Electricity Alliance Canada welcomes the International Energy Agency’s call for increased support for Canada’s transition to a net-zero power sector
(Ottawa) February 7, 2022— Electricity Alliance Canada (EAC), representing the leading suppliers of electricity to consumers and markets in Canada, welcomes the recommendations of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its latest review of energy policy in Canada.
The review, launched in January 2022, recognizes that Canada has one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world, but points to challenges that lie ahead as the country seeks to fully decarbonise its power grid by 2035 while further electrifying the transport, buildings, and industry sectors.
More than 80% of Canada’s electricity supply is currently supplied by non-emitting power, including hydroelectricity, nuclear, wind, solar and marine renewables. However, power demand is set to rise significantly over the coming decades as our economy becomes increasingly electrified.
This presents a dual challenge for the power sector as it must ramp up capacity significantly while at the same time work to deliver a net-zero emissions power grid by 2035. However, the current policy and regulatory environment, and related investments in infrastructure, research, and development, are not fully aligned with these challenges.
In this context, EAC welcomes the IEA’s call for a national electrification strategy in line with the federal government’s net-zero emissions target. This strategy would help to guide provinces and territories in their efforts to strengthen interconnections, modernise the grid, and accelerate electrification of transport, buildings, industry, and oil and gas production.
The IEA also recommends increased federal government action to support innovation and research and development of clean energy technologies to achieve 2050 net-zero targets while further cementing Canada’s role as a global exporter of energy technology and expertise. Strong and stable policy, coupled with predictable and targeted support will be key to accelerating the rate of deployment of existing clean energy technologies and improving the rate of innovation across such technologies to a level necessary to enable deep decarbonisation.
Finally, EAC welcomes the IEA’s recognition of efforts within Canada to ensure a people-centred approach to its clean energy transition, including initiatives to promote gender diversity and the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in clean energy sectors.
EAC stands ready to work with the federal and provincial governments as they work to implement the recommendations of the IEA and put Canada in a position to meet its ambitious decarbonization and electrification goals over the coming decades.
About Electricity Alliance Canada
Electricity Alliance Canada (EAC)’s mandate is to enable, promote and advocate for the increased use of electricity throughout the Canadian economy to help achieve Canada’s net-zero emissions target. EAC’s founding members are Canadian Electricity Association, Electricity Human Resources Canada; Canadian Nuclear Association, Canadian Renewable Energy Association; Marine Renewables Canada and WaterPower Canada. For more information, visit www.electricityalliance.ca
MEDIA CONTACT
Julia Muggeridge, spokesperson, Electricity Alliance Canada
613.719.9323
media@electricityalliance.ca