BC Hydro is taking a major step toward delivering British Columbia's first grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) project by launching a competitive procurement process to identify qualified suppliers with the expertise and experience to design and deliver a grid-scale BESS on Vancouver Island.

 The Request for Supplier Qualifications (RFSQ), opening on July 30, 2026, marks the beginning of the procurement process and will help identify leading BESS suppliers capable of delivering a safe, reliable and cost-effective facility. Located adjacent to the Vancouver Island Terminal Substation near Duncan, the BESS project is expected to provide at least 100 megawatts of battery storage capacity to support the growing electricity needs of Vancouver Island and the province.

 "British Columbia's economy and population continue to grow, and so does demand for clean, reliable electricity,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Launching this supplier qualification process is an important milestone as we move from planning to delivery on BC Hydro's first grid-scale battery energy storage system. Battery storage will help strengthen reliability, improve flexibility and ensure we can make the most of our existing electricity infrastructure while supporting the energy needs of British Columbians for years to come."

 The project is a key component of BC Hydro's Powering Growth plan and reflects BC Hydro’s commitment to investing in innovative technologies that help maximize the value of existing infrastructure while supporting a cleaner, more flexible energy system.

 Moving from planning to procurement

Battery energy storage systems charge when electricity demand is lower and deliver electricity back to the grid when demand is highest. As demand for clean electricity continues to increase across British Columbia, battery storage will play an increasingly important role in supporting reliability, increasing system flexibility and helping BC Hydro make the most of existing infrastructure.

 The RFSQ will evaluate suppliers based on their experience, technical expertise and demonstrated ability to successfully design and deliver grid-scale BESS projects. BC Hydro expects to identify a shortlist of qualified suppliers that may be invited to participate in future competitive procurement processes, including the Vancouver Island Terminal Project and other potential BESS projects across British Columbia.

 Launching the procurement process represents a significant milestone for the project, advancing it from planning into the market engagement phase and creating an opportunity for experienced suppliers to compete to help deliver this important piece of energy infrastructure.

 BC Hydro expects to own and operate the BESS facility while leveraging private-sector expertise through a competitive procurement process for design, construction and potentially long-term maintenance services. Ownership will allow BC Hydro to directly operate and dispatch the asset when and where it is needed most to support customers and maintain system reliability.

 "This procurement process marks an exciting step forward for BC Hydro and for battery storage in British Columbia,” said Charlotte Mitha, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “We are inviting experienced suppliers to help deliver a project that will strengthen reliability on Vancouver Island and provide valuable flexibility for our entire electricity system. As demand for clean electricity continues to grow, battery storage will become an increasingly important tool to help us serve customers and get the most value from our existing infrastructure."

 Supporting a growing clean energy future

The Vancouver Island BESS project is targeted to be in service by 2030 and will help ensure BC Hydro’s electricity system is prepared to support continued growth from homes, businesses and communities across the region.

 “Growth on Vancouver Island is creating new opportunities, from housing and business development to major economic investments," said Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and Climate Solutions and MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville George Anderson. “Behind it all is the need for reliable electricity. It's what keeps people safe, communities connected and the island's economy moving."