Recently, I was horrified to learn that the coal-burning electricity generating plant in Brandon was turned back on.
My horror increased when I learned that the coal plant had been converted to run on natural gas. As you may know, natural gas is 80% methane!
This was deemed necessary because we didn’t have enough electricity to meet our own demands. Now, think about that: Not enough electricity! How can that be? This is Manitoba, the province that prides itself with having an abundant, adequate, supply of green power in the form of hydro electricity. We have a number of hydro-electricity generating plants, most of which are in northern Manitoba. Hydro-electric power is generated as a result of the flow of water moving a turbine. That, we have been led to believe, would be providing more than enough electricity - in fact, there was enough to be able to sell our excess to the U.S.A. and neighbouring provinces!
What happened? The explanation provided is that due to drought conditions, the water level was lower, which led to a decrease in flow across those turbines, resulting in less electricity generated. Okay. So what’s the backup plan? Or, better still, why isn’t there an eco-friendly backup plan?
One of Manitoba’s claims to fame is that the vast majority of our electricity is from a ‘green’ source — hydro — and NOT from fossil fuels. It is really concerning then that we have needed to resort to using natural gas (again, 80% methane!) to “make up the difference”.
There are many other options that our province could invest in instead of natural gas. For example, what about nuclear power? A few facts for you: 30% of energy needs in the U.S. come from nuclear. Ontario has a large portion of its energy needs met by nuclear. There are 500 nuclear power plants worldwide. There have only ever been three major melt-downs. Recent advances have developed using small modular reactors (SMR); nuclear waste is a huge concern, but there is a ton of research going on to figure out how we can use the waste as a source of fuel — leaving very little waste overall.
For another example, the Manitoba government has released the Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan. Wab Kinew has spoken to this plan by indicating Manitoba supports providing monies to help develop renewable energy projects, especially in partnership with Indigenous groups. My idea: What about the slogan “Wind farms, every reserve should have one”? Why not create an Indigenous Energy Corporation as a branch of Manitoba Hydro?
And what about energy efficiency and building retro-fits? Manitoba has a crown corporation called Efficiency Manitoba. It currently offers 40 different programs to help fund energy efficiency related changes to your home, buildings and community structures. If anything, there should be consideration to expand these programs.
But instead of any of these, we have recently heard from Adrian Sala (the minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro) that there are plans to build two new energy-generating plants, that will — his words — “burn something to generate power.” When pushed, he said: “Most likely natural gas.”
It will take about 4-5 years to build these plants. The disappointing part is that there is no mention of any soon-to-be-started, real plans, for initiating renewable energy projects or alternate energy projects such as biofuel or nuclear. Natural gas is a fossil fuel, and it is the burning of fossil fuels that has led to the greenhouse gas increase that is THE cause of the climate change crisis we find ourselves in. Yes, it is a direct cause and effect! This move also goes against the Manitoba government’s goal of reaching net- zero emissions by 2035, and to not be using or increasing the use of fossil fuels.
Is it asking too much to have some way of predicting what our future energy supply needs could be? A recent editorial in the Brandon Sun (Feb.25/25) points out that when new industry wants to come to Manitoba, they will need a substantial, guaranteed supply of electricity. At this time, we have to say “Sorry, we barely have enough to meet our own needs!”
For context, you might be wondering what other provinces are doing. Would it surprise you to know that Alberta - yeah, the oil province - was, at one time, first in Canada in approving renewable energy projects? They have an abundant supply of wind and solar power. Ontario has 98 wind farms - Manitoba has two. In Texas - yeah, the oil state - they have a 15 sq. km. solar farm!
So… let’s power up our approach and responsibility in Manitoba to take action on climate change and divest ourselves of fossil fuels. The province should look to invest in wind, solar, small-scale hydro, geothermal, and alternate sources to meet the growing electricity demand. This change represents a huge opportunity to build home-grown green industries, create well-paying jobs, advance reconciliation, and build healthier homes, buildings, and communities! Planning a well thought out, planet-first energy policy NOW will ensure there is enough for not only us, but future generations as well!