Energy Generation
- Power Generation in Manitoba
WIND POWER POTENTIAL
Prepared by: Brett Shenbach ( April 2006)
The State of Power Generation in Manitoba
The overwhelming majority of Manitoba's power comes from hydroelectric generation, once considered to be an environmentally benign form of power generation. In the last few decades, however, it has been recognised that the impacts of large-scale hydroelectric projects, which flood large areas and disrupt natural water flows and displace plant and animal habitats, offset many of the benefits of hydroelectric generation. In reaction to this, the Òecological effects of large-scale hydroelectric dams are no longer acceptable to the publicÓ (Roseland, 1998, 88). The current controversy over the proposed Wuskwatim dam project in northern Manitoba is evidence of this public concern.
Small hydroelectric facilities are considered renewable energy sources primarily because of their size. The Environmental Choice Program of Environment Canada certifies electrical power plants as eco-friendly as a way to encourage environmentally sound choices on the part of energy consumers. The program requires that small hydro plants be no larger than 20 MW in generating capacity in order to be called alternate source electricity generators (Epcor website), as plants greater than this size are likely to have significant impacts on their surrounding environment. Although some of Manitoba Hydro's hydroelectric generating station are smaller than 20 MW, none of the province's 14 hydro stations achieve this certification. One of Manitoba HydroÕs generating stations is natural gas fired (Selkirk) and one is fired by a combination of coal and natural gas (Brandon).
Heavy reliance on one form of electrical power generation such as hydro-electricity can pose problems of reliability, particularly in years of drought such as was experienced in Manitoba in 2003. In light of such concerns, wind energy is a natural alternative, especially in windy Manitoba. Manitoba is lagging behind many other provinces in wind generation because other sources of renewable energy have a Òhard time competing with the provinceÕs cheap, abundant hydroelectric powerÓ (Winnipeg Free Press, Aug. 3, 2002). However, seven provinces and two territories already have or are in the process of building wind farms, hydro-rich Quebec being home to the biggest wind farm in Canada, at 100 MW of annual production. Wind farms can generate up to 200 MW, depending on their location and size, and the 100 MW Quebec windfarm produces enough energy to power 10,000 homes for a year (Winnipeg Free Press, Dec. 5, 2002).
