GREEN ENERGY
Photo courtesy of MEIA
A broader conversation about Manitoba's energy mix Meeting Manitoba's future electricity needs will require decisions about more than how much additional power to generate. Reliability, affordability, environmental performance and the ability to serve new industrial development must all be considered. It is also worth asking whether technologies beyond those in Manitoba Hydro's near-term development plan could play a role over the longer term. One possibility is nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs). While nuclear is not part of Manitoba Hydro's recommended near-term supply plan, it is attract- ing renewed attention nationally as a source of reliable low-emis- sion electricity. Duval emphasizes that MEIA does not advocate for any single generation technology. Rather, the association supports informed evaluation of Manitoba's energy options as electricity demand grows. In June 2026, the federal government released its Nuclear Energy Strategy for Canada, outlining ambitions to expand nuclear
droughts, when hydroelectric generation may be constrained. These findings do not amount to a public endorsement of nuclear development. Concerns about safety and radioactive waste remain significant. But they suggest there is room for a more informed conversation about the technologies that could contribute to Manitoba's long-term energy security. An existing Manitoba connection to nuclear expertise That conversation would not begin from scratch. Near Pinawa, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' Whiteshell Laboratories has a long history of nuclear research and technical expertise. Today, the site is undergo- ing a complex decommissioning and environmental restoration program, supported by specialized profes- sionals with experience in nuclear safety, engineering, environmental monitoring and waste management. That expertise is an important part of Manitoba's scientific and technical capacity, even as the site's mandate is focused on decommissioning rather than power generation.
generation, strengthen Canadian technology and supply chains, and develop new applications, including smaller reactors. What do Manitobans think about that possibility? The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce commissioned questions through Probe Research's June 2026 Omnibus Survey to better understand public perspectives on nuclear energy and the province's future electricity needs. The findings suggest cautious openness. While 64 per cent of Manitobans are confident the province will have enough electricity to grow the economy over the next decade, only 21 per cent are very confident. Just over half (51 per cent) favour diversifying Manitoba's electricity supply with a mix of sources such as wind, solar and nuclear. On nuclear specifically, 29 per cent support its use to generate electric- ity in Manitoba, while another 34 per cent say they would be open to it with more education or information. Six in 10 Manitobans also see potential for nuclear power to help maintain electricity supply during
19 WINTER 2026
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