| Manitoba Hydro Seeks New Exports to Minnesota | 04 March 08 |
 Construction of new hydro dams and expansion of wind power capabilities in Manitoba are needed to meet Minnesota's hydro electricity import expectations.Manitoba Hydro has signed a 'term sheet' with Minnesota Power, an Allete Inc unit, to provide 250 megawatts of hydro power over a 15 year period starting in 2020. The companies have one year to complete talks and sign agreements. Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro currently do business under a 50 megawatt agreement expiring in 2015. Manitoba Hydro has existing contracts with Xcel Energy in Minnesota, including a contract that expired and was renewed in 2005. Xcel Energy currently receives 375 megawatts of power under the new 10-year contract with Manitoba Hydro. "Uncertainty about Manitoba Hydro's ability to build the Wuskwatim projects, combined with soaring construction costs, and requirements for Minnesota electricity imports to be approved by its Legislature means more public information is needed about this 'term sheet'," said Gaile Whelan Enns, Director, Manitoba Wildlands. Once finalized, the Minnesota Power sale requires construction of new hydroelectric facilities and a cross-border transmission line. Manitoba Hydro plans include constructing Keeyask generation station on the Nelson River, about 30 kilometres west of Gillam, Manitoba. Keeyask, a $3.5 billion generation station, will supply 620 megawatts of energy. View January 29, 2008 Reuters article View January 29, 2008 Manitoba Government press release View January 29, 2008 Manitoba Hydro press release View January 29, 2008 Minnesota Power release (PDF) View Manitoba Hydro Electric Board 2007 Annual Report (PDF) View January 29, 2008 CBC article View December 23, 2002 PlanetArk article View January 29, 2008 Clean Tech article Sources: Manitoba Government, Manitoba Hydro, Reuters, Minnesota Power, Planet Ark, Clean Tech |
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