Clean power made right here.
For all of us.
About the projects
BC’s electricity demand is projected to rise roughly 15% by 2030. The 10 wind and solar projects announced in 2024 will help meet that growth, with a further set of projects anticipated in 2026.
Power for the people
Like timber and critical minerals, wind and solar are natural resources that belong to all British Columbians. We’re fortunate to have an abundance of windy and sunny spots across the province. Here’s a quick summary of the technologies that harness the energy from the wind and the sun.
Wind Power
Wind turbines automatically rotate to face into the wind, which they scoop up via three large blades, each about 50 to 90 metres long.
The blades come together at a central hub at the top of a tower, typically 100 to 150 metres tall. The hub, in turn, is connected to a driveshaft.
The pressure of wind blowing across the blades sets them in motion, which spins the driveshaft.
The driveshaft passes through a gearbox and spins a generator to create electricity.
A larger wind facility—for example, one rated for 200 MW—could consist of between 30 and 40 individual turbines connected together.
Wind farms are compatible with established land uses, such as farming, ranching, and recreation, and generate long-term property tax revenue for local communities.
Solar Power
In a utility-scale solar project, thousands of solar panels are arranged in long rows. Each panel contains photovoltaic (PV) cells that turn sunlight into electricity.
When sunlight hits the panels, the PV cells produce direct current (DC) power. Inverters convert DC to alternating current for BC Hydro’s grid.
In some cases solar can pair well with existing land uses. The emerging field of “agrivoltaics” studies how to optimize solar energy and farming.
Like wind power, solar facilities generate long term property tax revenue for local communities.
Solar projects can also be developed on land that is otherwise of lesser value; in British Columbia, two solar facilities are built on land reclaimed from mining activity.
BC’s renewable power advantage
Wind and solar represent the next chapter in BC’s longstanding natural resources story.
Here’s why we’re fortunate to have them in our corner.
Good jobs, close to home
All the projects would provide opportunities for local and regional businesses. On average, a large 200 MW wind or solar facility employs roughly 150 people during its development, construction, and operation. Construction draws upon skill-sets found in industries such as agriculture, oil and gas, and ranching.
Project developers would tap into the local workforce for land surveying, road construction, site clearing, materials supply and transport, concrete placing and finishing, substation construction, transport and assembly via crane of wind turbine components, and the installation of power cables and communications networks.
Projects also offer opportunities for accredited professionals such as environmental specialists and engineers, among others.
Once completed and commissioned, the facilities would require regular maintenance and oversight—providing additional ongoing jobs. They would also provide a significant new source of municipal tax revenue, without straining municipal services such as water and wastewater.
Let’s keep in touch!
We’ll be updating and expanding this site as we develop new resources for communities. Our newsletter will be the best way to stay on top of the projects and learn about opportunities to ask questions and find answers.
About Us
Wind & Solar BC is an initiative of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association. We’re providing clear, current, and accurate information on the clean power projects planned for British Columbia while fostering candid conversations about their impacts and opportunities.
Long-time BC legislator and former cabinet minister Mike de Jong is the ambassador for Wind & Solar BC.