Overview
Burrard is a 950 MW gas-fired power plant in British Columbia, Canada, operated by BC Hydro. It serves as a key electricity generation asset for the province.
Burrard is a gas-fired power plant located in British Columbia, Canada, with a capacity of 950 megawatts. Owned and operated by BC Hydro, the facility plays a significant role in the province's electricity grid, providing dispatchable power to meet demand. The plant operates under Canadian federal and provincial environmental regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and British Columbia's Clean Energy Act. As a gas-fired facility, it utilizes combined-cycle or simple-cycle technology typical of modern gas plants, offering flexibility and lower emissions compared to coal-fired generation. Burrard's strategic location near Vancouver supports grid reliability for the region. Its operation aligns with BC Hydro's commitment to clean energy, though natural gas generation remains a transitional resource as the province moves toward greater renewable energy integration.
Environmental context
The Burrard plant's gas-fired generation produces lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its proximity to the populated Lower Mainland requires adherence to strict air quality standards under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The facility's age and technology type influence its environmental footprint, with potential for efficiency improvements.
Frequently asked questions
The Burrard power plant is located in British Columbia, Canada, near Vancouver.
The Burrard gas plant has a capacity of 950 megawatts.
The Burrard power plant is owned and operated by BC Hydro.
Gas power plants in Canada must comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and provincial regulations such as British Columbia's Clean Energy Act, which set emission limits for pollutants like NOx and SOx.
Burrard provides dispatchable power to meet peak demand and supports grid reliability in the Vancouver region, complementing BC Hydro's hydroelectric generation.