The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) celebrates the prospect of important new opportunities for wind generation in Manitoba, as announced today (Sept 20) by Premier Wab Kinew, Finance Minister Adrien Sala (the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board and Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro), and Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt (the Minister responsible for Efficiency Manitoba).
As outlined in Manitoba's Affordable Energy Plan, Manitoba Hydro will issue an Expression of Interest for up to 600 MW of near-term wind generation projects with Indigenous majority ownership.
"CanREA proudly welcomes Manitoba's historic partnerships in wind generation, empowering Indigenous communities with capital support for a sustainable energy future," said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA's President and CEO.
"Across Canada, renewable energy and energy storage projects are increasingly integrating Indigenous equity clearly, the momentum is building. CanREA and its members are committed to fostering successful partnerships that deliver value to local communities and electricity consumers alike. With this announcement, Manitobans can look forward to reliable, affordable and clean electricity in the future."
The announcement also outlines how an Indigenous loan guarantee program will provide First Nations and Métis the capital support and capacity to participate in the energy transition and finance new partnerships in wind generation.
"The government of Manitoba has been thoughtful with the rollout of their Affordable Energy Plan. By committing to reducing the barriers for Indigenous communities and companies striving to access capital, and by streamlining the regulatory process for connecting new projects that are both front of the meter and behind the meter, they are setting the province up for success," said Fernando Melo, CanREA's Federal Director.
Canada's wind and solar industry has a strong history of Indigenous Equity Ownership, and CanREA has been pushing for an equal access to capital for Indigenous companies and communities through the Federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program and the Clean Technology and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credits.
CanREA is looking forward to supporting the Manitoba government and Manitoba Hydro as the new plan is implemented, by sharing expertise on how best to quickly deploy low-cost renewables to achieve their electricity supply targets.
Quotes
"CanREA proudly welcomes Manitoba's historic partnerships in wind generation, empowering Indigenous communities with capital support for a sustainable energy future. Across Canada, renewable energy and energy storage projects are increasingly integrating Indigenous equity clearly, the momentum is building. CanREA and its members are committed to fostering successful partnerships that deliver value to local communities and electricity consumers alike. With this announcement, Manitobans can look forward to reliable, affordable and clean electricity in the future."
Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
"The government of Manitoba has been thoughtful with the rollout of their Affordable Energy Plan. By committing to reducing the barriers for Indigenous communities and companies striving to access capital, and by streamlining the regulatory process for connecting new projects that are both front of the meter and behind the meter, they are setting up this province for success."
Fernando Melo, Federal Director, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
Contact:
Michaela Ianni, Communications Specialist
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
communications@renewablesassociation.ca
About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada's energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada's energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult "Powering Canada's Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA's 2050 Vision." Follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
