Wind Energy

Anyone who has stood at the corner of Portage and Main or in a prairie field knows that wind blows in Manitoba. In fact, it has been determined that Manitoba has a world class wind resource along with accessible sites and the potential to make a significant contribution to our energy needs.

Wind is reliable and is an excellent fit with our hydroelectric power. One of its greatest attributes is that it blows the hardest, and therefore generates the most electricity, in the winter months when our peak demand for power occurs.

Wind technology leaves behind no toxic or hazardous wastes and uses no water. It has proven to be a clean, abundant and completely renewable source of energy. It is economical to produce and very reliable.

Wind energy is a growing force – the business was worth over $25 billion worldwide in 2005 with projections for a doubling in size every three years. The Canadian industry has shown an average annual increase of over 30 per cent for the past five years. The business of wind energy provides a new and guaranteed source of income for rural landowners, as well as new jobs and tax revenues.

One of the single largest wind farms in Canada is currently operating in southwest Manitoba at St-Léon. It supplies 99 megawatts of electricity into the provincial grid – enough to power all the households in Portage la Prairie and Morden combined. It has also attracted a steady stream of tourists who are fascinated by the 63 giant windmills.

The project represents $210 million in private investment that has created 300 direct and indirect jobs in the region. This is just the first step toward more large-scale projects that will create significant local development and provide income for rural municipalities and rural land owners.

The St-Léon wind farm project demonstrates the significant industry potential in wind power development. It will help move Manitoba towards an even cleaner future as communities forge strong partnerships with the private and public sectors.

Manitoba has committed to building on this by developing 1,000 megawatts of wind power in the province over the next decade. This will enable greenhouse gas reductions of more than 3.5 million tonnes annually and stimulate $2 billion in new investments – plus ongoing, sustainable jobs to help rural communities grow and prosper.

We will also build on this by providing significant community development and local ownership opportunities, including small wind projects where farmers and others can sell small-scale wind power back into the energy grid.

Please visit Manitoba Energy Development Initiative for more information.

Additional Resources

Manitoba Green and Growing
Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association
Canadian Wind Energy Association

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