A reliable, affordable supply of clean electricity will be the powerhouse that drives Canada’s economy forward over the next several decades. As more everyday energy uses begin to be powered efficiently by electricity instead of fossil fuels, we urgently need our electricity production and supply to be as low-carbon as possible. Our research provides evidence-based policy solutions that support modernizing our grid.
Electricity
Clean electricity is the backbone of a modern, competitive economy.
![Wind turbine under construction](/sites/default/files/styles/1000/public/node_images/electricity.png?itok=52s-vrPh)
The world is leaping into clean energy
Around the world, wind and solar electricity has grown exponentially over the last two decades. A global commitment by 100+ governments is set to triple renewable energy by 2030. (Data source: Nat Bullard)
Key numbers
reduction in electricity sector emissions if Canada phases out coal (from 2005 levels).
the amount Albertans could save every year if the province continues to decarbonize its grid.
total electricity generated by wind and solar across Canada in 2023 shows ample room for growth.
Pathways to an affordable net-zero grid in Alberta
Our report explores six scenarios that demonstrate how Alberta can decarbonize its grid by 2035 in a cost-effective and reliable manner. Our analysis finds decarbonizing Alberta’s grid reduces energy costs for Albertans and allows Alberta to become a net exporter of clean electricity by 2025.
Read the reportResearch & Analysis
![Cover of Installing Chargers with underground garage and chargers](/sites/default/files/styles/sm_md/public/2024-07/EVs_in_MURBS_policy_cover.jpg?itok=m83wdBDS)
Installing chargers in apartments and condos
Policy pathways to make Alberta multi-unit residences EV-ready![Portrait of Jason Wang](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-05/jason-24.jpg?itok=wtMidJ1E)
![Cover page of report Forecast Matters for Grid Planning](/sites/default/files/styles/sm_md/public/2024-07/2024-07_Forecasting_Matters_for_Grid_Planning_cover.png?itok=O_BXAWia)
Forecasting matters for grid planning
Poor forecasting in AESO's 2024 Long-Term Outlook puts cost-effective grid at risk![Portrait of Will Noel](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-05/will-24.jpg?itok=d8ksAiPd)
![Portrait of Jason Wang](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-05/jason-24.jpg?itok=wtMidJ1E)
![Portrait of Scott MacDougall](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-05/scott-24.jpg?itok=aAZm7dEP)
![Ranking of climate policies from the ten provincial governments and federal government against our policy indicators](/sites/default/files/styles/sm_md/public/2024-07/Figure%201%20-%20all%20provinces.png?itok=-G0RU4nc)
Environmental checkup: reviewing governments’ clean-economy performance
As Canada’s environment ministers prepare to meet, we examined how their governments are performing on climate, energy, and preparedness for the clean economy.![Portrait of Sarah McBain](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-05/sarahmcb-24.jpg?itok=nf3BIhSZ)
![Cyclist riding the Trans Canada Trail bike path near Canmore, Alberta](/sites/default/files/styles/sm_md/public/2024-06/iStock-860958878.jpg?itok=3GfEiYcP)
For the first time in more than 150 years, Alberta's electricity is coal free
Alberta's rapid phase-out of coal is an environmental success story![Portrait of Chris Severson-Baker](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-05/chris-24.jpg?itok=AOLwE5rg)
Why we work on electricity
A carbon-free economy has the power to create change.
Canada has committed to making its electricity grid net-zero by 2035. Achieving this will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of all Canadians. Every time a light is turned on, or an electric vehicle is charged, it will be done without emissions—we believe this is a future worth working towards.
Getting to a net-zero future takes time, resources, knowledge and collaboration. Our Electricity Program helps governments, industry and communities take action to decarbonize Canada’s electricity supply.
How do we do this?
We engage with federal and provincial governments, electricity system operators, utilities, and other industry groups to reimagine the generation, supply and regulation of electricity in Canada.
![Charging an electric car](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/electric%20car%20charge.jpg?itok=3W3nETmx)
We focus on clean, reliable and affordable electricity
The shift to a net-zero grid requires modernizing the way electricity is generated, transmitted and used. By reaching net-zero, Canada will:
- drastically reduce emissions
- improve reliability and affordability of its electricity systems
- boost resilience of the grid to extreme weather event
![Solar farm](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/solar%20travers-rf-2.jpg?itok=adYdEyqY)
We support the design of Clean Electricity Regulations
Clean Electricity Regulations are an effort by the federal government to reduce emissions and increase affordable, reliable electricity. It ensures Canada can continue to attract investments and remain competitive in the low-carbon economy.
Our work with the Clean Electricity Regulations has encouraged flexible mechanisms and technology-neutral approaches. This allows each province to identify systems that are responsive to their unique challenges and advantages.
Allowing provinces to chart their own path to a net-zero grid is an important feature of the Clean Electricity Regulations. However, substantial reform within provinces and territories is required and industry also needs to make investment plans that align with Canada’s clean electricity trajectory.
![Electricity line in autumn forest](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/pylons%20autumn%20forest-sm.jpg?itok=JRVtEkQY)
We advocate for the phase-out of coal in Canada
Generating electricity with coal has negative effects on our climate and air quality. Thankfully, given the availability of lower-cost, lower-carbon options, Canada’s grid no longer needs coal power. And Canadian electric utilities are making progress towards reducing reliance on coal.
Our work has seen a rapid acceleration in the phase-out of coal across Canada. For example, Alberta switched off its last operational coal-fired plant in 2024, decades ahead of its original 2061 target date. This is a positive example of how well-designed policies and strategic regulations can propel a province towards change.
Outside of Alberta, there is still work to be done. To push coal-reliant provinces towards phaseout, our work continues to advise on low- and non-emitting sources of electricity. This is key for Canada to continue to make strides towards net-zero.
![The Genesee coal generating station in Alberta](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/genesee%20coal-dd.jpg?itok=F9moDPA2)
![wind farm near the mountains](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/wind%20farm%20mountains%20bales.jpg?itok=pangqWKF)
Business Renewables Centre-Canada
What is one of the best ways for Canada to meet its climate goals? Corporate action. This nonprofit initiative shortens the learning curve for corporations and institutions wanting to purchase renewable energy.
![Scott MacDougall quote](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/Scott-MacDougall-p-quote.png?itok=Hlg04N1b)
Our Electricity Experts
![Portrait of Carson Fong](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/carson-24.jpg?itok=9eG6r2Su)
Carson Fong
![Portrait of Courtney Smith](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/courtney-24.jpg?itok=8Qi5Fnf_)
Courtney Smith
![Portrait of Grace Brown](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/grace-24.jpg?itok=Jc2f3VuT)
Grace Brown
![staff photo not available](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/bio-no-photo.jpg?itok=RGCVA_Vj)
Gurprasad Gurumurthy
![Portrait of Jason Wang](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/jason-24.jpg?itok=CtLNKSgM)
Jason Wang
![Portrait of Jorden Dye](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/jorden-24.jpg?itok=vN5sHdo1)
Jorden Dye
![Karambir headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-06/karambir-singh_0.jpg?itok=vMako0jT)
Karambir Singh
![Portrait of Margret Nellissery](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/Margaret-24.jpg?itok=cGvAdrUG)
Margret Nellissery
![Portrait of Sabrina Grobler](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/sabrina-24.jpg?itok=1sWMjRM5)
Sabrina Grobler
![Portrait of Scott MacDougall](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/scott-24.jpg?itok=yux5YKXV)
Scott MacDougall
![Portrait of Will Noel](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/will-24.jpg?itok=yQuKoJD6)
Will Noel
Contact our electricity team
![The Electricity team circa 2024](/sites/default/files/styles/1000/public/2024-05/53758589118_3c0198d507_k.jpg?itok=LS0SUibj)
Program Director
Scott MacDougall
c: 587-229-7709
e: scottm@pembina.org
Media Contact
Courtney Smith (Pacific time; English/français)
c: 647-797-9353
e: courtneys@pembina.org
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