In the Draft Integrated Resource Plan released this week, BC Hydro forecasts that "BC’s electricity demand is expected to increase by about 50% over the next 20 years." That is not a small amount. And based on the recommended actions contained in the Draft IRP, it is logical to assume that this increased demand will be supplied, in part, by the development of new clean and renewable energy projects in British Columbia (wind, hydro, biomass, ocean, geothermal and solar).
So for those looking to undertake the development of clean energy projects in British Columbia, here a link to the new 2011 updated British Columbia Clean Energy Guidebook [pdf] prepared by the BC Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations specifically for clean energy project proponents in the Province.
The Guidebook provides excellent information on a variety of key project development matters including:
- Where to begin?
- Permitting
- Preparing a Development Plan
- Hydro Power
- Wind Power
- Other Power (Bioenergy, ocean and geothermal)
- Environmental Assessment
- Stakeholder Engagement
- First Nations Consultation
- Transmission Interconnection
You will also find some important Q & A’s on the Ministry’s website.
