In 2025, the electricity consumption landscape in Canada is heavily dominated by low-carbon sources. More than 79% of the electricity comes from clean energy, spearheaded by hydropower which alone accounts for 55% of the total electricity generation. Nuclear and wind energy also play significant roles, contributing around 13% and 8% respectively. Fossil fuels make up just over 20% of the electricity generation, with gas and coal being the primary contributors. While gas provides almost 18% of the total, coal's contribution is close to negligible at around 2%. Biofuels and solar add relatively minor shares of 2% and 1% each, rounding out Canada's electricity profile.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Canada?
Despite these substantial clean energy contributions, Canada's electricity consumption per person has seen a decrease compared to historical records. As of 2025, the average electricity consumption stands at roughly 15,673 kWh per person, a significant drop of around 20% from the year 2000 peak of approximately 19,607 kWh per person. Likewise, low-carbon electricity generation peaked in 1996 with 15,263 kWh per person, which has since fallen by around 19% to 12,402 kWh per person in 2025. This decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is concerning, particularly in an era marked by increased electrification and the growing energy needs driven by advancements in technology and artificial intelligence.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Canada should consider expanding its existing nuclear infrastructure, given its already significant role in the energy mix. Regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for more than 65% of the electricity supply, provide a successful model for nuclear energy expansion. Similarly, embracing solar energy is crucial, as exemplified by regions such as North Macedonia where solar contributes 49% of the electricity. It would be beneficial for Canada to draw lessons from the integration of wind energy in Denmark and states like Iowa, where wind energy supplies around 60% and 58% of their electricity needs respectively. Such strategic expansions and adaptations in clean energy can significantly reduce Canada's reliance on fossil fuels, helping to combat climate change and air pollution.
History
Throughout its history, Canada has experienced fluctuations in low-carbon electricity generation, particularly with hydropower and nuclear energy. Notably, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, there were substantial increases in hydropower output, including significant growth in 1978 and 1984. However, the late 1980s and early 2000s saw declines, with 1989 marking a decrease of 16 TWh and 2001 further declining by an unprecedented 25 TWh. The early 1990s witnessed a boost in nuclear energy, with significant advancements in 1993 and 1994. Yet, hydropower remained volatile with notable declines again in 2023 and 2024. For a sustainable future, Canada must ensure consistent growth in clean electricity, learning from past fluctuations and focusing on expansive and stable low-carbon solutions.
