 The Generation System
Manitoba Hydro's energy is predominantly produced through hydroelectric
generation.
The utiliy's generating stations are at these locations:
on the Winnipeg River there are; Pointe de Bois, Slave Falls, Great
Falls, Seven Sisters, Pine Falls and McArthur Falls;
on the Saskatchewan River is Grand Rapids;
on the Nelson River are Jenpeg, Kelsey, Kettle, Long Spruce and
Limestone;
and on the Laurie River, Laurie River I and Laurie River II.
The Transmission and Distribution Systems
Delivering the electricity that is produced at the generating
stations to customers is accomplished in three stages. First, Manitoba Hydro's high
voltage transmission line system carries electricity over long distances -- from the
generating stations to terminal stations where large transformers convert the high
voltages to low voltages. Sub-transmission lines then feed the electricity into a
distribution line system where the voltages are again converted to lower levels.
Manitoba Hydro's major high voltage transmission lines operate at 115
Kilovolts (kV), 138 kV, 230 kV, and 500 kV. At the terminal stations located in heavily
populated areas, large transformers convert the voltages to 66 kV, 33kV, or 24kV.
The electricity is fed into a distribution system where, at various
stages, transformers lower the voltages for distribution to Manitoba's cities, towns, and
rural communities. The final stage occurs at the pole-top or underground
transformers, which provide a 120/240 V service into the customers' premises.
Interconnections
The transmission system connects the province with Ontario, Saskatchewan
and the United States. These transmission lines have proved to be mutually
beneficial as a backup supply during emergencies or periods of high demand. They also
provide access to out-of-province markets for selling surplus electricity. Export sales
help to keep electricity rates for Manitobans low.
Direct Current Transmission
Most power systems in the world, including Manitoba Hydro generates and
transmits electricity as alternating current (AC) because of the relative ease of
transforming voltages to the desired levels. Because of the exceptionally long
distances between the Nelson River generating stations and southern Manitoba, where most
of the electricity is used, it is more efficient and economical to transmit electricity as
high voltage direct current (HVDC).
Manitoba Hydro's HVDC transmission system consists of two identical steel
tower lines, Bipole 1 and Bipole 2. From Gillam they follow a 900-km route through the
Interlake areas to Rosser, located 26 km from Winnipeg on the northwest side. The
other main components of the system are three converter stations: Radisson and Henday
located in the north, and Dorsey at Rosser in the south.
At Radisson and Henday, electricity is converted from AC to DC and is then
transmitted along the DC lines to Dorsey where it is converted once again to AC and fed
into Manitoba's southern power grid.
New Generating Stations Under Consideration
Keeyask, Lower Nelson River: 600 megawatts
Wuskwatim, Burntwood River: 200 megawatts, $900 million
Notigi, Burntwood River: 100 megawatts
To be considered if Manitoba Hydro secures a major new
contract:
Conawapa, Lower Nelson River: 1,380 megawatts, $3.4 billion
Other Potential Sites:
Gillam Island, Lower Nelson River: 1,000 megawatts
First Rapids, Burntwood River: 210 megawatts
Manasan, Burntwood River: 265 megawatts
Early Morning, Burntwood River: 70 megawatts
Red Rock, Upper Nelson River: 340 megawatts
Whitemud, Upper Nelson River: 310 megawatts
Kelsey extension, Upper Nelson River: 200 megawatts
Bonald, Churchill River System - 120 megawatts
Granville, Churchill River System - 125 megawatts
The total untapped potential in Manitoba is over 5,000
megawatts.
*All capacities are preliminary and approximate. The final design based on
environmental, social and economic considerations will determine the actual capacities.
 Manitoba Energy,
Science & Technology, Energy Development Initiative © 2003
|
Government
Links: