Manitoba Hydro and Great River Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly investigate the sale of up to 600MW of electricity from new hydro stations, commencing in approximately 2020.
As part of the MOU, the utilities have agreed to discuss supplying some of Great River Energy's long-term electricity needs from Manitoba Hydro's proposed new hydroelectric stations. An eventual agreement could also take advantage of a new Manitoba to Minnesota transmission line also proposed as part of Manitoba Hydro's preferred development plan.
The new hydro stations include the proposed Keeyask Generating Station, being developed in partnership with four local first nations - Tataskweyak First Nation, Fox Lake First Nation, War Lake First Nation, and York Factory First Nation. Keeyask builds on the partnership between Manitoba Hydro and the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation that saw the development of the Wuskwatim Generating Station, completed in 2012.
"We are pleased to work with a trusted partner like Great River Energy to help increase the supply of virtually carbon-free, renewable hydroelectric energy in their supply mix," said Scott Thomson, President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. "This MOU demonstrates the continued strong interest in hydro power in US markets. Expansion of electricity trade with Great River Energy will support expansion of hydropower generating capacity in Manitoba and contribute to the ongoing supply of renewable, reliable, and cost-effective electricity to Manitobans."
