The British Columbia government is evaluating the potential development of two new hydroelectric dams, including a proposed Site E project on the Peace River, as the province prepares for a significant increase in long-term electricity demand.
Site E, which would be located at the confluence of the Peace and Alces rivers near the Alberta border, could generate up to 750 megawatts of power. A second proposed project near Bute Inlet, northeast of Powell River, would be even larger, with a potential capacity of around 900 megawatts.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix confirmed on Monday that the province is “seriously” reassessing the feasibility of Site E, alongside broader technical evaluations of additional large-scale hydro projects. The review comes as the government forecasts electricity demand in British Columbia to grow by 20% by 2030 and up to 50% by 2050.
The Site E concept is not new. It was first proposed in 1958 as part of a series of hydroelectric developments along the Peace River, which also includes four other sites. One of these, the recently completed Site C project—now officially named the John Horgan Dam—has a generating capacity of up to 1,230 megawatts.
Dix emphasized that no final decision has been made on either Site E or the Bute Inlet project, noting that current work is focused on technical analysis to determine whether they should proceed. He also pointed to British Columbia’s position as a leader in clean electricity as a key reason for exploring large-scale hydro options.
“And B.C.’s strength is clean electricity. And so, we need to explore large hydro projects and take the steps to look at these options in the technical sense that we need,” he said in an interview.
Alongside hydroelectric developments, the province is also reviewing other renewable energy sources, including geothermal power, as part of its broader energy strategy.
Dix noted that electricity demand in British Columbia has remained relatively flat for two decades, but that this is expected to change significantly due to increased economic activity and electrification needs across the province. “We are just looking at it seriously, and we hope, and I think, that’s consistent with our plan to power B.C.’s economy,” he said.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of ongoing debate around large infrastructure projects in the province. After winning the 2017 election, the NDP government briefly considered cancelling the Site C dam due to earlier criticism while in opposition, but ultimately continued construction as the project was already well advanced.
Site C, which cost approximately $16 billion—nearly double its original $8.8 billion estimate from 2014—has since been completed and officially renamed in honour of former premier John Horgan, who passed away in 2024.
