Canada eyes renewable exports to U.S.


High Voltage Maintenance Training Online

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$599
Coupon Price:
$499
Reserve Your Seat Today
Canadian utilities are rapidly investing in renewable power, despite slumping demand for electricity in their country. The goal: to capture a share of the growing market for export of green electricity to the United States.

Canada's domestic electricity demand was flat from 2004 through 2008, while its electricity exports to the United States jumped 70 percent, with most of that growth met by higher renewable power generation. Hydroelectric power grew 10 percent and wind power nearly tripled, while fossil fuel generation fell 10 percent.

The growth of Canada's green power exports comes alongside the continued expansion of its much larger, more well-known export: petroleum, including heavy oil sands production responsible for high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

With the growth of renewable exports, Canada could become the largest source of both dirty and clean power to the United States.

Canada's investment in renewables hasn't slowed this year despite a 30 percent recession-related slump in the cross-border electricity trade during the first half of this year. Continued investment is being driven by strong government incentives for renewable power and the expectation of regulations favoring renewable power in the United States.

"Over the last 100 years, utilities have built their systems to meet the growth of demand," said Darcy Johnson, an electricity market analyst at the National Energy Board (NEB), Canada's federal energy regulator. "Now we're seeing them expand capacity beyond that because of all kinds of government mandates and incentives: renewable energy credits, carbon markets and evolving renewable portfolio standards."

Related News

Coalition pursues extra $7.25B for DOE nuclear cleanup, job creation

DOE Environmental Management Funding Boost seeks $7.25B to accelerate nuclear cleanup, upgrade Savannah River Site…
View more

Philippines wants Canada's help to avoid China, U.S

Philippines-Canada Indo-Pacific Partnership strengthens ASEAN cooperation, maritime security, and South China Sea diplomacy, balancing U.S.-China…
View more

Ontario Power Generation's Commitment to Small Modular Reactors

OPG Small Modular Reactors advance clean energy with advanced nuclear, baseload power, renewables integration, and…
View more

Nova Scotia Power says it now generates 30 per cent of its power from renewables

Nova Scotia Power Renewable Energy delivers 30% in 2018, led by wind power, hydroelectric and…
View more

Alberta's electricity rebate program extended until December

Alberta Electricity Rebate Extension provides $50 monthly credits, utility bill relief, and an natural gas…
View more

Energy minister unveils Ontario's plan to address growing energy needs

Powering Ontario's Growth accelerates clean electricity, pairing solar, wind, and hydro with energy storage, efficiency…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified