Greenhouse gas emissions

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We are a national leader in lowering our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 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.

Our GHG emissions summary

GHG emissions from 2014 to 2023 bar chart.

Our total inventoried direct GHG emissions from 2014 to 2023.

Enlarge image: GHG emissions from 2014 to 2023 bar chart.

GHG emissions based on generation type from 1990 to 2023 graph.

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 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

From a global perspective, the greatest contribution that we make toward GHG emission reductions results from our electricity exports helping to displace fossil-fuelled generation in neighbouring states and provinces. Our low GHG emission intensity makes our exports a valuable resource to help reduce global GHG emissions. Our export region is dominated by coal and natural gas, so displaced generation will have high GHG emission rates.

In 2023, our electricity exports reduced net global GHG emissions by an estimated 5,000 kt of CO2e. This is roughly equivalent to 23% of all Manitoba’s annual average GHG emissions.

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.

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