A Texas-based company is planning to construct a 235-hectare solar farm near Sooke, capable of providing energy for approximately 20,000 homes.
According to planning documents, Recurrent Energy is proposing the construction of a renewable solar power generation plant situated 40 kilometers northwest of Sooke.
The initiative aligns with the current surge in demand for green energy in the province. Recent figures released last week indicate a projected 15 per cent increase in provincial electricity demand by 2030.
The plant will generate up to 100 megawatts of renewable energy. The envisioned facility would incorporate solar panels, a battery storage system, overhead transmission lines linking the project to the B.C. Hydro power grid, and access roads.
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The B.C. Environment Ministry initiated the environmentasl assessment for the project on Jan. 11.
The project is in the preliminary information-gathering stage. During this phase, the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) collaborates with First Nations, stakeholders, technical experts, and the public to pinpoint potential key issues early in the process and devise strategies to address any concerns.
If the project is approved, Recurrent Energy anticipates a one-year construction period, generating 160 jobs during peak construction, in addition to four full-time positions and supplementary part-time jobs during operations.
The project is expected to begin operations in late 2027.
The EAO is scheduled to conduct a public comment period from Feb. 15 to March 18. Details regarding open houses or virtual sessions will be available on the EAO project information website at projects.eao.gov.bc.ca.