BC Hydro Pumped Storage Hydro Screening Study

Project Highlights

BC Hydro retained KWL, in partnership with Lombardi Consultants Ltd., to conduct a screening study of potential pumped storage hydro (PSH) developments to support BC Hydro’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).  The objective was to evaluate approximately 300 previously identified PSH opportunities and develop a shortlist of the most promising projects capable of providing dependable electrical capacity and long-duration energy storage for BC’s future power system.

Using KWL’s Rapid Hydro Assessment Model (RHAM), GIS analysis, and Lombardi’s international pumped storage expertise, the team screened and ranked candidate sites across the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and North Coast regions.  Projects were evaluated based on hydraulic characteristics, storage potential, dependable capacity, constructability, transmission access, environmental considerations, and costs.  The study ultimately identified the five most promising 500 MW projects in the Lower Mainland and the three most promising 100 MW projects in both Vancouver Island and the North Coast.

The project involved detailed assessment of reservoir storage requirements, dam sizing, transmission interconnections, access infrastructure, and capital cost estimates.  KWL developed planning-level designs and cost models for each shortlisted project including construction costs, transmission infrastructure, interconnection requirements, and operational characteristics required to meet BC Hydro’s dependable capacity criteria.

In addition to identifying viable projects, the study examined the broader role of pumped storage hydro within BC’s evolving energy system.  KWL evaluated how PSH resources can support renewable energy integration, improve grid reliability, provide ancillary services, reduce transmission congestion, enhance system flexibility, and deliver long-duration energy storage as BC Hydro expands renewable generation through future Calls for Power.