The Dominion of Canada, also known as the “Great White North” has a population of approximately 37.74 million people. In 2019, utilities used renewable energy (67%), nuclear (15%), natural gas (10%) and coal (8%) to generate electricity in the country. Hydropower is the dominant source of renewable energy in Canada, generating 67% of the country’s electricity.
In 2016, Canada signed the Paris Climate Agreement and committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emission by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. In January 2020, the Government of Canada announced the country would achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Utilities across Canada are now developing new renewable energy projects to help achieve Canada’s greenhouse gas emission targets –
- Alberta Province – Solar Park: Greengate Power has received Alberta Utilities Commission approval for the construction of the 600 MW capacity Travis Solar project. The solar park is located approximately 75 miles southeast of the city of Calgary. The Travis Solar project is forecast to begin operation in 2021.
- British Columbia Province – Offshore Wind Farm: Naikum Wind Energy Group received provincial and federal approval for the construction of a 400 MW capacity offshore wind farm. The offshore wind project is located in the Hecate Strait, approximately 400 miles northwest of the city of Vancouver.
Canada built its first hydropower generating station in 1897. The country continued the development of its rich hydropower resources over the next fifty years. Canada’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions has launched another major development period of clean green energy.
Jack Kerfoot
Website – “Our Energy Conundrum”