ENERGY.ARCHIVE.CA
POWERING CANADA'S FUTURE
Discover the diverse portfolio of energy resources that fuel Canadian homes, businesses, and industries. From hydroelectric giants to emerging renewable technologies, explore the technical specifications, environmental impacts, regional distribution, and future potential of each energy source.
Canada's hydroelectric infrastructure represents over 150 years of engineering excellence, with 550+ facilities generating 400+ TWh annually. Hydroelectricity provides 60% of Canada's electricity generation, making it the backbone of our clean energy system. Major provinces including Quebec (37,000 MW), British Columbia (14,000 MW), Manitoba (5,200 MW), Ontario (9,000 MW), and Newfoundland and Labrador (7,500 MW) host world-class installations like La Grande Complex, Churchill Falls, and Site C Dam.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Canada has experienced exponential growth, reaching 3,300 MW installed capacity by 2023. Ontario leads with large-scale solar farms exceeding 2,000 MW capacity, while Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia rapidly expand distributed generation. Technological advances in panel efficiency (now exceeding 22%), bifacial modules, and tracking systems enhance energy capture even in northern climates. The sector creates jobs in installation, maintenance, manufacturing, and research.
With 14,000+ MW installed capacity and 300+ wind farms, Canada ranks among the world's top ten wind energy producers. Ontario hosts the largest capacity (5,200 MW), followed by Quebec (3,900 MW), Alberta (2,800 MW), and Saskatchewan (240 MW). Modern turbines reach heights of 100+ meters with rotor diameters exceeding 150 meters, capturing winds that generate electricity at increasingly competitive costs. Offshore wind potential, particularly in Atlantic Canada, offers substantial future expansion opportunities.
Biomass energy generation utilizes organic materials from forestry operations, agricultural activities, and municipal waste streams to produce over 2,000 MW of electricity across Canada. Forest product mills often integrate combined heat and power (CHP) systems that convert wood waste, bark, and sawdust into energy for operations while exporting surplus electricity to grids. Agricultural biomass includes crop residues, animal waste, and dedicated energy crops. This renewable resource reduces methane emissions, supports rural economies, and provides reliable baseload generation.
Canada operates 19 CANDU nuclear reactors producing 13,500 MW of capacity, providing approximately 15% of national electricity generation. Ontario hosts the majority with Bruce Nuclear Generating Station (6,400 MW, the world's largest operating nuclear facility), Pickering (3,100 MW), and Darlington (3,500 MW). New Brunswick's Point Lepreau contributes 660 MW. CANDU technology offers unique advantages including natural uranium fuel use, online refueling capability, enhanced safety systems, and compatibility with thorium fuel cycles.
Canada's geothermal potential remains largely untapped, with significant heat resources identified in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon. Current applications focus on direct heating for buildings, greenhouses, and aquaculture facilities. Ground-source heat pumps (geoexchange systems) operate in thousands of Canadian buildings, providing efficient heating and cooling by leveraging stable underground temperatures. Emerging projects explore electricity generation from deep geothermal resources, particularly in Western Canada's sedimentary basins and volcanic regions.
REGIONAL COMPARISON
Each Canadian province and territory has developed a unique energy mix based on available natural resources, geography, population distribution, industrial needs, and policy priorities. This regional diversity strengthens national energy security while enabling interprovincial electricity trade and resource sharing.
Primary Source: Hydroelectric (95%)
Installed Capacity: 45,000 MW
Key Facilities: La Grande Complex (16,000 MW), Churchill Falls, Manic-Outardes
Exports: Major electricity exporter to New England, Ontario, New Brunswick
Innovation: Energy storage integration, smart grid deployment, cold climate EV infrastructure
Energy Mix: Nuclear (60%), Hydro (24%), Gas (10%), Wind/Solar (6%)
Nuclear Capacity: 13,000 MW (Bruce, Pickering, Darlington)
Renewable Expansion: 5,200 MW wind, 2,000+ MW solar
Achievement: First North American jurisdiction to phase out coal-fired generation (2014)
Focus: Nuclear refurbishment, grid modernization, storage deployment
Primary Source: Hydroelectric (90%)
Major Projects: Site C Dam (1,100 MW under construction), Revelstoke, Mica, W.A.C. Bennett
Clean Energy: 98% renewable generation
Innovation: Run-of-river hydroelectric projects, biomass from forestry, tidal energy research
Policy: CleanBC program targeting net-zero emissions by 2050
Transitioning Mix: Natural Gas (50%), Coal (30% declining), Renewables (20% growing)
Renewable Growth: 2,800 MW wind capacity, rapid solar expansion
Innovation Leader: Energy storage projects, hydrogen economy development
Coal Phase-out: Accelerated timeline to 2023
Future: Carbon capture and storage, green hydrogen production
Primary Source: Hydroelectric (97%)
Installed Capacity: 5,200 MW
Key Facilities: Nelson River hydroelectric system
Exports: Significant electricity exports to United States
Advantage: Among lowest electricity rates in North America, reliable clean energy supply
Current Mix: Natural Gas (45%), Coal (30%), Hydro (15%), Wind/Solar (10%)
Renewable Target: 50% renewable by 2030
Key Project: SaskPower renewable procurement programs
Innovation: Carbon capture and storage at Boundary Dam, geothermal exploration
Development: Rapid wind and solar capacity additions
Connect with our research team to access detailed data, case studies, and technical specifications for Canadian energy resources.