New IEA report on Canada’s energy policy recognizes integral role of hydro in achieving net-zero goals

Ottawa, Ontario, January 18, 2022 – WaterPower Canada applauds the release of Canada 2022: Energy Policy Review – a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

While providing a comprehensive assessment of energy and energy policy in Canada, the Review recognizes the central role that the hydropower sector must play to achieve the federal government’s goals of 90% non-emitting electricity by 2030, and net zero by 2035. The Review states that:

“Canada already has one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world (led by hydropower), with over 83% of production from non-emitting sources, and aims to increase that to 90% by 2030. Early actions, like the federal commitment to phase out traditional coal power across the country by 2030 and new hydro projects, will help to meet this goal.”

“The dominant role that hydroelectricity plays in several Canadian provinces, along with the fact that many hydro projects in Canada are large and have sizeable reservoirs, will also significantly assist with the integration of variable generation, as wind and solar generation are poised for growth.”

“Canada also identifies a significant opportunity to leverage regional advantages to increase the penetration of both hydro and variable renewables through the buildout of interprovincial interconnections. Strengthening interprovincial connectivity offers considerable upside to allow fossil fuel-dependent provinces to decarbonise and electrify their economies.”

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“It is encouraging to see a reputable agency, such as the IEA, recognize the cornerstone role that hydropower plays in our electricity mix today, and its potential for the future. Their newly released report underlines the urgency to streamline and fast-track renewable hydropower projects. The hydropower industry currently provides clean and renewable energy to more than 20 million Canadians and could still double the output by harnessing our enviable untapped waterpower potential. It simply makes sense for Canada’s largest renewable energy sector to continue to play a leading role in the energy transition, and we are ready to act now,” said Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin, President & CEO, WaterPower Canada.

Quick Facts

Waterpower accounts to approximately 60 per cent of Canadian electricity generation today, and can increase its contribution as demand ramps up. There is as much undeveloped waterpower generation capacity in Canada today as there is developed.
Large-scale waterpower projects represent major investments, but produce electricity with a high value at an affordable price. In Canada today, the lowest-electricity prices are in the provinces with the most waterpower generation.
Hydroelectricity has among the lowest emissions of any generation source in Canada, even factoring in manufacturing of structures and components, construction, transportation, changes in land use, operation and decommissioning.

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About WaterPower Canada (WPC)

Founded in 1998, WaterPower Canada (WPC) is the national, not-for-profit trade association dedicated to representing the waterpower industry. Its many members span the breadth of the sector and include hydropower producers, manufacturers, developers, engineering firms and other organizations. WaterPower Canada members represent more than 95% of the waterpower installed capacity in Canada, advocating for the responsible development and use of waterpower to meet our present and future electricity needs in a sustainable manner.

For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:

Anastasia Smolentseva, Director of Communications

WaterPower Canada

613-857-3359

anastasia@waterpowercanada.ca

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