The global hydro industry is vigorously promoting the expansion of hydropower.¹

• Untapped hydro potential in Manitoba: 5,000 MW²
  
• Untapped hydro potential in Canada: 163,000 MW³
  
  
• Untapped hydro potential in the U.S.: 25,000 MW⁴
  

• Percentage of hydropower potential that remains undeveloped in:⁵
  • Asia: 78
  • Africa: 93
  • Europe: 25
  • South America: 67
  • North America: 31
    

• About 14,000 MW worth of hydro projects are currently under construction or serious consideration in Canada.⁶

The future of hydro in Manitoba⁷

• Projects Under Construction
  • Keeyask
    • Capacity: 695 MW
    • Projected cost: $5.6 billion
    • Projected construction period: 7-8 years
    • In-service date: as early as 2021
• Potential Projects – pursued but not yet under construction:
  • Conawapa
    • Capacity: 1,485 MW
    • Projected cost: $7.7 billion
    • Projected construction period: 8-8.5 years
    • Earliest in-service date: 2023
•  Other potential sites (on the Nelson, Churchill and Burntwood rivers):
  • Gillam Island: 1,000 MW
  • First Rapids: 210 MW
  • Manasan: 265 MW
  • Early Morning: 70 MW
  • Notigi: 100 MW
  • Red Rock: 340 MW
  • Whitemud: 310 MW
  • Kelsey extension: 200 MW
  • Bonald: 120 MW
  • Granville: 125 MW

Notes

1. For example, see the International Hydropower Association’s pamphlet “Hydro’s Contribution,” and the Canadian Hydropower Association’s booklet “Hydropower in Canada” (both accessed August 2010 / “Hydro’s Contribution” no longer available online). See also our “Image of Clean” photo gallery.
2. Source: Manitoba Government’s Power for Business webpage (accessed January 2011).
3. Source: Speaking notes of a presentation by Jacob Irving, President, Canadian Hydropower Association, at the 25th Transamerica Conference, August 11, 2009.
4. Ibid.
5. These figures refer to projects deemed technically and economically viable. Source: “Hydropower: Making a Significant Contribution Worldwide,” an International Hydropower Association pamphlet. The data quoted is for 2003. (Accessed August 2010 / no longer available online.)
6. Source: “Power Connections: Canadian Electricity Trade and Foreign Policy,” Roger J. Goodman, Canadian International Council, June 2010, pages 19, 20.
7. Sources: Winnipeg Free Press articles of Jan 6, 2011 and May 26, 2011; Manitoba Hydro’s future development web section; the Manitoba Government’s “Power for Business” webpage; Keeyask news release, May 29, 2009; and “Manitoba Hydro, Minnesota Power agree on electricity sale,” CBC.ca, January 29, 2008 (accessed January 2011).