Canada Energy Issues

Grid Summary

Canada had 120 gigawatts of installed electricity generating capacity in 2006. The country produced 610 billion kilowatt hours (Bkwh) of electric power in 2006 while consuming 540 Bkwh. Hydroelectricity represents the largest share of Canada’s electricity generation, followed by conventional thermal and nuclear.The electricity networks of Canada and the United States are heavily integrated. In 2006, Canada exported 41.5 Bkwh of electricity to the United States while importing 23.4 Bkwh. Over the past ten years, Canadian imports of electricity from the U.S. have increased ten-fold, while exports have remained relatively constant. Due to the increasing interdependence of the networks in both countries, a dependency made clear during the 2003 Northeast blackout, there have been greater efforts to increase cooperation and coordination between Canada and the U.S. A bilateral commission is planning the formation of the North American Electric Reliability Organization, an intergovernmental organization that would monitor network reliability, settle trans-border disputes, and formulate common industry standards. alone…more information.

Canada is blessed with vast natural resources and abundant supplies of water, solar, wind, biomass and earth energy. All of these resources can be used as renewable sources of energy. Canada's renewable energy industry is expected to expand significantly over the coming years. This represents an opportunity for Canadian businesses to develop and commercialize new and competitive technologies, to manufacture products and offer services in support of a growing industry. Canada supports the development and demonstration of renewable energy technologies. Harnessing the natural and renewable energies of the sun, wind, moving water, earth and biomass improves the sustainability of our energy production and delivers benefits to the environment and to human health. These forms of energy are renewable for future generations and do not increase carbon dioxide levels or other pollutants in the Earth’s atmosphere. Natural Resources Canada’s CanmetENERGY is actively involved in the research and development of renewable energy technologies, working not only to meet energy demands but also to reduce the technical and financial risks associated with each technology. This work is performed alongside industry to establish standards and to openly share new knowledge and information...more information.