CanWEA calls for British Colombia to consider wind

CANADA: The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) has called on the provincial government of British Colombia to consider wind power as an alternative option to a planned hydropower project.

by David Weston 13 May 2014

A simulation of the proposed Site C hydropower project in British Columbia

A report into Canadian supplier BC Hydro's Site C 1.1GW hydroelectric plant in British Columbia, northwest Canada, made 50 recommendations for the proposal.

The report by a provincial government Joint Review Panel weighed up the effects the project would have on the environment, economy, social issues, health and heritage.

CanWEA's British Columbia regional director Nicholas Heap has now called for more consideration of wind power in the province as an alternative solution.

Heap said the report was an exhaustive study on assessing the positive and negative aspects of the project but said there were questions left unanswered.

"CanWEA and the wind energy industry in British Columbia will be working with BC Hydro and the provincial government in the months ahead to ensure that all viable options – including wind – are thoroughly assessed," said Heap.

Canada installed 1.6GW in new capacity of wind projects in 2013.