From August 2024 to July 2025, Canada has demonstrated a commendable reliance on clean electricity sources, with these making up nearly 80% of the overall energy mix. Leading the charge is hydropower, supplying more than half of the country's electricity. In addition, nuclear and wind contribute significantly to low-carbon generation, contributing roughly 14% and 8% respectively, while solar and biofuels round out the circle with smaller shares. In contrast, fossil fuel usage, dominated by gas and coal, makes up just about 20% of the country's electricity, a minor but still concerning footprint in comparison to its cleaner counterparts. While electricity from fossil fuels remains relatively limited in Canada, it is imperative to mitigate this share further to reduce environmental impacts such as climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Canada?
Despite Canada's successful lean toward low-carbon sources, the country's electricity consumption has seen a decline over the years. The latest data indicates a significant drop from a record consumption of 19607 kWh per person in 2000 to 15697 kWh per person in 2025. This is a noteworthy decrease of nearly 4000 kWh per person. Likewise, low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased from its 1996 peak. With 12547 kWh per person currently, low-carbon generation has experienced a decline of roughly 2700 kWh per person from its former peak. These reductions mark a setback, as increased electricity generation is a critical component for future societal needs and environmental goals.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Canada should consider expanding its established nuclear infrastructure, a source that already contributes a substantial share to the low-carbon energy mix. Drawing lessons from regions like France and Slovakia that generate a significant majority of their electricity from nuclear, Canada could similarly scale up its nuclear capacity. Moreover, the success of wind energy in states such as Iowa and South Dakota, where it comprises a substantial portion of their electricity, underlines its potential in Canada. Solar energy also stands as a promising option. Countries like Lebanon and Nevada are witnessing impressive results from solar investments, showing a path that Canada can follow to align its clean energy goals with its unique geographic and climatic strengths.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Canada reveals periods of both expansion and contraction, particularly in hydro and nuclear. Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, hydroelectric power saw vigorous growth with increases, notably topping 20 TWh in 1984. However, the late 1980s and several years following marked a downturn in hydroelectric energy. The 1990s witnessed a resurgence in nuclear power, with substantial increases in 1993 and 1994, reflecting Canada's ongoing investment in robust, sustainable nuclear energy. Yet, periods like 2001 showed significant declines in hydropower output, reemphasizing the need for a diverse low-carbon portfolio. Recent years have also seen fluctuations, such as the substantial reductions in hydroelectric output in 2023 and 2024, underscoring the urgent need to stabilize and enrich Canada's clean energy landscape.
