Powering our future with clean electricity
Building a smart, integrated clean-electricity system will deliver reliable and affordable power where it is needed. Phasing out of traditional coal power will mean cleaner air and jobs for the middle class. That is good for the climate and for the health of Canadians.
Many provinces already produce a significant amount of their power from non-emitting sources like hydro, wind, and solar, and they export clean electricity to neighbouring jurisdictions. But we can do more. We are striving to have 90 percent of Canada’s electricity coming from non-emitting sources by 2030.
The Pan-Canadian Framework will support the transition to a clean electricity future by increasing the amount of electricity generated from renewable and non-emitting sources; connecting clean power with places that need it; modernizing electricity systems; and reducing the reliance on diesel in northern and remote communities.
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Transcript
Clean. Renewable. Affordable.
Canada is committed to being a global leader in clean energy. Already over 80% of our power comes from sources that don't emit greenhouse gases.
But we can do even better …
By accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired power plants …
Making it easier to share clean electricity between provinces …
We will improve air quality and the health of Canadians, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And funding clean energy projects will bring new jobs to our communities and grow our economy.
We have the power.
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What success will look like
Chantal
Chantal is an active 12-year-old who loves to play soccer, but who must be careful, especially outdoors, because she suffers from asthma. Phasing out traditional coal-fired electricity and using more renewable energy to generate electricity will mean cleaner air for Chantal—and all Canadians. It will also help reduce the risks of climate change and create more jobs from local clean-energy projects. Looking ahead, Chantal and her parents will breathe much easier.
Key facts and figures
- Canada has one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world, with 80 percent of our electricity coming from non-emitting sources.
- Canada’s updated coal regulations are expected to have benefits for Canadians totaling $4.7 billion, including $3.4 billion in avoided climate change damage, $1.2 billion in health benefits for Canadians, and $40 million in environmental benefits.
- In 2005, coal generated approximately 17% of electricity in Canada. By 2018, that number dropped to 8%. Yet coal-fired electricity is responsible for 63% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector.
- Accelerating the phase out of coal will result in 260 avoided premature mortalities, 40 000 fewer asthma episodes, and 190 000 fewer days of breathing difficulty and reduced activity in Canada by 2055. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by 12.8 million tonnes by 2030.
- Accelerating the phase-out of traditional coal-fired electricity will reduce air pollutant emissions that cause smog, resulting in fewer emergency-room visits, hospital admissions, and premature deaths.
- The Government of Canada has also set performance standards for natural gas-fired electricity generation. The standards will help guide the transition away from coal towards clean sources of electricity.
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