BC Hydro seeks builders for first grid-scale battery project

BC Hydro has launched a procurement process for British Columbia’s first grid-scale battery energy-storage facility, planned near Duncan on eastern Vancouver Island.

The project would be built beside the Vancouver Island Terminal Substation and provide at least 100 megawatts of capacity. BC Hydro hopes to have it in service by 2030. The initial procurement closes Sept. 16, 2026, with a detailed request-for-proposals process expected later this year.

The utility says the batteries would charge when electricity demand is lower and return power to the grid during peak demand or when grid support is needed. BC Hydro plans to own and operate the facility, while private firms would be contracted for design, construction and potentially long-term maintenance.

The project is part of BC Hydro’s Powering Growth plan, which identifies potential for up to 500 megawatts of battery storage across the province. The utility says storage can complement hydroelectric generation and make more efficient use of existing infrastructure as demand grows.