BC Hydro seeks small community biomass projects

Apr. 8, 2010, Vancouver – BC Hydro has issued a request for qualifications for
innovative, community-based biomass projects. It is seeking projects no larger
than 5 MW that produce electricity from biomass sources and create local or
regional economic benefits.

"We
are encouraging communities, First Nations, municipalities, and renewable power
producers to step forward with their ideas for small-scale electricity
production," says Blair Lekstrom, minister of energy, mines, and petroleum
resources. "This process for small projects helps meet the B.C. Energy
Plan's goal of electricity self-sufficiency while also generating economic
opportunities within the province."

The
biomass projects must be no larger than 5 MW and must meet the province's
definition of clean or renewable electricity. This includes underused
forest-based biomass (e.g., trees and wood chips) and other forms of biomass
from renewable organic matter such as crops, aquatic plants, manure, or clean
organically sourced material separated from municipal solid waste.

BC
Hydro is seeking to qualify at least two community-based projects with which it
will negotiate after the request for qualifications process is complete. Those
negotiations may result in electricity purchase agreements. BC Hydro is
planning workshops to assist registered respondents in better understanding
submission requirements.

For more information on BC Hydro's bioenergy initiatives, click here.