Overview
Ocean Falls is a 15 MW hydroelectric power plant located in British Columbia, Canada. It is an operational facility contributing to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Ocean Falls is a hydroelectric power plant situated in British Columbia, Canada, with a capacity of 15 megawatts. As a renewable energy facility, it plays a role in the province's diverse power generation mix, which includes a significant share of hydroelectric power. The plant operates under Canada's federal and provincial regulatory frameworks, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and British Columbia's Clean Energy Act. Hydroelectric plants like Ocean Falls typically have low emissions compared to fossil fuel plants, but may involve considerations related to water flow management and aquatic ecosystems. Ocean Falls contributes to the local grid with clean energy, supporting the region's sustainability goals. Its location in a remote area of British Columbia underscores the importance of hydroelectric power in providing reliable electricity to communities and industries across the province.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a relatively low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but it can affect local aquatic habitats and water flow regimes. The Ocean Falls facility is situated in a region with abundant water resources, typical of British Columbia's hydroelectric profile. Environmental considerations include maintaining ecological flows and minimizing impacts on fish populations.
Frequently asked questions
Ocean Falls is located in British Columbia, Canada, at coordinates 52.3511 N, 127.6862 W.
The Ocean Falls hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 15 megawatts (MW).
Ocean Falls is a hydroelectric power plant, which generates electricity using the energy of flowing water.
Hydroelectric plants in Canada are regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and provincial laws such as British Columbia's Clean Energy Act, which set standards for environmental protection and water use.
Yes, hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source because it relies on the natural water cycle, which is continuously replenished.