Hydromax Energy is proposing to build and operate a 15 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric power generation facility approximately 45 kilometres (km) northeast of Sechelt where Phantom Lake flows into the Clowhom River. This facility will offer a new source of renewable electrical energy to British Columbians, producing enough power for approximately 5,000 homes and offsetting approximately 30,000 tonnes of CO2 per year compared with gas or coal-fired generation.

Facility Description
Hydromax Energy is currently completing construction of two-11 megawatt (MW) run-of-river projects on the Upper and Lower Clowhom River which are expected to be in-service this fall. The Phantom Lake Hydro Project is located just upstream of the Clowhom projects where Phantom Lake flows into the Clowhom River.

The Phantom Lake Hydro Project will generate approximately 58 gigawatt hours of electricity annually and will enable Hydromax Energy to generate more energy from the downstream plants by smoothing the flows in the river with short term storage of water in the lake.  This process is most beneficial during rainstorms and other high run-off events when the river flow typically exceeds the capacity of the downstream hydro facilities.  Limiting the flow during heavy rainfall, then releasing it when the water flow is lower enables the downstream facilities to increase efficiency and capture more energy.

As part of the Phantom Lake Hydro Project a transmission line will also be required to deliver power to the BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) system.  This will require construction of a substation and approximately 2.6 km of power lines to the Upper Clowhom Project.  These new lines will be connected to existing lines from the Upper and Lower Clowhom projects to the BCTC system.

A transmission upgrade may be necessary to accommodate the additional power from the proposed hydro project.  BCTC will determine if this will involve increasing the capacity of the existing line down the inlet to Sechelt, or constructing a power line from Sechelt Creek on Salmon Inlet to Howe Sound where it would interconnect to the existing BCTC line from Cheekeye (Squamish) to Gibsons/Sechelt (approximately 21.5 km).  The transmission line is expected to follow existing forest service roads and parallel existing right-of-ways wherever possible.  This transmission reinforcement would also increase the reliability of all of the generation sources in the area.

Project Benefits
For much of the last decade, B.C. has been a net importer of electricity, depending on other jurisdictions to supply between 10 and 15 per cent of its electricity needs.  BC Hydro estimates demand for electricity to grow by up to 45 per cent over the next 20 years. The Phantom Lake Hydro Project will provide additional capacity and enhance the local and regional reliability of power supply. The power produced by the project is renewable and could potentially offset approximately 30,000 tonnes of CO2 by reducing B.C.’s reliance on electricity imports. 

The project will provide employment opportunities and support of the local economy through purchase of goods and services during two years of construction. Following construction Hydromax will also require locally-based employees for plant operation. If you are interested in working on the project, register with us.

Commitment to the Community
Hydromax Energy is committed to being an excellent corporate neighbour in the community and will provide timely and meaningful consultation with stakeholders about this proposed facility. Hydromax will work in a collaborative and responsive manner to share information about the proposed Phantom Lake Hydro Project and listen to, understand and address stakeholder concerns.

A comprehensive public consultation program has been developed to provide opportunities for interested parties to become engaged in dialogue and information sharing about this project from planning through operations. Through a series of activities including information packages, community open houses, and personal meetings, Hydromax looks forward to building long-term relationships with the local community.