Thermal Generation

Alternative energy souces

Another of BC Hydro's alternative energy sources is thermal generation. This involves burning fuel to produce hot gases or steam to drive gas or steam turbines that are connected to generators.

BC Hydro operates combustion turbine generating stations at both Prince Rupert and Fort Nelson. The 46 MW Prince Rupert Generating Station is primarily intended to provide short-term energy during transmission interruptions in this area; it is also permitted to operate 300 days a year using natural gas as the primary fuel source. Fort Nelson, a combined-cycle 73 MW plant, can be run only on natural gas with waste heat being captured to generate additional power via a steam turbine. It provides energy to the Fort Nelson area during transmission outages and is continuously providing energy to the system grid.

The Prince Rupert and Fort Nelson stations are registered with the environmental international standard, ISO 14001.