The company behind a solar farm near Sooke will host an open house on Thursday (Feb. 29) for the project.
Recurrent Energy has proposed building a 100-megawatt solar project on 235 hectares between Sandcut and Jacob creeks, east of Jordan River.
Once operational, the Jordan Solar and Energy Storage Project is capable of providing energy for approximately 20,000 homes.
The initiative aligns with the current surge in demand for green energy in the province. Recently released figures indicate a projected 15 per cent increase in provincial electricity demand by 2030.
The envisioned facility would incorporate solar panels, a battery storage system, overhead transmission lines linking the project to the B.C. Hydro power grid, and access roads.
The B.C. Environment Ministry initiated the environmental assessment for the project on Jan. 11.
The project is in the preliminary information-gathering stage. During this phase, the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) collaborates with First Nations, stakeholders, technical experts, and the public to pinpoint potential key issues early in the process and devise strategies to address any concerns.
If the project is approved, Recurrent Energy anticipates a one-year construction period, generating 160 jobs during peak construction, in addition to four full-time positions and supplementary part-time jobs during operations.
The project is expected to begin operations in late 2027.
The open house occurs from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd. An online information session is planned for March 7, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/JordanSolar-EE.
RELATED: Premier announces $36 billion for B.C. Hydro infrastructure over next 10 years
RELATED: Electricity demand in B.C. expected to increase by 15% by 2030