Site C: Considering Energy Options
We need to pursue additional sources of electricity in B.C.
Even with conservation, purchases from independent power producers, and reinvestment in existing generation assets, we will need to explore additional sources of power in British Columbia that can provide a large, dependable supply of electricity throughout the year.
BC Hydro remains committed to investigating all large-scale options that can fulfill the BC Energy Plan's goal of providing clean energy to British Columbians. Our province is fortunate to have several resource options, including hydroelectric dams, biomass facilities, clean coal facilities (not yet available) or natural gas plants. Each option presents unique advantages and disadvantages.
Analysis of energy alternatives is generally done as part of BC Hydro's energy planning process, which incorporates developing Integrated Electricity Plans (IEP) and Long-Term Acquisition Plans (LTAP) on a regular basis. Both plans are filed with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for review and consideration.
In 2006, BC Hydro prepared a combined 2006 IEP/LTAP, and Site C was identified as an attractive potential resource option. Some stakeholders, however, expressed interest in having updated information about Site C, through project-specific studies and consultation, before being able to compare Site C to energy alternatives. BC Hydro filed its 2008 LTAP in June which includes a description of energy options for meeting B.C.'s long term electricity needs.
As part of the Stage 2 review of Site C, BC Hydro is seeking input from stakeholders and the public about key factors to consider in evaluating Site C as a potential resource option. A summary of energy options, and their attributes, are summarized in the table below.
B.C.'s Potential Electricity Resources
|
Resource |
Financial Cost |
Energy Quality |
Capability |
Environmental Impact |
||
|
Air * |
Land |
Water |
||||
| Small hydro (run-of-river) |
Low operating cost Water rentals Large initial capital investment |
Intermittent – seasonal | Low dependable capacity | None | Affects wildlife habitat, traditional and recreational uses | Diverts a portion of stream flow; may impact recreational uses |
| Large hydro (such as Site C) |
Low operating cost Water rentals Large initial capital investment |
Flexible, firm energy | Dependable capacity | Minimal | Affects wildlife habitat, traditional and recreational uses, agriculture | Changes portion of river flooded; may affect flows downstream and fish habitat |
| Conservation |
Low operating cost No fuel cost Can require initial capital investment |
Reliable reduction in firm energy requirements | Reliable reduction in dependable capacity requirements | None | None | None |
| Natural gas |
Low operating cost Significant fuel cost Moderate capital investment |
Flexible, firm energy | Dependable capacity | Nitrous oxides largely controllable; carbon dioxide emissions must be offset** | Limited to plant site | Consumptive water use |
| Coal | Even split between fuel cost (coal) and service on capital | Firm, base-load energy | Dependable capacity | Some sulphur oxide or mercury emissions; carbon dioxide emissions must be captured** | Footprint would include mine and transportation infrastructure | Consumptive water use |
| Wind |
Low operating cost No fuel cost Large initial capital investment |
Intermittent | Low dependable capacity | None | Visual impact of towers and may affect wildlife | Potential impacts on ocean floor, mammals and fisheries at some offshore sites |
| Biomass † |
Low operating cost Low to moderate fuel cost Large initial capital investment |
Firm, base-load energy | Dependable capacity | Dependent upon fuel burned; possible local air impacts | Limited to plant site | Consumptive water use |
| Solar |
Low operating cost No fuel cost Large initial capital investment |
Intermittent | Low dependable capacity | None | Utilizes buildings; no change to existing footprint | None |
| Tidal |
Moderate operating cost No fuel cost Large initial capital investment |
Intermittent | Low dependable capacity | None | Limited to powerhouse footprint | May affect fish, marine mammals and fishing operations |
† Biomass: Plant material, vegetation or agricultural waste used as a fuel or energy source.
* Based on emissions during operation. However, all resources except conservation have a greenhouse gas impact during construction
and filling of reservoirs (for hydro with storage).
** In addition, the BC Energy Plan mandated that 90 per cent of total electricity continues to be clean or renewable, which means no more than 10 per cent may
be generated through options such as coal or natural gas.
