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- Watch the operational impact on Advanced Energy & Carbon Systems.
- Primary sector: Advanced Energy & Carbon Systems
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BC Hydro announced plans to construct a substantial battery energy storage system (BESS) near the Vancouver Island Terminal Substation in Duncan. The facility will provide at least 100 megawatts of flexible battery capacity, marking the first utility-scale battery storage investment under BC Hydro’s Powering Growth plan. This project is designed to enhance grid reliability and support increasing electricity demand across Vancouver Island and British Columbia.
The move addresses growing electrification needs throughout the province, particularly from electric vehicles and residential use. Charlotte Mitha, CEO of BC Hydro, stated that owning and operating this system will allow the utility to utilize new technology capable of storing excess electricity and delivering it back to the grid when demand peaks. The company anticipates the facility will be operational by 2030.
The planned 100 MW BESS requires BC Hydro to manage complex supply chain qualification processes while balancing immediate grid needs against long-term infrastructure modernization goals.
BC Hydro plans to issue a request for supplier qualifications soon, aiming to pre-qualify experienced companies that can design and deliver the project. Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix emphasized that reliable power is critical for economic growth and supporting clean energy adoption across B.C., noting it strengthens the existing infrastructure.
The Powering Growth plan frames this investment as a strategy relying on conservation, optimizing current assets, and strategic future investments to meet rising demand. While the facility will help support growing communities, its development signals BC Hydro's commitment to integrating intermittent clean energy sources into a more robust system.
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