Megawatt: British Columbia Renewable Energy Law Blog

Breaking News: Clean Power Call Awards

Warren Brazier — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:43:12 -0800

Just announced by BC Hydro, 19 projects have been selected for an award of an electricity purchase agreement under BC Hydro's Clean Power Call.

More to come.

BC's 2010 Throne Speech - Untapping BC's Clean Energy Potential

Warren Brazier — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:47:48 -0800

Today, the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia delivered the Speech from the Throne (click to read), which opened the Second Session of the 39th Parliament of British Columbia.

The 2010 Olympics and the economy were principal topics of course, but the BC government's commitment to revamping the Province's clean energy industry also featured prominently. Below are some of the highlights from the Speech relevant to the clean energy sector:

The BC government will take a fresh look at B.C.'s regulatory regimes, including the BC Utilities Commission.
BC can harness [BC's untapped energy] potential to generate new wealth and new jobs in its communities while it lower greenhouse gas emissions within and beyond our borders.
Clean energy is a cornerstone of BC's Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one‑third by 2020.
Building on the contributions of the Green Energy Advisory Task Force, the BC government will launch a comprehensive strategy to put BC at the forefront of clean energy development.
BC has enormous potential in bioenergy, run‑of‑river, wind, geothermal, tidal, wave and solar energy. We will put it to work for our economy.
The BC government will introduce a new Clean Energy Act to encourage new investments in independent power production while also strengthening BC Hydro.
- It will provide for fair, predictable, clean power calls.
- It will feature simplified procurement protocols and new measures to encourage investment and the jobs that flow with it.
New investment partnerships in infrastructure that encourage and enable clean modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles, hydrogen‑powered vehicles and vehicles powered by compressed natural gas and liquid natural gas, will be pursued.
The BC government will support new jobs and private sector investment in wood pellet plants, cellulosic ethanol production, biomass gasification technologies and fuel cell technologies.
Bioenergy creates new uses for waste wood and beetle‑killed forests and new jobs for forest workers.
A new receiving license will give bioenergy producers new certainty of fiber supply, while a new stand‑as‑a‑whole pricing system will encourage utilization of logging residues and low‑grade material that was previously burned or left on the forest floor.
The BC government will optimize existing generation facilities and report on the Site C review this spring.
- It will develop and capture B.C.'s unique capability to firm and shape the intermittent power supply that characterizes new sources of clean energy to deliver reliable, competitively‑priced, clean power — where and when it is needed most.
New conservation measures, smart meters and in‑home displays will help maximize energy savings. New smart grid investments and net metering will provide more choices and opportunities for reduced energy costs and more productive use of electricity.
New transmission investments will open up the Highway 37 corridor to new mines and clean power.
New transmission infrastructure will link Northeastern B.C. to our integrated grid, provide clean power to the energy industry and open up new capacity for clean power exports to Alberta, Saskatchewan and south of the border.
We will seek major transmission upgrades with utilities in California and elsewhere.
If the Province act with clear vision and concerted effort now, in 2030, people will look back to this decade as we look to the 1960s today.

With significant investment in green energy being made elsewhere, both in Canada and the US, we hope that today's Speech from the Throne demonstrates the BC government's commitment to building the Provincial economy in part with the support of the clean energy sector.

BCUC Approves BC Hydro's $825M Purchase of 1/3 of Waneta Dam

Warren Brazier — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:35:11 -0800

Following up on an earlier blog post, today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission approved BC Hydro's request to purchase a 1/3 interest of the Waneta Dam from Teck Metals Ltd., calling it "in the public interest". See the attached order from the BCUC.

The BCUC also determined that BC Hydro's consultations with First Nations with respect to the Waneta Transaction were adequate and upheld the honour of the Crown. The BCUC's reasons for the decision will be released at a later date.

When the transaction closes, the Waneta Dam, located in Trail, BC, will provide BC Hydro with access to 167MW of firm capacity and 890 GWh/year of energy. Adding the interest in the Waneta Dam will also help the Province meet its electricity self-sufficiency objectives.

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Vancouver's Green Olympics

Warren Brazier — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:49:14 -0800

With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games set to leap out of the starting gate on February 12, we thought it would appropriate to highlight some of the initiatives that are helping make the 2010 Vancouver Games the "greenest" and most sustainable Olympic games ever.

As the Globe and Mail reported last week, in Whistler, BC, the sight of the alpine skiing and sliding events for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., is days away generating electricity from its $33 million 7.9 megawatt small-scale hydroelectric facility on Fitzsimmons Creek. Innergex signed a 40 year electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro and the Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Electric Project will generate an estimated 33,000 MWh annually of green electrons, enough to supply the two ski resorts at Whistler and Blackcomb.

BC Hydro, which produces 80% of the Province's electricity from major hydro-electric generating stations located on the Columbia and Peace Rivers, and BCTC will be providing most of the electricity for the Olympic venues, but some venues will have IOC mandated diesel power generators as added redundancy for broadcasting and scorekeeping purposes. As the Vancouver Sun reported, this has been no small task, especially with respect to the International Broadcast Centre.

Other notable "green" initiatives involving the 2010 Olympic Games include:

To help offset an individual's carbon footprint while attending the Games, official Olympic supplier Offsetters is offering an official Olympic pin in return for your purchase of one tonne of carbon offsets ($25). Offsetter's has set up a booth at the Vancouver International Airport where the carbon offsets may be purchased.

As we previously blogged about, Canada Hockey Place and the other skating venues will feature electric ice-resurfacer's (zamboni's), which will no doubt be very busy during the Games.

The City of Vancouver recently revealed North America's first neighbourhood energy centre which uses sewage to create enough heat and hot water for the Olympic Village site and thousands of residences and businesses in the southeast False Creek area of Vancouver. The $30 million facility will use heat recovered from untreated waste water to heat the neighbourhood in lieu of traditional gas or electric heat. Here is the Vancouver Sun's recent article profiling the facility.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler recently upgraded its waste water treatment plant which will be used to heat and cool the athlete's village in Whistler.

Even Olympic sponsor Coca-Cola will use the Games to demonstrate new non-hydro fluorocarbon using vending machines at 1,400 locations.

Vancouver's own Pulse Energy, an energy management software company, has set up a fascinating website that provides real-time energy consumption at selected Olympic venues.

Finally, while not an Olympic venue, but certainly a landmark nobody will miss overlooking the City of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain's 1.5 MW wind turbine is expected to operational in time for the start of the Games. Be sure to check out the turbine's unique viewing deck located 57m above the ground.

The 2010 Games are turning out to be an excellent showcase for BC's low-carbon business innovation and the Province's natural endowment of green energy resources. Kudos to those who have made this possible.

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February 3, 2010 Update. The David Suzuki Foundation awarded the Vancouver Olympics with bronze medal in a "climate scorecard". As the Vancouver Sun reported today, the Vancouver-based foundation gave the Olympic organizers credit for innovative and energy-efficient venues, and for mainly using clean hydroelectric energy but also alternatives such as waste heat from refrigeration systems, landfill methane, and ground-source heat pumps.

February 10 Update: Here is VANOC's press release on its sustainability report.

Update: Section 5 Transmission Inquiry Suspended

Warren Brazier — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:42:06 -0800

Following up on an earlier blog post, on Tuesday, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources sent a letter to the British Columbia Utilities Commission advising it that the Section 5 Transmission Inquiry has been suspended until May 31, 2010.

Here is a copy of the Minister's letter to the BCUC.

As the Minister explains in his letter, the reason for the suspension is in part due to the role of the Green Energy Advisory Task Force which is currently sitting and the Government's consideration and policy responses to the impending recommendations from the Task Force as they relate to the development of the electricity industry and thus, BC's long-term transmission and generation infrastructure needs.

New terms of reference for the Inquiry are expected from the Minister before May 31, 2010.

As a member of the Green Energy Advisory Task Force, I cannot provide any further comment on this recent development.

Update: Public Submissions Invited by Green Energy Advisory Task Force

Warren Brazier — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:17:07 -0800

The BC Government announced today that it wants to hear from the public about its ideas on the future of clean and renewable energy in British Columbia.

The Green Energy Advisory Task Force met for the first time over two days at the end of last week and it now invites submissions from the public on any of the four task force groups topics:

clean energy procurement and regulatory reform;
carbon pricing, trading and clean energy export market development;
community engagement and First Nations partnerships; and
clean energy resource development.

The public may make submissions directly to the Green Energy Advisory Task Force until December 31.

For more information on how to make a submission please see the Green Energy Advisory Task Force public submissions webpage (click for the link).

These are important topics, each having an impact on the future economic, environmental and community development of the province. The Province is welcoming the public's input on these topics.

BC's Green Energy Advisory Task Force

Warren Brazier — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:55:33 -0800

Following up on the BC Government's August 2009 throne speech and the Premier's announcement on November 2, 2009, today, the BC Government announced the members of, and the terms of reference for, BC's Green Energy Advisory Task Force.

Here is a copy of the press release, a link to the Green Energy Advisory Task Force website and the terms of reference.

Here is the weblink for public submissions, which can be made on any of the four task force topics until December 31.

I am very pleased to have been appointed to be a part of a team that will advance BC's long-term vision for green energy.

Reporting directly to the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action and Clean Energy, the Green Energy Advisory Task Force will comprise of the following 4 advisory task force groups:

Green Energy Advisory Task Force on Procurement and Regulatory Reform
This task force will recommend improvements to BC Hydro’s procurement and regulatory regimes to enhance clarity, certainty and competitiveness in promoting clean and cost-effective power generation; and identify possible improvements to future clean power calls and procurement processes.
Green Energy Advisory Task Force on Carbon Pricing, Trading and Export Market Development
This task force will develop recommendations to advance British Columbia’s interests in any future national or international cap and trade system, and to maximize the value of B.C.’s green-energy attributes in all power generated and distributed within and beyond B.C. borders. The task force will also develop recommendations on carbon-pricing policies and how to integrate these policies with any cap and trade system developed for B.C.
Green Energy Advisory Task Force on Community Engagement and First Nations Partnerships
This task force will develop recommendations to ensure that First Nations and communities see clear benefits from the development of clean and renewable electricity and have a clear opportunity for input in project development in their areas. It will work in partnership with First Nations, not only to respect their constitutional right, but to open up new opportunities for job creation and reflect the best practices in environmental protection.
Green Energy Advisory Task Force on Resource Development
This task force will identify impediments to and best practices for planning and permitting new clean, renewable-electricity generation to ensure that development happens in an environmentally sustainable way. The task force will also consider allocation of forest fibre to support energy development and invite input from solar, tidal, wave and other clean energy sectors to develop strategies to enhance their competitiveness.

BC has tremendous green energy potential and we are pleased that the government is taking steps that will help turn British Columbia's energy potential into real economic, environmental and social benefits for all British Columbians.

Update: BC's Clean Power Call - BC Hydro Narrows the Field

Warren Brazier — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:10:33 -0800

BC Hydro announced today that it has narrowed the field of proponents for its 2008 Clean Power Call and intends to award EPA's in December.

According to BC Hydro's press release, of the 68 proposals submitted in the response to the Call:

21 were eliminated either through proponent withdrawal, they did not meet the CPC requirements or were considered too high a risk;
13 were identified as the most cost-effective and are now moving forward with direct post-proposal discussions with BC Hydro with the goal of signing electricity purchase agreements (EPA's); and
34 still remain possible, provided the proposals are made more cost-effective.

Names of any of the 13 proponents or projects were not disclosed, but here is a list of the 47 projects that remain in the Call.

Of interest, here is the Vancouver Sun's story on the announcement.

As its press release indicates, BC Hydro intends to award EPA's in December and then plans to file the agreements with the BCUC in early 2010 for final approval pursuant to Section 71 of the BC Utilities Commission Act.

The Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources summed up these next steps and what it means to the province most appropriately:

Clean, renewable energy continues to be a cornerstone of B.C.'s Climate Action Plan. At the same time, the development of a clean energy sector will create jobs and new economic opportunities in B.C.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the development of a renewable power industry will mean B.C. will have more allowances to allocate to the cap and trade system, which is good for B.C.'s economy.

BC Hydro's announcement today and the impending award of EPA's under the Clean Power Call is welcomed good news for the renewable energy sector. But more importantly, the opportunity that clean power represents is great news for the future of our Province.

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BC's Bear Mountain Adds 102 MW to Canada's Current Installed Wind Energy Capacity

Warren Brazier — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:35:38 -0800

Following up on my earlier blog post, the Bear Mountain Wind Park is now officially open, online and generating electrons to the British Columbia power grid, bringing Canada's total current installed wind energy capacity to 2,956 MW.

The $200 million Bear Mountain project located near Dawson Creek, BC was completed on time and on budget. With a total capacity of 102 MW, the park will produce enough energy to power most of BC's South Peace region. Under the Government of Canada's ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program, the project will receive a one cent per kilowatt-hour incentive over the next ten years, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The project includes green attributes, which AltaGas can trade or sell to third parties. One of those third party purchaser's is Bullfrog Power.

The Canadian Wind Energy Association recently made the following announcements regarding the development of wind energy in Canada:

523 MW of new installed capacity in 2008;
2009 will be a record year for wind energy development in Canada with new installed capacity from wind energy projects totalling 790 MW; and
By the end of 2009, Canada will have 3,159 MW of installed capacity with wind developments operating in every province for the first time.

Click here for a map of Canada's current installed wind capacity (as of November, 2009).

With 19 wind projects bid into BC Hydro's 2008 Clean Power Call, British Columbians can expect more of their electricity to come from the natural power of the wind.

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BC Government Direction on Burrard Thermal & Clean Power Call Update

Warren Brazier — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:12:31 -0800

Yesterday, the British Columbia government clarified to the BC Utilities Commission its intention to end BC Hydro's reliance on the Burrard Thermal Generating Facility for its energy needs. See the attached press release.

Here is the Order-in-Council (Special Direction No. 2).

Oct 30 Update: Here is the Vancouver Sun's story on the matter.

The announcement states that effective immediately Burrard Thermal will no longer be used for planning purposes for firm energy. It will only be used for up to 900 megawatts of emergency capacity.

The Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister also stated that “in providing this direction, BC Hydro will replace the firm energy supply from Burrard Thermal with clean, renewable and cost-effective energy”. [Read: Clean Power Call and future power calls]

The government also re-affirmed its commitment to clean and renewable energy as a cornerstone to the Province's climate action plan that will propel the green economy. Electricity self-sufficiency and clean and renewable power generation are integral components to the Province's effort to reduce its carbon footprint and fight global warming.

Key in all of this to the renewable energy industry is that the government's decision on Burrard Thermal will allow BC Hydro to acquire 6,000 GWh of cost-effective, clean and renewable power. This will include up to 5,000 GWh from the Clean Power Call and up to 1,000 GWh from the Phase 2 Bioenergy Call for Power.

This is some much needed clarity and good news from the BC government to the clean energy sector. And just in time for next week's annual IPPBC Conference where the Premier and Minister Lekstrom are both scheduled to speak. Based on this annoucement, there should be plenty to talk about. I'll be there and will provide my report on Megawtt.

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Update: BCUC Section 5 Transmission Inquiry - On Hold

Warren Brazier — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:33:27 -0800

On Friday, the BCUC notified intervenors that all future scheduled workshops and regional sessions for the Section 5 Transmission Inquiry were postponed pending further notification. Here is a copy of the BCUC's notice.

Today, the Vancouver Sun reported that the temporary halt to the 7 month old transmission inquiry is believed to be based on the government's desire to properly align its interests with those of BC Hydro and BCTC on matters relating to the development and export of green power in the province and the recent rulings made by the BCUC.

The Inquiry has encountered lengthy delays for a number of reasons, including as a result of delays in the provision of key evidence, by important first nations consultation issues and more recently, by an intervenor proposal that would see a first nations advisory panel being formed.

Obviously, stay tuned, there is much more to come on this.

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Ontario: Leading Canada's Green Economy - A Lesson For British Columbia

Warren Brazier — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:45:06 -0800

In September, the Ontario government announced a series of initiatives in the renewable energy sector which are designed to open up investment opportunities in that province's green economy on its way to establishing Ontario as "North America's leader in renewable energy" (its words not mine).

Ontario calls its initiatives the "Ten Steps to Green Energy". Below is a list of those ten steps, along with some comparison to what has or has not been done in British Columbia.

1. Ontario announced it will close four coal-fuelled power units in 2010 - four years ahead of the 2014 target. In BC, we do not have coal-fired electricity generation facilities, but BC Hydro's aging Burrard Thermal, which burns natural gas to create electricity, still exists. A decision on its closure is expected, but has not yet been made.

2. Ontario launched an Aboriginal Energy Partnerships Program. In BC, there is the Remote Community Clean Energy Program which last year provided $20 million to remote communities to encourage and support sustainable remote community clean energy systems.

3. Ontario announced the $250 million Aboriginal Loan Guarantee program (ALGP). In BC, there is no similar program, except as mentioned above. I wrote about the Ontario aboriginal program here.

4. Ontario gave the go-ahead to Hydro One to begin work on 20 new transmission project s. In BC, BCTC filed a $5.3 billion Ten Year Capital Plan in 2008, which includes $657 million over 10 years for interconnecting clean and renewable generation. Also recently announced is that the 330 km Northwest Transmission Line will proceed at an estimated cost of $404 million.

5. Ontario, through the Community Energy Partnerships Program, is trying to make it easier for communities in Ontario to bring green energy projects to life. I am not aware of a similar program in BC, but the Community Energy Association is promoting energy efficiency and alternative energy through community energy planning and project implementation in British Columbia. Here is a good summary of its work.

6. Ontario, through the Municipal Renewable Energy Program, is trying to make it easier for municipalities to bring green energy projects to their communities. I am not aware of a similar program in BC, but the Community Energy Association's vision is somewhat parallel.

7. Ontario established the Renewable Energy Facilitation Office (REFO), to assist developers, communities and municipalities obtain information on developing renewable energy projects in Ontario. In BC, we have Front Counter BC and the BC IPP Office. BC has also published the IPP Guidebook to assist IPP developers through the province's regulatory process.

8. The province's Renewable Energy Approval (REA) process became law by regulation through enactment of the Green Energy Act. There is no similar express renewable energy regulation in BC.

9. Ontario develops domestic content requirements which would ensure at least 25 per cent of wind projects and 50 per cent of large solar projects be produced in Ontario. There is no similar production requirement in BC.

10. Ontario's Green Energy Act became law and by regulation introduces North America's first comprehensive feed-in tariff program that guarantees specific rates for energy generated from renewable sources. There is no Green Energy Act in BC and BC does not have a specific feed-in tariff, but BC Hydro has the Standing Offer Program for projects less than 10MW.

As the above analysis reveals, while it has taken some steps forward, BC has not yet acted in the same cohesive and coordinated manner that Ontario has in its support of the renewable energy sector in this province. In particular, the fact that a pronounced and comprehensive multi-fuel source feed-in tariff for BC has not been proclaimed is one of the greatest differences between BC and Ontario. In my view, this is the principal reason why Ontario today is attracting considerable investment in green energy, while BC waits on the sidelines. The BC government would be wise to examine and learn from the Ontario green energy experience if it truly wants to become a renewable energy powerhouse.

Renewable energy is a very important topic in BC. I welcome your comments and/or suggestions. Feel free to make a direct comment on the blog below and I will post them in due course.

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Grouse Mountain Wind Turbine

Warren Brazier — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:21:28 -0800

Following up on my earlier blog post on the Grouse Mountain wind turbine, there have been some new developments. This past weekend, the single 1.5 MW wind turbine was erected on the east side of the mountain and it is quite a sight. On a clear day, the 65 meter high turbine will be highly visible from many parts around the lower mainland.

As the Province newspaper reported, the privately built turbine is expected be fully operational by January 2010 and will generate up to 25% of Grouse Mountain's electricity requirements.

The unique turbine, which is part electricity generator and part tourist attraction (it will have a viewing platform midway up) will no doubt spur interest in British Columbia's growing wind energy industry. Here is a link to some great shots of the turbine during construction.

For those who are interested in wind energy generally you can check out the Canadian Wind Energy Association and click here to see Canada's current installed wind energy capacity.

SDTC Awards $54 Million For Clean Energy Technologies

Warren Brazier — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:46:55 -0800

The Government of Canada, through its foundation Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), announced last week that it is investing $54 million to support development and demonstration of 18 innovative clean energy technologies. A list of all 18 projects receiving funding can be found here.

Three projects located in British Columbia received SDTC funding:

Lignol Innovations Ltd.'s Generation 2 biorefinery technology, which aims to make greater utilization of the hemilcellulose derived sugars by conversion to an additional yield of ethanol and other sugar platform chemicals such as glycols. If successful, this project will further improve the environmental and economic benefits of cellulosic ethanol facilities.

Saltworks Technologies Inc.'s low energy desalination demonstration. Saltworks is developing a thermal powered (solar or processed heat) desalination system that reduces electrical energy requirements by up to 80%, thereby improving the affordability and accessibility of clean water.

SunSelect Produce (Delta) Inc.'s wood fired heat and CO2 recovery plant to help accelerate the photosynthesis process in greenhouses. SunSelect's system aims to avoid fossil-fuel based heating and CO2 production by using biomass-based combustion with gas cleaning and CO2 storage.

SDTC also announced that its SD Tech Fund will be accepting Statements of Interest from September 2 to October 21, 2009. SDTC's SD Tech Fund invests in late stage development and pre-commercial demonstration of clean technologies by Canadian companies. For more information, click here.

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Canadian Geothermal Energy Industry A Global Player

Warren Brazier — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:54:37 -0800

Last week's sold out geothermal energy workshop in Toronto organized by CanGEA brought national attention to the Canadian geothermal energy sector. Gary Thompson, President of Sierra Geothermal Power Corp. and Ross Beaty, Chairman and CEO of Magma Energy Corp., both Vancouver based companies, were interviewed in Toronto on the Business News Network and discussed the global opportunities presented by geothermal energy. Here is the video link for the very interesting discussion.

In addition, the Globe and Mail reported that recent financings and significant US government incentives are fuelling increased interest in the global geothermal energy industry. In Canada, unlike in the United States and around the world however, utility grade geothermal energy projects do not yet exist despite excellent resources and a willing industry. The development of geothermal energy in British Columbia and Canada is challenged in part by the existing regulatory framework and the complex permitting process. With continued attention to this clean and green base load energy source, the Canadian geothermal energy industry hopes to overcome present barriers and create a strong geothermal industry in this country.

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California's New Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Good News For BC's Green Energy Exports

Warren Brazier — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:45:15 -0800

On Saturday, California's aggressive renewable energy standard passed in the State Legislature. Governor Schwarzenegger will veto the Bill (SB 14) and instead signed an executive order on Tuesday this week which will require California utilities to obtain 33% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020 (the most stringent standard in the US). The long awaited and much debated Bill failed to gain the Governor's signature for a number of reasons, but most importantly to those of us outside the State, because of the so-called "buy California" provisions contained in the Bill, which would have prohibited California utilities from purchasing out-of-state power from such places as British Columbia.

With the executive order, the Governor, among other things, eliminated from the Bill the so-called "protectionist policies" which in essence allows California utilities to purchase electricity from outside the state. This is extremely positive news to renewable energy industry in BC as the Governor's executive order follows quite nicely with the BC government's recent throne speech which highlighted the province's export potential for renewable energy generated within British Columbia. Now it appears that BC will have a willing buyer for its surplus green energy in the California state utilities. Next up, signing some EPA's with the California utilities and building the transmission infrastructure.

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Clean Power Call, Port Electrification and Ontario's First Nations Green Energy Funding

Warren Brazier — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:01:08 -0800

Clean Power Call Update

On August 24, BC Hydro provided an update to its Clean Power Call. According to the update, BC Hydro will now call on the proponents to assess the status of their consultations with First Nations to date, effectively delaying the EPA awards under the Clean Power Call. The decision to review First Nations consultation stems from the two decisions made by the BC Court of Appeal last February in the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council v. B.C. (Utilities Commission) and Kwikwetlem First Nation v. British Columbia (Utilities Commission). Additional information on this new requirement will be posted on BC Hydro's Clean Power Call website as it becomes available. Also in the update, BC Hydro "anticipates that any EPA awards will occur in the Fall of 2009", which is a welcomed hint of certainty to the renewable energy industry and the billions of investment dollars waiting for the results of the Clean Power Call.

Port of Vancouver Goes Electric

It was announced this week that the Port of Vancouver is now able to provide direct electricity hook-ups to cruise ships, making it only one of three ports in the world (Juneau and Seattle) with such capability. Now when a cruise ship docks in the Port of Vancouver, instead of running the diesel engines for power, it be able to plug into the BC electricity grid, which is supplied for the most part by renewable energy. This is great news in the battle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (it will reduce GHG emissions by 39,000 tons annually) and certainly a boost to the renewable energy industry in the Province. It is also another step towards making Vancouver one of the world's greenest cities. Kudos to the partnership between the federal and provincial governments, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, BC Hydro and the Port of Vancouver.

Ontario's New First Nations and Renewable Energy Programs

The Ontario Government announced today that is launching two new programs for First Nations and Metis communities interested in developing and owning renewable energy facilities, such as wind, solar and hydroelectric projects. Under the $250 million Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program, Aboriginal communities will be eligible for loan guarantees from the Ontario Government to assist with equity participation in renewable energy generation and transmission projects. The Aboriginal Energy Partnerships Program is designed to build capacity and participation by providing funds for community energy plans, feasibility studies, technical research and developing business cases and create an "Aboriginal Renewable Energy Network". Ontario is showing tremendous leadership in the area of green energy these days, and these two new Aboriginal programs will certainly be welcomed by the renewable energy industry as a means to facilitate more Aboriginal participation in green energy projects, which is a good thing.

BC Throne Speech - A Major Boost For Green Energy

Warren Brazier — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:31:52 -0800

Today, the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia delivered the Speech from the Throne (click to read) to open the 2009 Legislative Session: 1st Session, 39th Parliament of the BC Legislature.

For BC's renewable energy sector which has been looking for a new commitment from the BC Government, the Throne Speech was most definitely that.

Here are the specific renewable energy highlights direct from the Speech:

· Green energy will be a cornerstone of British Columbia's climate action plan.

· Electricity self-sufficiency and clean, renewable power generation will be integral to our effort to fight global warming.

· The BC Utilities Commission will receive specific direction.

· Phasing out Burrard Thermal is a critical component of B.C.'s greenhouse gas reduction strategy.

· Further, this government will capitalize on the world's desire and need for clean energy, for the benefit of all British Columbians.

· Whether it is the development of Site C, run-of-river hydro power, wind, tidal, solar, geothermal, or bioenergy and biomass — British Columbia will take every step necessary to become a clean energy powerhouse, as indicated in the BC Energy Plan.

· Government will use the means at its disposal to maximize our province's potential for the good of our workers, our communities, our province and the planet.

· While these forms of power require greater investment, in the long run, they will produce exponentially higher economic returns to our province, environmental benefits to our planet and jobs throughout British Columbia.

· High-quality, reliable, clean power is an enormous economic advantage that will benefit every British Columbian in every part of this province for generations to come.

· Ready access to clean, affordable power has been a huge strategic incentive to industrial development in British Columbia.

· We will build on past successes with new strategies aimed at developing new clean, renewable power as a competitive advantage to stimulate new investment, industry and employment.

· Growing knowledge industries like database management and telecommunications will increasingly look for new places to invest and create jobs that have clean, reliable, low-carbon, low-cost power.

· New energy producers will be looking for long-term investments leveraged through long-term power contracts that give them a competitive edge in our province.

· B.C.'s multiple sources of clean, renewable energy are far preferable to reliance on other dirtier forms of power.

· We will open up that power potential with new vigour, new prescribed clean power calls and new investments in transmission. New approaches to power generation, transmission and taxation policies will create new high-paying jobs for British Columbia's families.

· A new Green Energy Advisory Task Force will shortly be appointed to complement the work of the BCUC's long-term transmission requirement review.

· That task force will be asked to recommend a blueprint for maximizing British Columbia's clean power potential, including a principled, economically-viable and environmentally-sustainable export development policy.

· It will review the policies, incentives and impediments currently affecting B.C.'s green power potential, and it will identify best practices employed in other leading jurisdictions.

· We will promote biomass power solutions and convert landfill waste into clean energy that reduces harmful methane gas emissions.

· The government has mandated methane capture from landfills to ensure we deal responsibly with our own waste and convert it to clean energy where practicable.

Greenwashing - Why it's Bad for your Business

Jonathan Lotz — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:42:39 -0800

Business for Social Responsibility (a global organization with over 250 member companies whose goal is to develop sustainable business strategies and solutions) has recently co-published a report with Futerra Sustainability Communications (a UK-based communications agency that focuses on corporate responsibility and sustainability) entitled "Understanding and Preventing Greenwash: A Business Guide".

The report makes for a fascinating read, especially as pressures mount on businesses to offer green products and to be seen to be acting in an environmentally positive manner. The Report identifies several challenges to businesses: (i) global trust in businesses is at an all-time low and is diminishing (with trust in advertising at 13% and trust in company websites at only 30%); and (ii) demand for environmentally low-impact products is rising, while communicating accurately and credibly about the environmental sensitivity of a business' products is becoming more complex. The risks to a company of misrepresenting the environmental friendliness of itself or its products - thereby being seen to be greenwashing, can be severe, including less consumer sales, boycotts by NGOs and fines and enforcement actions by regulators. The Report also notes that greenwashing is also a barrier to developing a sustainable economy, by making consumers more skeptical of environmental initiatives and making it difficult for consumers to understand the impact of their purchasing decisions.

BC Wind Power, Waneta Dam Hearings, Haida and NaiKun and Biomass EPA's Approved

Warren Brazier — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:10:35 -0800

Wind Turbines Are Spinning in BC (finally!)

British Columbia's first wind energy facility opened earlier this month in Dawson Creek. The Bear Mountain Wind Park, which is owned by AltaGas, when completed will consist of 34 turbines and generate enough electricity to power 38,000, homes. The project has an EPA with BC Hydro under the 2006 Power Call and will receive up to $20.5 million from the the Government of Canada's ecoENERGY For Renewables Program. This marks a significant milestone on the Canadian renewable energy landscape. Now each of Canada's 10 Provinces can claim to be generating electrons to their respective electricity grids from the power of the wind. A monumental moment indeed. Those in British Columbia can purchase electricity from the Bear Mountain Wind Park, through Bullfrog Power.

BC Hydro's Purchase of 1/3 of Waneta Dam before BC Utilities Commission

This week marks the start of the public hearing stage for BC Hydro's proposed purchase of a 1/3 interest in Teck Metals Ltd.'s Waneta Dam in Trail, BC . BC Hydro is seeking an order from the BCUC under s. 44.2(1) of the BC Utilities Commission Act that the proposed for $825 million purchase is in the public interest. In its submission to the BCUC, BC Hydro characterizes the Waneta Dam as a significant hydro electric generating facility that has produced safe, reliable power for Teck for over 50 years. If the purchase completes, BC Hydro believes it would gain access to 167MW of capacity and 890 GWh/year of energy. This is an interesting proposal for BC Hydro. In BC there are only a handful of privately owned dams, and rarely, if ever, are these dams available for purchase. So, BC Hydro buying an existing asset which can supply base load power to the grid and storage capacity, seems to follow quite well with the Province's energy self-sufficiency objectives. The hearing process which will take place over the course of the fall, will examine, among many other things, the cost to acquire the interest in the dam and aboriginal consultation and/or accommodation. This will be very interesting to follow. Here is the link to the BCUC's webpage on the BC Hydro Waneta Transaction.

NaiKun and the Haida Nation sign Investment MOU

Last week, NaiKun Wind Energy and the Haida Nation signed a memorandum of understanding which could give the Haida nation a 30% ownership stake in NaiKun's proposed $2 billion wind power project off the coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands. NaiKun currently has a proposal into BC Hydro as part of the Clean Power Call. Kudos to NaiKun and the Haida Nation who continue to show tremendous leadership on the business relationship between first nations and independent power producers. Here's the Vancouver Sun's story on the deal.

EPA's for Four Bioenergy Projects Accepted By BCUC

Following up on my earlier blog posts (here and here) on Phase I of BC Hydro's Bioenergy Call for Power, electricity purchase agreements between BC Hydro and the four successful projects have now been accepted by the BCUC. They are: Canfor Pulp Ltd. Partnership's project in Prince George, PG Interior Waste to Energy Ltd.'s project also in Prince George, Domtar Pulp and Paper Products Inc.'s project in Kamloops, and Zellstoff Celgar Ltd. Partnership's project in Castlegar. Together, the four projects will generate a total of 579 GWh/year of electricity, or enough to power more than 52,000 homes. Here is BC Hydro's press release. Biomass energy is certainly a welcome boon to BC's forest industry. Great to see BC Hydro buying more of it. Here is the latest information on the Phase II of the Bioenergy Call.

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