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Future Projects - Manitoba Hydro |
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Future Hydro Exports to Minnesota
Manitoba Hydro supplies Manitobans with electricity and natural gas, while also exporting hydro electricity to neighbouring provinces and states. Manitoba Hydro has signed a 'term sheet' with Minnesota Power, an Allete Inc unit, to provide 250 megawatts of hydro power over 15 year period starting in 2020. The companies have one year to complete talks and sign agreements. Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro currently operate under a 50 megawatt agreement expiring in 2015. Manitoba Hydro has existing contracts with Xcel Energy of Minnesota including an 'up to' 500 megawatts contract, expired and renewed in 2005. Xcel Energy currently receives 375 megawatts of power under a 10-year contract with Manitoba Hydro. Manitoba Hydro plans include constructing Keeyask generation station on the Nelson River, about 30 kilometres west of Gillam, Manitoba. Keeyask, a $3.5 billion hydro plant will supply 620 megawatts of energy and involves substantial flooding of lands. View January 29, 2008 Manitoba Hydro release  Download January 29, 2008 Minnesota Power release (PDF)Download Manitoba Hydro Electric Board 56th Annual Report (PDF)View January 29, 2008 CBC article Pointe du Bois - Rebuilding and Decommissioning
On July 31, 2007, Manitoba Hydro submitted a proposal under the Environment Act for the Pointe du Bois Modernization project. |
Manitoba Hydro also says "Transmission Line improvements are required regardless of the modernization project. Separate approval of these improvements, as appropriate, will be requested in the future" (page 2 Draft Scoping Document). In addition, Conawapa Generation Project |
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| Conawapa generation station, on the Nelson River, was shelved in 1992 following Ontario’s decision to cancel a 1,000-megawatt energy contract with Manitoba Hydro. However, the November 2006 Speech from the Throne leaves little doubt regarding the Manitoba Government's intention to revive the project. Today we are proud to announce that we will build the Conawapa dam. Energy projections for export and domestic markets indicate the time is right for Manitoba Hydro to move forward with another major generating station... Once in operation, Conawapa will generate 1,250 megawatts of electricity.
Prior to the November 2006 statements, news reports were referring to high level discussions between senior government officials in Manitoba and Ontario regarding Manitoba Hydro projects and current and future energy shortages for southern Ontario. It has been estimated that the cost of realizing Conawapa would be $5 billion (+ / -) plus transmission line costs. In addition, during Clean Environment Commission licensing hearings for the Wuskwatim projects in 2004, Manitoba Hydro indicated the required notice under the Northern Flood Agreement regarding intent to start planning for Conawapa had been given to the five signatory First Nations (Split Lake, Nelson House, York Factory, Norway House and Cross Lake). Split Lake First Nation (Tataskweyak Cree nation) received notification from Manitoba Hydro dated January 6, 2004. Mr. Ed Wojczynski, Division Manager of Power Planning and Development for Manitoba Hydro stated on Day Two of the Wuskwatim hearings (March 2, 2004) the decision to restart Conawapa had been made in the last couple of months. Manitoba Hydro and Tataskweyak Cree nation (TCN) continue to state that a decision to proceed with an environmental impact assessment for Conawapa is not a decision to go ahead with the project. The final decision will be made following the regulatory approvals process. Download the January 6, 2004 letter of notification (DOC)No information or documents pertaining to partnership negotiations between Manitoba Hydro and First Nations for the Conawapa project have been posted on the Manitoba Hydro web site. Visit Manitoba Hydro's New Generation and Transmission Projects web page 
Development of Conawapa and export of power to Ontario would require more transmission capacity. This would probably necessitate construction of a Manitoba-Ontario power grid (i.e. part of the proposed east-west power grid). Three options are being discussed to facilitate power transmission. Transmission could travel south on the east side of Lake Winnipeg and east to Kenora. Another option is a transmission line from northern Manitoba to northern Ontario and then to Sault Ste. Marie or Thunder Bay. The third option would involve lines crossing into Ontario, south of the dam and into southern Ontario.No public steps have been taken concerning a Manitoba-Ontario power grid since October 2005. Visit Manitoba Wildlands' Hydro Research page and the document Hydropower Transmission in Manitoba for detailed information regarding future transmission options. View Manitoba Wildlands Hydro Map Gallery |
Gull (Keeyask) Generation Project |
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| Manitoba Hydro is actively planning the development of the 600-megawatt Gull (Keeyask)
Generation Project on the Nelson River, indicating the earliest potential
in service date for the project is 2011/2012; construction would take
seven years to complete. This generation station would flood approximately
46 square kilometers of boreal taiga lands. Similar to the Wuskwatim generation project, Manitoba Hydro is currently negotiating a potential equity partnership with four First Nations - Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN), War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation. TCN was the first community to enter into discussions with Manitoba Hydro, signing an Agreement in Principle in October 2000. The AIP outlines a basis for negotiating the Joint Keeask Development Agreement (JKDA), which has not yet been finalized. In May 2001, TCN and War Lake First Nation signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding which created Cree Nation Partners (CNP). The purpose of CNP is to work together as partners to negotiate all matters with Manitoba Hydro related to Keeyask. In October 2002, the four First Nations signed an agreement with Manitoba Hydro called the "Keeyask Negotiating Principles and Process", which outlines how negotiations will proceed. There are five contracts to be negotiated as part of the JKDA:
The only document pertaining to the negotiations process between Manitoba Hydro and First Nations that is available on the Manitoba Hydro web site is the October 2000 Agreement in Principle (AIP). Download October 2000 AIP between Manitoba Hydro and TCN (PDF)View July 9, 2003 Manitoba Hydro News Release If all four First Nations sign the JKDA, and each First Nation maximizes its ownership in Keeyask, ownership would be as follows: Manitoba Hydro: 75%; TCN: 13%; War Lake First Nation: 2%; Fox Lake Cree Nation: 5%; York Factory First Nation: 5%. Scientific and environmental studies have already been initiated with the involvement of TCN members. The development of this project would require associated transmission facilities, that would be in addition and separate from transmission lines associated with the Conawapa project. Notigi Generation ProjectManitoba Hydro is planning the development of the 100-megawatt Notigi Generation Project.to be finished by 2009, located near the Wuskwatim site.According to Manitoba Hydro’s website, they have "determined that Notigi will not proceed in the immediate future, and NCN and Manitoba Hydro are not pursuing further negotiations on the project at this time." Gillam Island Generation ProjectGillam Island generation station is a potential 1,000-megawatt project on the lower Nelson River. Development of this project would require the construction of a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) line and would likely trigger the construction of Bipole IV Transmission Project and possibly Bipole V Transmission Project.During the CEC Wuskwatim hearings in March 2004, Manitoba Hydro executives confirmed that the Gillam Island generation station is an upcoming project on the Nelson River, along with Keyask (Gull) and Conawapa. |
BiPole III 500 kV HVDC Transmission Project |
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| BiPole III Location - Under Lake Winnipeg Dr. John Ryan, retired professor of geography at the University of Winnipeg undertook the research and analysis for his three articles, published by the Winnipeg Free Press. Since their publication Manitoba Hydro has announced that it will study the option of putting sections of BiPole III under Lake Winnipeg. These articles include data and costing for similar projects in Europe. Manitoba Wildlands is making the articles available with permission of Dr. Ryan. Download February 9-11, 2008 Three Part Article: Proposal for a Manitoba Hydro Cable under Lake Winnipeg (DOC)Download February 12, 2008 Editorial & Rejoinder - Study line under lake (DOC)Download February 13 & 18, 2008 Letters to the Editor: John Ryan's Transmission Line Series (DOC)Download February 20, 2008 Underwater power line to be studied, by Mary Agnes Welch (DOC)BiPole III Transmission Routing Study 
On December 19, 2007 Manitoba Hydro tabled a report during a Legislative Committee meeting at the Manitoba Legislature. The report is dated September 2007 and reviews the options, variables and public policy issues in relation to placement of Bi Pole III Direct Current transmission corridor in Manitoba.We would note that an earlier Manitoba Hydro report regarding East Side issues acknowledges that Bi Pole IV could also be needed as an East Side transmission corridor. (The Manitoba Hydro 2002 report.) Manitoba Wildlands is posting the September 2007 Report. Download September 2007 BiPole III Transmission Routing Study (PDF)Download December 2002 Manitoba Hydro report, Future Transmission Line Development on the East Side (PDF 4MB)At the December 19, 2007 meeting of the Manitoba Legislature Committee on Crown Corporations, extensive discussions occurred regarding the location of Manitoba's next north to south direct current bi pole transmission system. Manitoba Wildlands have summarized content from the record especially in regards to the future world heritage site, and protecting the boreal forest regions on Manitoba's east side. Download the Manitoba Legislative Committee - BiPole III summary (PDF) |
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| Manitoba Hydro's September 25, 2007 announcement that it will route the BiPole III transmission line down the west side of Lake Winnipeg, rather than through Manitoba's intact boreal forest on the eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg (see below) has recently received extensive coverage in the media. It has also sparked heated debate in the Provincial Legislature. Manitoba Wildlands has summarized some of the misinformation that has been circulating and is providing additional information to clarify certain issues surrounding transmission line development impacts and other potential development on the east side.Download Manitoba Wildlands November 2007 Setting the Record Straight - Manitoba Transmission Corridors / Road System for East Side (PDF) |
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| Hydro to Route BiPole III Through West Side Manitoba Hydro announced September 25, 2007 it will move forward with its plans to build a new high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission corridor on the west side of the Province. View September 25, 2007 Manitoba Hydro press release Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Bob Brennan said BiPole III, will serve as backup for existing lines, which are vulnerable to storms and extreme weather, "as well as being able to carry power from new generation, including Conawapa, to the south and to export markets." The switch from the eastern route to the west will add up to $400 million to the cost of transmission, bringing the total to approximately $1.1 billion. When converter equipment is added, the total cost is in the range of $2.2 billion. The western route is 50 per cent longer and resistance on the longer line will cause more electricity to be lost. The transmission project will need to receive approvals from the appropriate federal and provincial agencies. Targeted in-service date is 2017. No information has been provided about how the transmission segments being built on the west side for Wuskwatim will be incorporated in the BiPole grid. Manitoba Government Says 'No' to BiPole III on the East Side In May 2005 the Manitoba government publicly stated it will not allow hydro transmission lines through the boreal forest regions east of Lake Winnipeg. Download the May 29, 2005 Winnipeg Free Press article (DOC)Manitoba Energy Minister Dave Chomiak told media that preserving the ecological integrity of boreal forests on the east side - to assist in pursuit of World Heritage Site status for the area - is the government's priority. View the June 1, 2005 Canadian Boreal Initiative press release View Manitoba Wildlands World Heritage Site page with maps ESPI Report Calls for Suspension of BiPole III Until Planning Completed In 2003, Manitoba Hydro was asked by the Minister responsible for Hydro to halt its public planning process for BiPole III until the conclusion of the East Side Planning Initiative (ESPI). Phase II of the ESPI concluded in November 2004 with the submission of a status report on the ESPI. In January 2005, the Minister of Conservation announced he had forwarded the recommendations in the status report relating to BiPole III to Manitoba Hydro and "the utility is currently reviewing alternate routing options." View Manitoba Wildlands' East Side Planning Initiative pages, for information on the ESPI View Manitoba Wildlands' Hydro Research and Maps page, for information on future transmission options Hydro Steps Up Plans for BiPole III on Manitoba's East Side Manitoba Hydro recently stepped up planning efforts to develop a HVDC Transmission Line/Corridor, through the ecologically pristine east side of Lake Winnipeg. The corridor would also traverse the traditional territories of as many as 18 First Nations. Part of the canceled 1990-1992 Conawapa development plan, BiPole III has since been described by Manitoba Hydro as a transmission project that is not driven by new generation capacity. Instead, Hydro says that the line is needed to improve the overall reliability of Manitoba's hydro system, as it would reduce vulnerability to extreme weather and other potential causes of interruption. At least three different corridor options have been mapped and investigated for this BiPole over the last 20 years. The corridor options are evident in different map sets. The BiPole III corridor is not the only potential transmission corridor for the east side as Manitoba Hydro policy explicitly states that each new dam at the top of the east side would also have its own corridor. View the Manitoba Wildlands Hydro Map Gallery In 2002, Manitoba Hydro conducted a series of 'introductory meetings' with the leadership of First Nations and Northern Affairs communities with the intent to "introduce Manitoba Hydro's plans for future transmission development on the East Side, including BiPole III, and begin the process of building relationships with communities in regard to such development." The meetings took place between May and October 2002 as a first step in a multi-year process to involve East Side communities in the planning and environmental assessment of future transmission lines in the region. This Manitoba Hydro document indicates there would be few direct benefits for the communities from construction of transmission lines on the east side. Download the December 2002 Manitoba Hydro document, Future Transmission Line Development on the East Side: Summary of Key Perspectives from Introductory Meetings with Leadership of East Side Communities (PDF 4MB)
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East-West Power Grid & Hydro MOU |
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| Media reports since 2003 have suggested that the federal government may make a financial commitment to provide federal funds to develop an east-west power grid. A major component of the proposed east-west power grid would be a new transmission line from Manitoba to southern Ontario. In June 2003, then Premier Eves of Ontario and Premier Doer of Manitoba signed a memorandum of understanding which sets out objectives and activity for joint hydro development and transfer of power from Manitoba to Ontario. The MOU potentially includes work on future dams, including Conawapa, and the east - west transmission grid for Canada. 
Download Ontario-Manitoba Hydro MOU (DOC 92KB)A feasibility study commissioned by Manitoba and Ontario under the MOU between Manitoba and Ontario was to be completed by November 30, 2003. The preliminary report (dated September 2004) outlining the potential for energy transfers between Manitoba and Ontario was released in Winnipeg September 31, 2004. The report examines possible power supply arrangements between Manitoba and Ontario, in particular generation and transmission infrastructure to meet a growing need for power in Ontario. The report recommends proceeding to the next stage of the 'Clean Energy Transfer Initiative' ('CETI'), which would involve detailed engineering and cost analysis, especially regarding transmission line options, comprehensive consultations, the initiation of commercial negotiations, and political and policy decisions. In a September 30, 2004 press release, the Manitoba Government indicated that Manitoba and Ontario would proceed with a detailed technical study to follow-up on the feasibility study. View the report 'The Clean Energy Transfer - Preliminary Assessment of the Potential for a Clean Energy Transfer Between Manitoba and Ontario' (September 2004) View the September 30, 2004 Manitoba Government press release Visit Manitoba Wildlands' Hydro Research page and the document Clean Energy Transfer Initiative - Manitoba Wildlands Review for an analysis of the Clean Energy Transfer report. Manitoba Premier Gary Doer addressed the Empire Club in Toronto in October 2, 2004. The potential and justification for an east-west grid featured prominently in his speech. The Premier emphasized the issues of reliability and accessibility of hydro power within Canada, environmental benefits and meeting Kyoto targets, and economic feasibility as primary reasons for moving forward on planning for an east-west transmission grid amongst Canadian provinces. Download the Premier Doer's address to the Empire Club (see last three pages)First Phase CETI: Ontario & Manitoba to Upgrade TransmissionManitoba and Ontario signed an agreement that will see Manitoba transfer $500 million in clean, renewable hydro power to Ontario - up to 400 MW annually, based on transmission infrastructure upgrades between the two provinces.The agreement, announced in October 2005, is the first phase of a larger 1,500 to 3,000 megawatt (MW) intended power sale - the Clean Energy Transfer Initiative (CETI) -under discussion by the two provinces (see section above for more details). View the October 27, 2005 Government of Manitoba press release Current transmission infrastructure will allow for power sales to Ontario in 2006 of 150 MW. This will increase to 400 MW annually by 2009 (pending requirements for environmental licenses) as transmission upgrades come online between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay. Manitoba and Ontario have stated that they will continue to discuss the second phase of the CETI, which would require the construction of new generating facilities in northern Manitoba, as well as new transmission infrastructure. As of January 2007, the federal government has not committed any financial support for the CETI and the agreement between Ontario and Manitoba for the first phase of the CETI is not publicly available. No public steps have been taken concerning a Manitoba-Ontario power grid since June 2005. First Nations and the CETIIn March of 2006, Ontario Ministry of Energy (MOE) retained consultants on behalf of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Chiefs Steering Committee and the MOE to undertake a report to identify and review the potential impacts of the proposal to import renewable power and energy, from Manitoba into Ontario on affected Ontario First Nations.This energy transfer proposal is known as the Clean Energy Transfer Initiative, or CETI and involves the transfer of 1500MW - 3000MW of hydro electric power, by way of a high voltage (HV) transmission line corridor, from the proposed new Conawapa hydro electric facility on the Nelson River in North-eastern Manitoba, through northern Ontario, to Sudbury. The document was prepared for the purposes of further engaging First Nations in the review of the CETI initiative. Download the July 2006 Executive Summary to Ontario Ministry of Energy and Chiefs Steering Committee - Northwest Ontario Transmission Line Study (PDF)Coming soon: the July 2006 report - Northwest Ontario Transmission Line Study |
2002-2008