British Columbia likely has the most exciting prospects for renewable energy growth out of any Canadian province, a recent KPMG report argues.

Yet the professional services firm, among the world's largest, is unsure whether an NDP government led by Adrian Dix would take advantage of them.

"Despite the obvious long-term opportunity for renewable energy deployment in British Columbia," the report reads, "there is a significant degree of uncertainty regarding the level of political support the NDP party, which is currently ahead in the polls, will offer independent power producers should they be elected in May 2013."

KPMG identifies two major factors driving B.C.'s "explosive" demand for electricity, and hence the opportunities for renewable energy production.

For one, the province's population is set to reach 5.7 million over the 20 years, largely a result of new immigration.

Secondly, northern B.C. is on the verge of a major industrialization: new mining, liquefied natural gas and fossil fuel projects are expected to be huge energy consumers.

The prospect of that power being supplied by new, privately-owned hydro, wind and biomass producers "is grabbing the attention of the development and investor community," KPMG concludes.

These projects are not without their detractors. As The Tyee reported last week, wide opposition exists towards a run-of-river project near Pemberton that could impact important wildlife habitats.

B.C.'s ruling Liberals have historically been very supportive of independent power production, though such enthusiasm may be waning under Clark's leadership.

And as for the NDP? "[It] may be less politically inclined to support private ownership of renewable energy power assets," reads the KPMG report.

Yet the report suggests that a strong and growing clean energy sector in B.C. may be inevitable -- no matter which party takes power on May 14.

"We think that when you look at the current situation, any provincial government will come to the same conclusion that it is highly worthwhile to develop B.C.'s renewable power future rapidly," said Anders Kruus, VP Corporate Relations at Alterra Power, whose statement was quoted in the report.

Geoff Dembicki reports for The Tyee.