In a joint effort to fortify Manitoba's clean electricity grid and ensure a continued supply of affordable and reliable low-carbon energy, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, alongside Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, announced a significant investment of $475.6 million in Winnipeg last week.
The federal-provincial investment allocates $314 million for the installation of eight new hydroelectric turbines at the Pointe du Bois Generating Station. Additionally, $161.6 million will be directed towards constructing a new 230kV transmission network in the Portage la Prairie area.
The $314 million joint investment in the Pointe du Bois Renewable Energy Project aims to replace eight hydroelectric generating units reaching the end of their lifecycle. The upgraded units will enhance the Pointe du Bois generating station's capacity by 52MW, supplying eastern Manitoba with cleaner and more reliable electricity.
The remaining $161.6 million will contribute to the Portage Area Capacity Enhancement project, supporting the construction of a new transmission line to bolster reliability for customers in southwest Manitoba. This initiative will also assist Manitoba Hydro in meeting the rising demand, reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the Brandon Generating Station by approximately 37%.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized: "A key part of our economic plan is making Canada a clean electricity superpower. Today’s announcement in Manitoba will deliver clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to people and businesses across the province – and we will continue working to expand our clean electricity grid and create great careers for people from coast to coast to coast."
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew added: "Manitoba Hydro is one of the most important assets our province has when it comes to being a leader in the low carbon economy. Continued investment in a publicly owned Manitoba Hydro will mean more low carbon jobs, more progress towards our net-zero targets, and more opportunities to lower costs for working families."
Jay Grewal, President, and CEO of Manitoba Hydro expressed appreciation for the federal funding, stating: "These projects build on our legacy of investments in renewable energy over the past 100 years, as we work towards a lower carbon future for all Manitobans."
