We began voluntarily reporting our GHG emissions in 1995. Quantifying and reporting our GHG emissions shows you to see how we are doing and helps us find areas where we can improve.
- Read our Corporate Climate Change Report (PDF, 9.9 MB)
Our GHG emissions summary
Our total inventoried direct GHG emissions from 2014 to 2023.
Breakdown of GHG emissions from 1990 to 2023, based on the type of generation.
Enlarge image: GHG emissions based on generation type from 1990 to 2023 graph.
In 2023, we calculated our total inventoried direct (“scope 1”) GHG emissions was estimated to be 128 kilotonnes (kt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
GHG emission sources and types
We emit GHGs directly through:
- power generation at the Brandon generating station (34% of all our inventoried direct GHG emissions in 2023);
- our natural gas transmission and distribution system (32%);
- fleet vehicles (18%);
- diesel power generation for remote northern communities (10%);
- natural gas heating in buildings we own (5%).
- fugitive emissions from insulating gas for electrical equipment: sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) (1%).
- other miscellaneous stationary combustion and industrial product emissions (not included in inventory due to small quantities).
Our activities result in emissions of CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), SF6 and CF4; these GHGs are expressed in CO2e as calculated using their appropriate global warming potential factors.
CO2 is the primary GHG emission from our operations, accounting for 67% of total inventoried 2023 emissions. CH4 accounted for approximately 31% of 2022 GHG emissions, and N2O, and SF6/CF4 accounted for approximately 1% and 1% respectively.
GHG emission reductions
The biggest impact we typically have on GHG emission reductions is the result of electricity we generate and share outside of Manitoba. Most of the electricity that we generate does not come from burning fossil fuels (it mostly comes from hydroelectricity), but there are many coal and natural gas generators connected to the electricity grid outside of Manitoba. When we send electricity outside of Manitoba, neighbouring utilities are able to operate their coal and natural gas generators less. This means our net electricity exports help reduce coal and natural gas generation in these regions.
In 2023, we estimate that our net electricity exports helped to reduce five million tonnes of CO2e. For context, this amount it about 23% of Manitoba’s average annual GHG emissions. However, we do not claim these GHG emission reductions, only that our net exports helped facilitate these reductions. The GHG emission reductions belong to the companies owning the fossil fuel generators that are running less.
GHG emission factors
Our electricity use affects GHG emissions inside and outside of Manitoba. We study GHG emissions in 2 ways:
- a Manitoba perspective which studies the direct (“scope 1”) GHG emissions from electricity made by our natural gas generators;
- a global perspective incorporates the effects for GHG emissions in the interconnected region, including the United States.
Our customers should consider which perspective best meets their needs.
Nearly all our grid-connected electricity is generated at hydroelectric generating stations. We also operate 1 natural gas generating station as a back-up for our hydroelectric system.
Annual GHG emission intensity factor from our electricity generation
- 2023: 1.34 tonnes CO2e/GWh;
- 2022: 0.51 tonnes CO2e/GWh;
- 2021: 1.07 tonnes CO2e/GWh;
- 2020: 0.44 tonnes CO2e/GWh;
- 2019: 0.88 tonnes CO2e/GWh.
The global perspective considers changes made to incremental electricity consumption, such as through energy efficiency. We evaluate these changes based on the regional GHG effects. We currently use a factor of 750 tonnes CO2e/GWh.
- Read more about our GHG emission factors (PDF, 469 KB)
GHG emissions associated with natural gas combustion
We usually use a GHG emission factor of 0.00191 tonnes CO2/m3 for the combustion of natural gas. This factor is based on data, provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada, that is used in the application of a GHG price on natural gas purchases in Manitoba.
Actions to reduce global GHG emissions
Our continued commitment has produced lower GHG emissions over the years.
- Lowered provincial emissions: In 2023, our GHG emissions only contributed 0.6% to average provincial emissions. For comparison, back in 2000, we contributed to over 5% of provincial emissions. Our electricity is also being used to support electrification in the province (e.g., electric vehicles).
- Reduced global GHG emissions: Since 1991, Manitoba Hydro’s net-exports have helped displace nearly 263 million tonnes of CO2e emissions globally.
GHG reduction milestones: electricity generation since 1990
- completed the 1,350-MW hydroelectric Limestone generating station (1992);
- connected 9 northern diesel communities to our transmission system (1998);
- converted Selkirk generating station from coal to natural gas (2002);
- ongoing 116-MW power purchase agreement with St. Leon Wind Farm (since 2005);
- ongoing 138-MW power purchase agreement with St. Joseph Wind Farm (since 2011);
- completed the 211-MW hydroelectric Wuskwatim generating station (2012);
- ceased burning coal at Brandon generating station (2018);
- took Selkirk generating station offline (2021);
- completed the 695-MW hydroelectric Keeyask generating station (2022).
Certain documents on this page were published before changes to provincial and federal laws about accessibility and environmental claims. We are doing an ongoing, but not completed, review to determine whether these documents, and any claims made in them, comply with the new legislative requirements.