The federal government released on Tuesday released a paper that highlights the importance of clean electricity to the country’s economy.
Powering Canada Forward also outlines the federal government’s vision for working with provinces to transform the electricity sector across vastly different grid jurisdictions.
“The potential of hydrogen, renewables, nuclear, biofuels, critical minerals, batteries, electric vehicles, green steel and aluminum, decarbonizing conventional energy resourcefully and more, draw on Canada’s tremendous advantages,” said Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change, and Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources, in the report.
"Provinces such as ... British Columbia ... have vast hydroelectricity resources providing them with abundant clean energy and storage capabilities."
The report, which was released alongside an in-person announcement in Vancouver, noted that as more Canadians plug in electric vehicles and switch to electric heat pumps, and more companies look to grow and decarbonize their worksites, demand for “clean, affordable and reliable” electricity will grow.
Transforming Canada’s energy systems to meet this demand comes with challenges in the areas of securing energy resources, technology, investment, skilled labour, supply chains and regulations.
“Varying electricity regulatory and market structures create a myriad of hurdles that can slow the deployment of new clean electricity projects – particularly when they involve interprovincial infrastructure or joint planning,” reads the report.
To support jurisdictions in achieving electricity system transformation, the federal government has introduced a couple of initiatives, including a commitment of more than $40 billion in Ottawa’s 2023 budget in the form of tax measures, public financing and grants and contributions.
The federal government is seeking feedback and input to help inform a clean electricity strategy that is expected to be published next year.
British Columbians can submit their views on clean electricity in B.C. by contacting Natural Resources Canada.
