Benefits of Hydropower

• Renewable - hydropower’s “fuel” is essentially infinite and is not depleted during the production of electricity.
• Natural - hydropower facilities harness the energy of flowing and falling water to generate electricity.
• Efficient - today's hydropower turbines are capable of converting more than 90% of available energy into electricity, which is more efficient than any other form of generation.
• Reliable - hydropower can go from zero power to maximum output rapidly and predictably. This makes hydropower exceptionally good at meeting changing demands for electricity.
• Flexible - hydropower has the unique ability to change output quickly. Its unique voltage control, load-following, and peaking capabilities are critical for electric grid stability.
• Clean - hydropower uses water to generate electricity. It is climate-friendly and does not produce air pollution or create any toxic by-products and assists in reducing our contributions to global climate change.
• Local and secure - water from our rivers is a domestic resource that is not subject to disruptions from foreign suppliers, cost fluctuations, and transportation issues.
• Local contribution - significant contribution to local tax base revenue, monies will be spent locally during construction on goods, services, and labour to the extent practicable.
• Job creation - full and part-time employment opportunities during the construction and operation phases.

Benefits of this project

• Security of power supply: In winter, North Island communities not only utilize more electricity, they also experience a high incidence of power outages. Unlike many BC river systems, where peak flows occur during spring freshet, flows on the Kokish River are at their highest in late fall and winter. These high flows will make it possible for the Project to reliably generate enough power to supply the entire North Island. The decision about how to utilize the power produced by the Project, however, will be made by BC Hydro and the BC Transmission Corporation. BC Hydro will set the terms of the Energy Purchase Agreement and instruct Kwagis Power regarding generation requirements and facility operations. It will also decide whether it makes sense to invest in the necessary equipment at the transmission interconnect to make diversion of power to the North Island possible.

• Minimal requirement for new infrastructure: The Project’s proximity to existing roads and transmission lines will minimize requirements for new infrastructure, which will in turn reduce environmental impacts and clearing requirements, and help reduce project costs. The low level weir and intake will be located within 100 m of the Kokish Main Road on the east side of the Kokish River. The 9 km buried penstock will run parallel to the Kokish Main Road for about 80% of its length, and the powerhouse and switchyard will be situated on land that is immediately adjacent to the Telegraph Cove Road, at the west end of the road and railway bridges. The new 138 kilovolt (kV) transmission interconnection will parallel Telegraph Cove Road from the switchyard to the existing BC Hydro transmission system, a distance of approximately 500 m. All materials and equipment will be delivered to the project site via Highway 19 and, if necessary, existing barge facilities in Beaver Cove.

• Economic Benefits: Through the equity ownership position of the ‘Namgis First Nation, the Project will provide an important new revenue stream into the economy of the North Island. In addition, there will be a large number of direct jobs and business opportunities created through the construction phase of the Project, as well as ongoing employment opportunities once the Project goes into operation.