Watch the progress: six out of seven generating units at Keeyask now online; video highlights 2021 achievements

The sixth generating unit at the almost complete Keeyask Generation Project was brought online shortly after 4:00 p.m. CST on January 10. This means Keeyask can now reach up to 85 per cent of its full generation potential.

“The team has found ways to bring units online months earlier than planned, despite COVID and numerous other challenges,” said Dave Bowen, Manitoba Hydro’s director of Project Management and the utility’s lead on the Keeyask Generation Project. “I’m very proud of the commitment, care and sacrifice our folks have put into Keeyask to date and the work they continue to do each day to deliver these results for all our customers.”

A year’s worth of highlights

During 2021, five of Keeyask’s seven units were brought online, allowing just under 500 MW of clean, renewable power to enter Manitoba Hydro’s system.

While work continues on commissioning the generating station for full operational service and an eventual capacity of 695 MW, other work must now be done to remediate the effect of construction on the areas around the generating station.

On top of the commissioning of the station itself, this remediation work was well underway in 2021 with roads and ramps removed, security gates and fencing installed, permanent roadways lined with guardrails, work areas decommissioned, and other construction sites re-seeded with plant life to start to return environments to their natural states.

Watch the video below to see some of the highlights of another busy year as the Keeyask Generating Station draws closer to full capacity.

Keeyask 2021 Update - YouTube.

The Keeyask Generating Station near Gillam in northern Manitoba is a collaborative effort between Manitoba Hydro and four partner First Nations: Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation, and Fox Lake Cree nation – known collectively as the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership.