06.15.17
The True Facts About Site C
Note: Figures in this blog post were adjusted on December 1, 2023 to reflect the increase in capital cost for the Site C dam (to $16 Billion). In addition, the calculations regarding the number of solar panels and associated costs that would be involved to generate the equivalent amount of electricity were changed to use cost and production data from the Sun Mine in Kimberley now that almost 2 years worth of actual data is available.
$55/MW-Hour
This is the most likely multi-generational cost of electricity from Site C. That should be compared to the $68/MW-Hour paid for Private Power Purchases that BC Hydro was forced to negotiate with for-profit companies. For a full discussion of how this number was calculated see my previous post on LCOE for hydro projects.
54 TW-Hours
This is the total annual electrical generation from existing legacy Hydro assets in BC. Site C will add 5 TW-Hours.
4.6 Billion liters
Amount of gasoline consumed in BC each year
=41 TW-Hours
additional generation which will be needed when all cars and trucks are electric (a certainty over the next 50 years)
5 Billion Cubic Meters
Annual domestic consumption of natural gas in BC
=52 TW-Hours
additional generation which will be needed when we stop burning fossil fuels to heat homes and businesses
13 Million
Number of solar panels that would have to be installed in BC to generate the same amount of power as Site C (assuming Site C has a capacity factor of 60% which is probably an under-estimate)
$13 Billion
The cost to install those solar panels – and we still would have no power at night and the panels would have to be replaced in 25-30 years.
700
Number of wind turbines that would have to be installed in BC to generate the same amount of power as Site C
$4.4 Billion
The cost to install those turbines which would have to be located on pristine mountain-tops causing significant habitat destruction – and we still would have no power on the frequent days when winds are calm across BC. Note also that the best wind resources in the province are on the north section of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. Installation of a larger number of wind turbines in these areas would likely encounter significant protests from environmental groups.
8 Minutes
The length of time that the largest battery complex in the world could produce electricity equivalent to the output from Site C
In Conclusion
If we think we’re going to need additional electricity capacity in the future why wouldn’t we build Site C now when interest rates are low? Do we think construction costs are going to decrease in the future?
Site C is the best renewable energy option for BC
for today
… and for future generations
for today
… and for future generations
@enrgy_manifesto
