Canada

Energy strategies in Canada

Canada is one of the largest energy producers and one of the largest energy consumers in the world.
Canada is a net exporter of oil, natural gas, coal, uranium and hydropower.

Currently Canada uses only a small amount of non hydroelectric RE. Hydro power accounts for approx. 60% ot the total installed capacity.

Wind Energy have expanded in the past years, and biomass has potential for energy production at competitive cost.. 7 out of 13 provinces and territories presently have significant wind generation activities, and the future of wind energy is bright. Without government subsidies wind energy is expected to be cost-competitive in the short term.

WE installed power in 2006 = 776 MWp.

Cumulative WE installed power by the end of 2006 = 1.459 MWp.

PV, tidal and wave energy, fuel cells are still marginal and significant cost reductions are necessary for a wider application in the country.

Biomass development is mostly related to wood refuse or spent pulping liquor from industrial applications for heating and electricity production. Many Canadian provinces already satisfy approx. 1,5% of their electricity needs using biomass.

RES assessment in Canada: CanREN

Renewable Energy in Canada: Report by The Conference Board of Canada.

Source: CanWEA - Canada