Wind Power in Kingston, Ontario | Barry toured Canada's 2nd largest wind power project while visiting Wolfe Island near Kingston, Ontario. As a result of the BC Government's energy policies and climate change plan, it's possible BC may host the largest wind power project in a few years. October, 2009
BC Government Clears the Air on Burrard Thermal
2009-11-04
VICTORIA– Air quality and Fraser Valley residents will benefit from last week's decision by the BC Liberal Government that the Burrard Thermal power plant will no longer be relied upon for ongoing energy production.
“We have all witnessed occasions when air pollution from the Lower Mainland has been swept up the valley by prevailing winds,” says Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner. “Our government has worked to improve air quality and this decision is another step in that direction."
Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Blair Lekstrom, announced last week that the BC Government would direct the BC Utilities Commission and BC Hydro not to rely on the aging Burrard Thermal power plant for planning purposes, except as an emergency back-up in the event of unexpected shortages.
"My colleagues and I are working to deliver cleaner and more efficient power options. The results are showing with BC's first commercial wind power project in operation -- and there are more on the way," said Penner.
"Hundreds of people have also been working to build zero-emission small hydro projects at the north end of Harrison Lake. We have an opportunity to become a green energy powerhouse, creating good paying jobs in BC while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are produced by using fossil-fuels for power generation."
Built in 1962, Burrard Thermal previously could produce up to 7 percent of BC's total greenhouse gas emissions. It was last used extensively in the late 1990s through to 2001, producing significant amounts of local air pollutants, but in recent years Burrard Thermal's output has been significantly reduced. However, this summer the BC Utilities Commission made the surprising recommendation that BC Hydro plan on using Burrard Thermal at much higher levels -- enough to provide electricity for 500,000 households. With the BC Government's decision last week, that will not take place.
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