownership of clean energy projects that will bring new revenues to their communities.”

Hornung adds that despite these numerous advantages, wind energy development in Britsh Columbia faces an uncertain future.

“Investment markets are competitive, and the absence of a clear signal from the Britsh Columbia Government to seek more wind energy in its electricity system means that wind energy investors will soon shift resources to more promising markets – representing a significant lost opportunity for British Columbia,” he says. “Leadership in clean energy in Britsh Columbia means all electricity supply options – including wind – are considered and assessed to ensure that next-generation power assets offer the greatest benefit at the lowest economic and environmental cost to all British Columbians.”

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