BC Hydro issues bioenergy phase 2 call

June 2, 2010, Vancouver – BC Hydro has issued the Bioenergy Phase 2 Call request for proposals (RFP), a competitive call for large-scale biomass projects. Registration for the RFP is mandatory and is open until July 15, 2010. The target is to acquire up to 1,000 GWh/year of cost-effective electricity through this RFP. Any form of biomass is eligible, as long as it meets the province's Clean or Renewable Electricity Definitions.

The Ministry of Forests and Range (MOFR) has considered available forest-based biomass and existing usage in British Columbia. MOFR has estimated that projects in designated areas are most likely to facilitate access to forest-based biomass fuel and to minimize the effect on existing usage of forest-based biomass. Proponents with projects located outside of these areas may still participate in the RFP, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements. The designated areas, outlined on the Designated Areas Map, are: Smithers and Fort St. James Corridor; Mackenzie; Northeast British Columbia; Central and Northern Vancouver Island; Cariboo-Chilcotin; and Northwest British Columbia, including Terrace.

The RFP is a streamlined interconnection and selection process, with the goal of minimizing transaction costs for RFP proponents. Projects must be new facilities with a minimum of 5 MW generating capacity. There will be opportunities for pre-proposal submission presentations and meetings between proponents and BC Hydro.

See the RFP for more details on eligibility and the RFP process. The Ministry of Forests and Range has a Bioenergy website that contains information regarding bioenergy tenures and licences as well as contact information for District Managers who can provide information about local fibre availability. Proponents are encouraged to visit the MOFR site for further information.