Manitoba Hydro has outlined a plan that spans nine years to complete the construction of new wind farms, aiming to bolster its electricity generation capacity to meet growing consumer demands. The Crown corporation’s strategy includes the full development of gas-burning turbines in Brandon by 2030, addressing concerns about potential power shortages during peak winter periods.
In its recently unveiled integrated resource plan for 2025, Manitoba Hydro aims to make an additional 1,760 megawatts of electricity accessible to consumers within the next decade. This represents more than a quarter of its current generating capacity, which stands at 6,400 megawatts under optimal conditions. The plan involves a mix of energy-saving initiatives and the establishment of new infrastructure to achieve this goal.
Scott Powell, the communications director at Manitoba Hydro, expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the planned gas turbines in Brandon to mitigate any anticipated winter electricity supply challenges. He emphasized the corporation’s commitment to providing reliable, safe, and affordable energy to Manitobans, stating that the plan is adaptable to changing conditions.
The integrated resource plan includes initiatives to enhance existing hydroelectric facilities, construct new natural gas turbines in Brandon capable of generating 750 megawatts by 2030, introduce a five-megawatt battery storage pilot project by 2034, and complete new wind farms led by Indigenous-owned private enterprises by 2035. These projects aim to bolster the province’s energy capacity and improve overall efficiency.
Additionally, the plan incorporates measures to save 860 megawatts of energy, aimed at reducing peak electricity demand during extreme weather conditions. A recent assessment by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation highlighted Manitoba Hydro’s ability to manage winter power shortages effectively, given its power-sharing agreements with neighboring jurisdictions.
The Manitoba Public Utilities Board has been tasked with reviewing the integrated resource plan, with the Consumers Coalition expressing concerns about its relevance in the face of evolving climate, technological, and geopolitical landscapes. The group plans to scrutinize the plan to ensure realistic modeling inputs, considering factors such as climate change impacts and energy efficiency opportunities.