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Generation options

wind turbines, clean energy

We regularly update our generation options for powering B.C.

At BC Hydro, we frequently monitor our inventory of electricity supply options to better plan for continued delivery of clean and reliable power down the road. Those options include emerging technologies around power generation and storage, as well as conservation measures, which we call demand-side management.

Demand-side management options reduce energy and peak demand through conservation and include programs, codes and standards, and rate structures.

Generation options essential to long-term plans

Supply and demand options are important inputs into our Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Our most recent IRP development process is called Clean Power 2040, and it’s our strategy for how we’ll meet the province’s electricity needs over the next 20 years.

Understanding new technologies and trends

Technology change is altering the cost and benefits of emerging power generation technologies. For example, new kinds of battery storage and solar technologies are already causing major shifts in the electricity industry.

For our 2020 resource options update, we took a close look at these technologies. And we’ve updated our existing and commercially operational technologies, such as run-of-river, and biomass.

Resource options and related documents

View our resource option reports via the expandable links below.

2019 to 2020 Resource option updates

2015 Resource options update

Resource option characterization

Results summary

Technical engagement summary

Scoping of technical issues

Geothermal

Natural gas-fired generation

Run-of-river

Small storage hydro

Solar

Wind

Wood-based biomass

Resource integration

Technical Review Committee Meeting

2013 Resource options report update

Report

Appendices

Resource Options Geometric Locations & Associated Attribute Information

2013 Resource Options Geometric Locations & Associated Attribute Information (GIS software required)* [ZIP, 1.1 MB]

*The 2013 Resource Options Report (ROR) Update data consists of survey level assessments based on: (1) information available at the time of preparation; (2) data supplied by outside sources; and (3) assumptions, conditions and qualifications. The assessment is at a level of detail and accuracy that is only appropriate for long-term resource planning and portfolio analysis, and is not considered sufficiently accurate to establish the characteristics of site-specific resource options for development or acquisition purposes. Use of or reliance on the ROR data by any third party is at that party's sole risk.

2010 Resource options report

2010 Resource Options Report [PDF, 2.1 MB]

2010 Resource Options Geometric Locations & Associated Attribute Information (GIS software required)* [ZIP, 968 KB]

*The Resource Options Report (ROR) data consists of survey level assessments based on: (1) information available at the time of preparation; (2) data supplied by outside sources; and (3) assumptions, conditions and qualifications. The assessment is at a level of detail and accuracy that is only appropriate for long-term resource planning and portfolio analysis, and is not considered sufficiently accurate to establish the characteristics of site-specific resource options for development or acquisition purposes. Use of or reliance on the ROR data by any third party is at that party's sole risk.

2008 Resource option updates

A three-stage engagement approach has been used to update the resource option information.

Please see the table below for specific session dates and for materials, such as presentations, session notes or reports.
 

Stage 1 – Determine scope

Stage 2 – Update Resources

Small hydro

Biomass

Wind

Coal-fired generation

Natural gas-fired generation

Large hydro

Stage 3 – Report results

2005 Resource option report