PORT MOODY - A re-elected BC NDP government will direct BC Hydro to advance a new utility scale battery energy storage project at the Burrard Thermal site in Port Moody, putting existing BC Hydro land and electrical infrastructure to new use. The project will store electricity when demand is low and return it to the grid during peak periods and system emergencies, strengthening reliability in the Lower Mainland.

“As we grow B.C.’s economy, we’re also growing demand for clean, reliable energy,” said Adrian Dix, BC NDP candidate for Vancouver-Renfrew and former Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Strengthening our power grid with battery storage on this site means families, businesses, and communities will be able to count on a stable power supply for generations to come.”

A portion of the Burrard Thermal site in Port Moody, formerly a natural gas fired power plant, would be converted into a new battery energy storage facility. Battery storage improves the reliability of our power grid by storing electrical energy when demand is low, and releasing it back to the grid when demand is highest. The system will be able to respond to changing grid conditions within seconds, including emergencies.

“Bringing this project to Port Moody has been a priority for me, and I'm proud of the work we've done to get here,” said Rick Glumac, BC NDP candidate for Port Moody-Burquitlam, “This is the start of good local jobs, a stronger local tax base, and a cleaner energy future for our region.”

This commitment builds on the announcement of B.C.’s first major battery storage project for North Cowichan on Vancouver Island. That project is slated to deliver at least 100 megawatts of storage capacity when it comes into service in 2030. BC Hydro has announced plans for 500 megawatts of such clean energy systems in its current Integrated Resources Plan.

The Burrard Thermal site has been a key part of BC Hydro's system, and will continue to play an important role supporting energy capacity in BC’s clean energy future while contributing to the community of Port Moody.