Powering our future with clean energy
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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.
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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.
- The electricity sector is the fourth largest emitting sector in Canada, accounting for over 8 percent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Coal-fired electricity is responsible for close to three quarters of emissions from Canada’s electricity sector.
- It is estimated that phasing out traditional coal-generated electricity by 2030 would contribute to GHG reductions of over five megatonnes in 2030. This reduction would be like taking 1.3 million cars of the road.
- 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 is working with provinces and territories to 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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