Manitoba Hydro is keeping the identities of potential companies for Indigenous-led wind farms confidential, despite some companies revealing themselves. The Crown corporation has not disclosed the number of eligible companies for the 600-megawatt electricity-generating projects. In 2025, Manitoba Hydro initiated a search for companies qualified to construct wind farms, as per the province’s NDP government’s program requiring at least 51% Indigenous ownership. While the search is closed, the corporation cannot reveal how many companies meet the eligibility criteria to submit proposals by the July deadline.
According to Hydro spokesperson Peter Chura, the number of proponents will be disclosed after they all sign the framework agreement, expected to be finalized in June. Meanwhile, some potential proponents, like the Manitoba Métis Federation, have publicly announced plans for wind farms in partnership with the UK-based Renewable Energy Systems. The MMF aims to build 30 to 35 windmills southeast of Riding Mountain National Park. Renewable Energy Systems has been acquiring land in rural municipalities for the project over the past two years.
Progressive Conservative Hydro critic Lauren Stone has urged Manitoba Hydro to enhance transparency regarding other wind-farm partnerships. Stone expressed concerns about closed-door negotiations lacking community input on environmental impact and economic benefits. Adrien Sala, the NDP minister overseeing Manitoba Hydro, stated that the proponents will be made public before the requests for proposals are awarded. Sala anticipates the commencement of wind farm construction in the summer of 2027, with completion expected by 2035.
Despite the timeline, Manitoba’s Climate Action Team has raised concerns about the slow progress, deeming it insufficient to meet the province’s growing electricity needs. The team’s director, Laura Cameron, emphasized the need for expedited project development.