Canada stands at a defining moment in its energy transition.
Electricity demand is projected to increase two to threefold by 2050 as transportation, buildings, and industry electrify, and new markets emerge such as data centres and green fuel production.
Meeting this demand while maintaining affordability, reliability, and energy security will require a significant expansion of clean electricity supply and infrastructure.
Marine renewable energy – offshore wind, tidal, wave, and river current – offers Canada a uniquely powerful solution.
With vast coastlines, strong winds, and powerful tides, Canada is among the most abundant marine renewable jurisdictions in the world. These resources can deliver small-scale and large-scale, predictable and reliable clean power, strengthen grid resilience, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support economic development across coastal, rural, northern, and Indigenous communities.
The Marine Renewable Energy Sector Vision 2050 sets out a practical, phased pathway for realizing that opportunity.
Our Vision
Our vision is that by mid-century, marine renewable energy is a key pillar of Canada’s clean energy transition – supporting climate action, strengthening energy systems, and fostering resilient communities and sustainable economic growth.
This means that by 2050:
Canada is a world leader in tidal energy, with expertise in both large- and small-scale projects.
Canada is an established market for offshore wind.
Canada establishes wave energy as a viable component of its clean energy system.
Marine renewable energy powers remote communities and ocean industries.
Marine renewable energy delivers reliable, predictable, and integrated generation that supports baseload needs, optimizes energy storage, and helps balance variability across Canada’s net-zero electricity grid.
Realizing this Vision by 2050 would enable a thriving marine renewable energy sector that generates an estimated $12 billion GDP impact across Canada from construction activity alone.
Central to achieving this outcome is a commitment to responsible development that respects marine ecosystems, ensures coexistence with fisheries, shipping, and other ocean users, and advances reconciliation through meaningful partnership with Indigenous Rights Holders, including opportunities for ownership, capacity building, and long-term economic participation.
A Call to Action
Grounded in government priorities, electricity demand projections, industry engagement, and Canada’s marine resource potential, this Vision sets out what can be achieved by 2030, 2040, and 2050 and provides a clear, practical roadmap of 14 critical actions to establish the conditions for success and position Canada as a world-leading clean energy superpower.
With coordinated action across governments, industry, Indigenous communities, and investors, marine renewable energy can become a cornerstone of Canada’s clean energy transition – delivering reliable power, resilient communities, and long-term sustainable economic growth for generations to come.
Stay Updated
For media or interview requests, reprint permissions, comments, or more information, please contact Anastasia Smolentseva, Senior Director, Communications at anastasia@marinerenewables.ca.
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