Energy sources in British Columbia

There are four common energy and fuel sources in Vancouver:

Fossil gas

Commonly referred to as “natural gas”, this is a flammable fossil fuel formed millions of years ago, it is primarily comprised of methane. From extraction, combustion and leakage to the atmosphere, fossil gas produces a lot of carbon pollution.

Historically, “Natural gas” was a cleaner energy source to transition off of coal but now we need more urgent action to transition off natural gas. Learn more: http://unece.org/challenge

Renewable gas

Commonly referred to as “renewable natural gas”. It is created when organic matter like manure and compost decompose, creating methane. Capturing methane from sources like landfills, is one source of renewable gas. Renewable gas is low in carbon emissions and provided by FortisBC.

Homeowners can currently upgrade their home heating to 100% renewable gas through FortisBC. The cost for 100% renewable gas is about 25% higher than traditional fossil gas.

Learn more about renewable gas at FortisBC.

How much does Renewable Natural Gas cost (fortisbc.com)

Electricity

People often think of windmills and solar panels when they think of renewable energy, but in BC, electricity from BC Hydro, is generated by harnessing the power of falling water. As a result, 97% of electricity, provided by BC Hydro, is renewable - generated without creating carbon pollution.

Learn more about BCHydro’s renewable hydroelectricity

District Energy

Have you ever noticed the five smoke stacks coming from the building below the Cambie Street Bridge? That building is part of the City-Owned district energy system in False Creek, providing heat to nearby connected buildings.

In the False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU), waste heat is recovered from sewage pipes. This thermal energy is captured and sent back to buildings in the nearby four neighborhoods for space heating and hot water. This recycled energy eliminates more than 60% of the carbon pollution associated with heating buildings. The NEU is the first application of this technology in North America.

Watch this video on the NEU to learn more