Canadians have much to be proud of. And when it comes to our electricity sector, there is a lot to celebrate.
From pioneering clean energy solutions to leading the world in hydropower and nuclear innovation, we have built one of the most sustainable and reliable power grids on the planet.
Our energy leadership also extends beyond borders, strengthening North American energy security while driving economic growth at home. Perhaps most inspiring is the role of Indigenous communities in shaping Canada’s renewable future, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology.
As we continue to invest in clean, innovative, and inclusive energy solutions, Canadians have every reason to celebrate the achievements of our electricity sector. Here are our top five reasons why:
1. Electrification of Parliament Hill (1884)
On January 17, 1884, Parliament Hill was aglow with electric lights for the first time - a full year before the U.S. Capitol Buildings in Washington D.C. The power came from a small plant installed in the basement of the House of Commons by Ottawa entrepreneurs Thomas Ahearn and Warren Soper. Meanwhile, the Edison Electric Light Company installed the arc lamps that made up the building’s lighting system.
At the time, the early arc lamps were incredibly bright and commonly used in public spaces in the Ottawa area. Inside Parliament, both the Senate and the House of Commons had 150 lights each, with every lamp producing the equivalent of 16 candlepower (cp) - a historical unit of measurement for describing light output.
This bold step in electrification not only illuminated Canada’s political house, but also marked a significant milestone in the country’s embrace of modern technology. And it happened right here in Ottawa.
2. Canada is a global clean energy superpower
With nearly 85 per cent of Canada’s electricity coming from non-emitting sources, we have one of the cleanest power grids in the world.
A major factor behind this achievement was the gradual phase-out of Ontario’s five coal-fired generating stations. In 2003, coal accounted for 25 per cent of Ontario’s energy supply mix, but by 2014, it was completely eliminated. Clean Energy Canada declared this as the single largest greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction initiative in North America, effectively cutting Ontario’s GHG emissions by 17 per cent - the equivalent of taking seven million cars off the road.
Canada’s vast water resources make hydropower our most abundant renewable energy source. It generates 90 per cent of the country’s renewable electricity and over 60 per cent of our total power supply, with an installed capacity exceeding 82,000 MW. That means six out of every ten homes and businesses in Canada run on hydroelectricity. As a result, Canada ranks as the world’s third-largest producer of hydroelectric power, behind only China and Brazil.
3. Canada’s CANDU attitude on nuclear energy
Canada’s CANDU (CANadian Deuterium Uranium) reactors are a world-class innovation in nuclear energy. Designed for efficiency, safety, and sustainability, these reactors have been powering Canada, and several other countries (such as China, South Korea, Argentina, and Romania), for decades.
What sets Canada’s CANDU technology apart is its use of deuterium oxide (D₂O) as a moderator. This “heavy water” contains deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen with an extra neutron, which makes it highly effective at slowing down neutrons. This allows CANDU reactors to use natural uranium fuel, eliminating the need for costly enrichment facilities. With its abundant uranium reserves, Canada truly benefits from this design. Additionally, CANDU reactors are highly efficient and produce less nuclear waste per unit of electricity compared to many other reactor types.
The reactor core for CANDU reactors are in a horizontal pressure tube design, rather than a large single pressure vessel like in light water reactors. With a strong negative reactivity feedback, the reactor will naturally slow down if temperatures rise too high. Moreover, with multiple independent and redundant safety systems, there is a low risk of accidents. The ability to use alternative fuels, like thorium, also positions CANDU reactors as a strong candidate for the future of clean energy.
Canada is one of the few countries in the world offering reactor technology and related services, which makes it well positioned to benefit from the renewed global interest in nuclear energy. CANDU technology continues to shine as a model for safe and sustainable nuclear power.
Bonus: As a byproduct to normal operations, medical isotopes produced in Canadian reactors are critical for nuclear medicine, helping doctors to detect and treat a wide range of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Canada supplies a significant portion of the world’s demand for these life-saving isotopes.
4. Canada’s role in North American energy security
We tackled this in a recent blog, but it bears repeating that Canada is a top electricity exporter to the United States and plays a strategic role in North America’s energy stability. The integrated nature of the North American power grid means that both Canada and the U.S. benefit from cross-border electricity trade, while enhancing energy security for both nations.
The Canadian Energy Regulator oversees 86 international power lines that connect Canada’s provinces to the U.S. electricity grid. These transmission lines vary in length, with many spanning only a few kilometres from substations to various connection points along the international border.
Canada exports billions of dollars worth of electricity annually, much of it from hydroelectric sources, helping the U.S. reduce emissions while ensuring economic benefits at home.
5. Indigenous leadership in the energy transition
Indigenous communities are playing an essential role in Canada’s shift to renewable energy, demonstrating leadership in hydro, wind, and solar projects across the country. According to the Indigenous Climate Hub, these initiatives not only address climate change but also promote energy sovereignty and create sustainable economic opportunities. They reflect a unique blend of traditional knowledge and modern technology, positioning Indigenous communities at the forefront of Canada’s low-carbon future.
The growth of Indigenous participation in clean energy has been remarkable. From 2010 to 2020, renewable energy projects on traditional Indigenous territories or reserve lands more than quadrupled, with over half being wholly or partially owned by Indigenous communities. As of 2022, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit entities were partners or beneficiaries in nearly 20 per cent of Canada’s electricity-generating infrastructure, most of it from renewable sources. Today, nearly 200 Indigenous-led clean energy projects are in operation or development, further strengthening Canada’s leadership in sustainability and reconciliation.
Beyond environmental benefits, these projects provide meaningful opportunities to advance Indigenous rights, self-determination, and economic development. Co-developing projects and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing are key steps toward addressing historical injustices while building a more inclusive and sustainable energy future for all Canadians.
Canada’s electricity sector is not just a technical success, it’s a testament to our country’s innovation, collaboration, and commitment to a cleaner future. As we look ahead, our leadership in sustainable energy will remain a vital part of Canada’s identity and economic strength. So, the next time you flip a switch, take pride in knowing that your country’s electricity sector is powering a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous future for all.