BC Hydro building Vancouver Island’s first battery energy storage project near Duncan

The BC government and BC Hydro are planning Vancouver Island’s first utility-scale battery energy storage project near Duncan. 

According to the Province, this endeavour will help strengthen reliability and prepare for growing electricity demand in the region.

Once completed, the project will have a capacity for at least 100 megawatts of battery storage capacity, which will store power when electricity demand is lower and provide energy when demand is highest. 

This project will reportedly maximize the use of existing electricity infrastructure, providing a more resilient system for Vancouver Island’s growing communities.

“As demand for electricity continues to grow throughout British Columbia, we are making strategic investments to continue to deliver reliable, affordable and clean power to homes and businesses,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. 

“BC’s first utility-scale battery storage facility will help power the Island and is a key part of BC Hydro’s Powering Growth plan to strengthen our electricity system and support the province’s future growth.”

Beginning Thursday, July 30th, BC Hydro will put out a request for supplier qualifications to find experienced companies capable of designing and delivering the project.

Once identified, a pool of respondents will be invited to participate in a request for proposals later this year.

“This first project will help ensure we continue delivering reliable electricity to our customers as demand grows across Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO at BC Hydro. 

“As the first utility-scale battery storage project in BC, it will allow us to use a new technology that can store electricity when it is available and deliver it back to the grid when customers need it most.”

After the Province conducted a comprehensive assessment a site was selected for this project that is adjacent to the Vancouver Island Terminal Substation near Duncan. 

Because this land is already owned by BC Hydro, the facility will be integrated into the existing electricity system, thus minimizing development impacts.

According to the BC government, the facility is projected to be completed by 2030.