Manitoba Hydro issued first Request for Proposals Under Indigenous Wind Call for Power

Manitoba Hydro’s Wind Call for Power for the purchase of up to 600 megawatts of wind energy from Indigenous majority-owned projects reached major milestones in 2026.

After a strong response to the initial Request for Qualified Suppliers (RFQS) issued in the fall of 2025, eleven proponents have signed framework agreements, making them Qualified Suppliers eligible to submit proposals in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued as part of this Call for Power. Manitoba Hydro aims to provide onboarding opportunities to qualify new suppliers at least annually and anticipates issuing multiple rounds of RFPs.

In March 2026, Manitoba Hydro issued an RFP to select a new wind project that will provide, through a power purchase agreement with Manitoba Hydro, up to 200 megawatts of wind energy. The RFP closed in July 2026.

“This marks an important milestone as we build Manitoba’s energy future with new, majority owned Indigenous wind generation, developed through strong government-to-government partnerships,” said Adrien Sala, Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro. “By expanding clean-energy generation we are ensuring Manitobans continue to benefit from reliable power and affordable rates for years to come.”

This Call for Power also has additional benefits, as part of Manitoba Hydro’s broader strategy.

“This is a key part of our Integrated Resource Plan and an important next step for Manitoba’s energy future,” said Interim President and CEO Hal Turner.

“Not only will this Call for Power add up to 600 megawatts of generating capacity to our grid, but it also supports economic development and reconciliation with Indigenous Nations.”

The Wind Call for Power was first announced in Manitoba’s Affordable Energy Plan and is a critical part of Manitoba Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan to ensure safe, reliable and affordable energy for Manitobans now and in the future.

Each new wind project must be majority-owned by an Indigenous Nation (or multiple Nations) in Manitoba and connect to Manitoba Hydro’s grid within 20 kilometres of one of 14 existing electrical substations in southern Manitoba.

The first phase of wind projects is expected to have a power purchase agreement in place — with work starting on development — in the 2027 timeframe. It’s anticipated that all phases will be completed and online by 2035.

The Wind Call for Power was first announced in Manitoba’s Affordable Energy Plan and is a critical part of Manitoba Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan.