The readings this week focused on water power, with a particular emphasis on hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is of a particular interest to myself, coming from Manitoba, as almost all of the electricity in Manitoba is currently generated by hydroelectric dams and significant projects are underway to see the expansion of the hydroelectric generation.
Manitoba Hydro, which is a public company, is the exclusive electrical provider throughout the province. The power it provides is generated almost exclusively from large hydro electric dams built in remote locations in Northern Manitoba. The power is transferred through long distance transmission lines to different power stations throughout the province. During non-peak periods power is also sent to parts of North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota, through partnership agreements with Xcel-Energy, Minnesota Power, and Wisconsin Public Service. These agreements currently don't amount to significant power sources for these companies, but with Manitoba’s power generation potential they could prove to be much more fruitful in the future.
To understand the benefit it is important to know that peak power consumption in Manitoba takes place in the winter period, while peak power in much of the United States takes place during the summer. This difference means that Manitoba often has a surplus, when much of its’ neighboring states are seeking additional power sources. Considering this, if Manitoba were to find ways to increase its’ surpluses the neighboring states should be able to take greater advantage of this energy source.
Conveniently Manitoba is working on a project to do exactly that. Manitoba Hyrdo is currently working to significantly expand its energy producing capabilities through the creation of three new hydroelectric generating stations. The stations will be completed in stages, with the smallest being completed within the next year and the largest with a current target date of 2023. These stations once completed are projected to add an additional 2000 megawatts to Manitoba Hydro production. Manitoba does not currently have a demand for additional energy generation and its current means of production are more than satisfying Manitoba’s needs. This project is largely being done to ensure that Manitoba has a steady supply of clean and renewable energy to meet potential future demand. For the foreseeable future however, it will create an even larger surplus of electricity.
With many American companies seeking clean, affordable electricity, Manitoba appears poised to help meet this demand. Northern Manitoba is sparsely populated, has many large rivers and much of the land surrounding the waterways is undeveloped. This reduces some of the concerns about flooding and/or resistance to taking of farm or residential land. Manitoba is also currently putting the infrastructure in place to aid in the building of dams and the transfer of electricity through long distance power lines running from the northern rivers to the large power consumption areas in the southern part of the province. This could allow for further development beyond that which is currently being constructed and may present opportunities for investment or development by American energy companies seeking clean and affordable energy sources.
As America continues to seek alternative energy sources, Manitoba may provide a viable option.The readings this week focused on water power, with a particular emphasis on hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is of a particular interest to myself, coming from Manitoba, as almost all of the electricity in Manitoba is currently generated by hydroelectric dams and significant projects are underway to see the expansion of the hydroelectric generation.
Manitoba Hydro, which is a public company, is the exclusive electrical provider throughout the province. The power it provides is generated almost exclusively from large hydro electric dams built in remote locations in Northern Manitoba. The power is transferred through long distance transmission lines to different power stations throughout the province. During non-peak periods power is also sent to parts of North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota, through partnership agreements with Xcel-Energy, Minnesota Power, and Wisconsin Public Service. These agreements currently don't amount to significant power sources for these companies, but with Manitoba’s power generation potential they could prove to be much more fruitful in the future.
To understand the benefit it is important to know that peak power consumption in Manitoba takes place in the winter period, while peak power in much of the United States takes place during the summer. This difference means that Manitoba often has a surplus, when much of its’ neighboring states are seeking additional power sources. Considering this, if Manitoba were to find ways to increase its’ surpluses the neighboring states should be able to take greater advantage of this energy source.
Conveniently Manitoba is working on a project to do exactly that. Manitoba Hyrdo is currently working to significantly expand its energy producing capabilities through the creation of three new hydroelectric generating stations. The stations will be completed in stages, with the smallest being completed within the next year and the largest with a current target date of 2023. These stations once completed are projected to add an additional 2000 megawatts to Manitoba Hydro production. Manitoba does not currently have a demand for additional energy generation and its current means of production are more than satisfying Manitoba’s needs. This project is largely being done to ensure that Manitoba has a steady supply of clean and renewable energy to meet potential future demand. For the foreseeable future however, it will create an even larger surplus of electricity.
With many American companies seeking clean, affordable electricity, Manitoba appears poised to help meet this demand. Northern Manitoba is sparsely populated, has many large rivers and much of the land surrounding the waterways is undeveloped. This reduces some of the concerns about flooding and/or resistance to taking of farm or residential land. Manitoba is also currently putting the infrastructure in place to aid in the building of dams and the transfer of electricity through long distance power lines running from the northern rivers to the large power consumption areas in the southern part of the province. This could allow for further development beyond that which is currently being constructed and may present opportunities for investment or development by American energy companies seeking clean and affordable energy sources.
As America continues to seek alternative energy sources, Manitoba may provide a viable option.
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