The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A study is underway on a proposed Northern Manitoba hydro project and a transmission line that would bring power from Manitoba to Ontario. The Clean Energy Transfer Initiative would include detailed engineering and cost analysis, further discussions with First Nations, as well as a more detailed analysis on overall project economics. "This project has potential benefits for both provinces, and that's why we are moving forward to the next phase," said Ontario Minister of Energy Dwight Duncan in a press statement. "Clean energy from Manitoba has the potential to provide Ontarians with 1,500 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable hydroelectric power, enough to power one million homes in Ontario." Manitoba has a potential excess of energy supply capacity over and above its domestic needs, including approximately 5,000 megawatts of potential new generation hydro sites that the province says can be developed economically and with minimal environmental impact. The project would require the development of hydroelectric sites in Northern Manitoba, and the construction of a transmission line to central Ontario, where it would connect with an existing transmission grid. The Manitoba government says the multi-billion dollar project would make a major contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and create employment and economic opportunities in Ontario and Manitoba ? particularly in northern and First Nations communities. "The proposed Manitoba-Ontario energy transfer could also be a first step in the development of a national East-West electricity grid, which would also improve reliability and provide greater national energy security," read a press release from the Manitoba government.
