KHLP kicks off construction of Keeyask generating station in Manitoba

Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership (KHLP) has begun construction of 695MW Keeyask Generating Station in northern Manitoba.

The project is designed to provide renewable hydroelectricity to meet future demand in Manitoba and in export markets.

War Lake First Nation chief Betsy Kennedy said, "On behalf of War Lake First Nation, I am pleased to see the Keeyask Project receive regulatory approval.

The project is a joint effort between Manitoba Hydro and four Manitoba First Nations which include Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation, and Fox Lake Cree Nation.

Manitoba Hydro will provide administration and management services for KHLP, as part of a deal signed in 2009 between Manitoba Hydro and the four First Nations.

Manitoba Hydro will own at least 75% of the equity of the partnership while the four First Nations together will own rights up to 25% of the partnership.

The Keeyask Generating Station will provide average of 4.4 billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy annually with the first generator due to be operational in 2019 all with all seven units operational by 2020 at a total cost of $6.5bn.

The generating station will be located on the Nelson River approximately 30km west of Gillam, within the Split Lake Resource Management Area.

York Factory First Nation chief Ted Bland said: "We are committed to fulfilling our First Nation-led contracts, to reaching employment targets, and to meeting our commitments as environmental stewards in the years to come."