Canada's current state of electricity consumption demonstrates a significant achievement in its dedication to clean energy, as 80.08% of the country's electricity generation comes from low-carbon sources. More than half of this clean energy is provided by hydropower, which alone accounts for 55.57% of the total electricity mix. Nuclear energy, providing 13.61%, and wind energy, making up 7.87%, are also major contributors to the clean energy portfolio. Meanwhile, fossil sources such as gas and coal account for 15.35% and 3.75%, respectively. However, as Canada's next challenge involves electrifying transportation, heating, and industrial sectors, a vast increase in electricity production, primarily from clean energy sources, is essential to meet these growing demands.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Canada?
Despite Canada’s impressive low-carbon electricity foundation, overall electricity consumption has seen a decline over the decades. In 2025, electricity consumption was recorded at 15,747 kWh per person, which is a decrease from the previous high of 19,607 kWh per person in 2000. This represents a reduction of almost 4,000 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has declined, as the 2025 figure of 12,610 kWh per person falls short of the 1996 record by almost 2,700 kWh per person. These declines raise concerns, as growing electricity generation is crucial for Canada's commitment to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to electrify other sectors.
Suggestions
To address this challenge, Canada should consider expanding its existing nuclear facilities, given their significant role in producing large amounts of clean electricity. Nuclear energy is a stable and reliable low-carbon solution that Canada is already leveraging effectively, and expanding its capacity is a logical step toward increasing overall clean energy generation. Additionally, investing in solar power infrastructure would complement the existing energy mix, providing an even broader base of sustainable energy. By focusing on these clean and efficient sources, Canada can position itself to efficiently meet the rising electricity demands of an increasingly electrified society.
History
Canada has a longstanding history of investing in low-carbon electricity, particularly with hydropower. During years between the late 1970s and the late 1980s, hydroelectric infrastructure saw significant boosts, contributing increases like a 15.1 TWh boost in 1978 and another 20.2 TWh in 1984. However, there were periods of decline, such as a decrease of 16.1 TWh in 1989. Meanwhile, nuclear energy expansions in the mid-1990s addressed some of the supply gaps, with notable production increases, including a 13.4 TWh uptick in 1993. Entering the 2000s, hydropower experienced fluctuations, marked by a substantial decrease of 25.2 TWh in 2001 before rebounding with a 21.1 TWh increase in 2005. Recent years, though, witnessed troubling drops such as a marked decrease in hydropower in 2023 and 2024. The urgency to fortify and expand low-carbon infrastructures, particularly through nuclear and solar, is crucial to transition towards a more sustainable and reliable electricity system.
