More power for less money: upgrades at Pointe du Bois
We’re upgrading the century-old generating station at Pointe du Bois to produce more hydroelectricity for a fraction of what it would cost to build brand-new resources.
In late February, the first of eight brand-new, more efficient generating units arrived at Pointe du Bois Generating Station, our oldest hydroelectric facility.
The massive generating unit’s arrival marks the dawn of a new era for the more than 110-year-old station – one that will see Pointe du Bois supplying Manitobans with even more reliable hydroelectricity at a fraction of the cost of building new resources.
By upgrading the existing infrastructure rather than building a new generating station, we can increase the station’s capacity by 52 megawatts and supply an additional 380 gigawatt-hours per year on average. This increase in capacity is enough to power an extra 35,000 homes in Manitoba.
The Pointe du Bois renewable energy project involves upgrading the generating units at the station on the Winnipeg River and is funded in part by both the Governments of Canada and Manitoba. The project also includes plans for a new transmission line from Pointe du Bois to the existing Whiteshell converter station.
Rejuvenating a historic asset
Located in the Whiteshell Provincial Park area, the Pointe du Bois Generating Station has been a cornerstone of Manitoba’s energy portfolio since the early 1900s. As our oldest hydroelectric station, it was pivotal in the expansion of electric power in the province over 100 years ago and continuing to today.
The Point du Bois renewable energy project upgrades will extend the operable life of the station to at least 2055, ensuring it remains a key part of Manitoba’s energy future for decades to come.