British Columbia Expands Renewable Energy with Private Sector Investments

British Columbia (Canada) is expanding its electricity supply through private sector and First Nations investments. The province aims to increase electricity supply by 25% in the next seven years. This expansion is equivalent to powering 1.5 million new homes. BC Hydro's call for bids seeks investments in wind and renewable energy projects. The province approved its first major expansion of private power generation in 15 years. Purchase agreements will increase electricity supply by 8%, matching the Site C hydroelectric dam's output. The province seeks 'firm' electricity sources like geothermal or battery storage. This supplements intermittent renewable energy sources. The previous year, private power projects included nine wind farms and one solar project, totaling $6 billion in private capital.