Province, BC Hydro to Build 100 MW Battery Storage Facility in Cowichan Valley
The facility will store excess power during low-demand periods and is expected to be operating by 2030, BC Hydro said.
- On Monday, July 20, 2026, BC Hydro announced the province's first utility-scale battery energy storage project, a 100-megawatt facility to be located in North Cowichan on Vancouver Island.
- Driven by rising electricity demand and population growth, BC Hydro selected land adjacent to the Vancouver Island Terminal Substation near Duncan for efficient grid integration.
- BC Hydro President and CEO Charlotte Mitha confirmed the facility will store energy during low demand for use during peak periods, with a request for supplier qualifications issuing on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
- Recognizing the region's "exciting growth and opportunity," Cowichan Valley MLA Debra Toporowski welcomed the development, expected to be operational by 2030 and bolster grid reliability.
- The province has identified 500 megawatts of potential battery capacity province-wide, with Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson noting similar technology is already deployed in California, Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Province, BC Hydro to build 100 MW battery storage facility in Cowichan Valley - Creston Valley Advance
The province and BC Hydro will be building a 100 megawatt battery storage project in North Cowichan, officials announced on Monday, July 20. The project will be the first of its kind in the province. The purpose of the utility-scale battery energy storage project is to strengthen reliability and prepare for the growing electricity demand in the region as the island continues to experience population growth, housing development, economic investme…
Province, BC Hydro to build 100 MW battery storage facility in Cowichan Valley - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
The province and BC Hydro will be building a 100 megawatt battery storage project in North Cowichan, officials announced on Monday, July 20. The project will be the first of its kind in the province. The purpose of the utility-scale battery energy storage project is to strengthen reliability and prepare for the growing electricity demand in the region as the island continues to experience population growth, housing development, economic investme…
Province, BC Hydro to build 100 MW battery storage facility in Cowichan Valley - Grand Forks Gazette
The province and BC Hydro will be building a 100 megawatt battery storage project in North Cowichan, officials announced on Monday, July 20. The project will be the first of its kind in the province. The purpose of the utility-scale battery energy storage project is to strengthen reliability and prepare for the growing electricity demand in the region as the island continues to experience population growth, housing development, economic investme…
Province, BC Hydro to build 100 MW battery storage facility in Cowichan Valley - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
The province and BC Hydro will be building a 100 megawatt battery storage project in North Cowichan, officials announced on Monday, July 20. The project will be the first of its kind in the province. The purpose of the utility-scale battery energy storage project is to strengthen reliability and prepare for the growing electricity demand in the region as the island continues to experience population growth, housing development, economic investme…
Province, BC Hydro to build 100 MW battery storage facility in Cowichan Valley - Northern Sentinel
The province and BC Hydro will be building a 100 megawatt battery storage project in North Cowichan, officials announced on Monday, July 20. The project will be the first of its kind in the province. The purpose of the utility-scale battery energy storage project is to strengthen reliability and prepare for the growing electricity demand in the region as the island continues to experience population growth, housing development, economic investme…
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