Manitoba Hydro Delays Full Wind Farm Completion to 2035
Manitoba Hydro has announced significant delays in the completion of its wind farm projects, now expected to be finalized by 2035. This decision emerges from the utility’s recent integrated resource plan designed to boost its power generation capacity.
Details of the Integrated Resource Plan
Released shortly after the start of 2026, the new plan outlines Manitoba Hydro’s strategy for the next decade. It aims to add 1,760 megawatts of capacity, which is over 25% of its current generating capability of approximately 6,400 megawatts.
Key Components of the Plan
- Construction of three natural gas turbines in Brandon, with a total output of 750 megawatts by 2030.
- Completion of a five-megawatt battery storage pilot project targeted for 2034.
- Introduction of wind farms expected to deliver 600 megawatts by 2035, although officially credited at 120 megawatts.
- Implementation of energy-saving measures expected to provide 860 megawatts of demand reduction during extreme weather conditions.
Manitoba Hydro Communications Director Scott Powell expressed confidence in the gas turbines to meet winter demand, addressing potential power shortages. He emphasized that the plan would evolve as conditions change.
Impact of Power-Sharing Arrangements
A recent assessment by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation indicated that Manitoba Hydro’s power-sharing agreements with North Dakota and Minnesota would help avoid mid-winter shortages until at least 2030. This is due to varying peak demand trends across the border.
Community and Regulatory Response
The Consumers Coalition has raised concerns about the integrated resource plan’s current relevance and its implications for consumers. They plan to question Manitoba Hydro regarding the modeling factors used in the new strategy, particularly considering climate change and advances in energy technology.
With several components, the integrated resource plan aims to ensure that Manitoba Hydro can meet the energy needs of its consumers reliably and affordably while addressing environmental and operational challenges.
