Overview
Upper Stave River is a 33 MW hydroelectric power plant in British Columbia, Canada. Operated by Innergex Inc and Harrison Hydro Project, it contributes to the region's renewable energy grid.
Upper Stave River is a hydroelectric power plant located in British Columbia, Canada, with an installed capacity of 33 megawatts. The facility is jointly owned by Innergex Inc and Harrison Hydro Project, and it is currently operational, supplying clean electricity to the regional grid. As a run-of-river hydroelectric plant, Upper Stave River utilizes the natural flow of the Stave River to generate power without significant water storage. This technology minimizes environmental disruption compared to large reservoir dams. The plant operates under Canada's federal and provincial regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and British Columbia's Water Sustainability Act, which govern water use and emissions. The 33 MW capacity places Upper Stave River in the small-to-medium scale for hydroelectric facilities in Canada. Its generation supports the province's renewable energy targets and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. The plant's location in a mountainous region with high precipitation ensures consistent water flow, contributing to reliable power output.
Environmental context
The Upper Stave River hydroelectric plant operates in a region characterized by temperate rainforest and mountainous terrain. Its run-of-river design reduces habitat fragmentation and maintains downstream flow patterns, supporting local aquatic ecosystems. The plant's renewable generation displaces greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise come from fossil fuel sources, aligning with Canada's clean energy goals. Proximity to populated areas is limited, minimizing direct human impact.
Frequently asked questions
The Upper Stave River hydroelectric plant is located in British Columbia, Canada, along the Stave River.
The Upper Stave River hydroelectric plant has an installed capacity of 33 megawatts.
The plant is jointly owned by Innergex Inc and Harrison Hydro Project.
Hydroelectric plants in Canada must comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and provincial regulations such as British Columbia's Water Sustainability Act, which govern water use, fish habitat protection, and emissions.
Run-of-river hydroelectric plants divert a portion of river flow through turbines without creating a large reservoir, minimizing land use and ecological disruption compared to conventional dam-based hydroelectric projects.