Around the world, electricity consumption is rapidly increasing, and as fossil fuels remain by far the most important source of power, this is having a major impact on the environment, air quality, and climate change. Electricity generation—more specifically the burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity—is responsible for 17% of GHG emissions in Canada, as well as emissions causing smog and acid rain.

Many countries will have to reduce their GHG emissions to effectively address climate change, and Canada has a leadership role to play in supporting the global reduction of GHG emissions.

"Whether Canada ratifies the Kyoto protocol, or adopts an alternate GHG reduction strategy, it is imperative that we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and pursue clean, low-emitting and sustainable energy choices like hydropower," says Pierre Fortin, Executive Director of the CHA.

"The key to an effective climate change strategy," Fortin adds, "is not the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol per se; it is the measures that Canada chooses to adopt to reduce and control emissions. Given the heavy use of electricity in our society, decreasing our dependence on carbon-intensive fossil fuels for our energy supply is essential to reducing GHG emissions, and the development of hydropower, a low-emitting source of electricity, must be one of the principal measures adopted." The adoption of cleaner air policies and the implementation of measures to reduce GHG emissions will require some social and economic adjustment for Canadians, but hydropower can help Canada achieve a long-term reduction of GHG emissions at a low cost.

Hydropower plants have low operation and maintenance costs, and a very long service life; therefore despite high initial investment costs, hydropower remains economical in comparison to other generating options. Moreover, it is not subject to price volatility, as are fossil fuels. In addition, the stability and operational flexibility of hydropower makes it a good partner for other non-fossil fuel sources by supplementing the irregular power output of such green solutions as wind power.

To assess the GHG emissions of hydropower facilities and compare these emissions with those of thermal electricity generation options, the CHA recently commissioned the preparation of a document: Hydropower: A Response to Canada’s Climate Change and Air Quality Challenges. This analysis, based on data from Environment Canada, reveals that hydropower produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases and other air emissions than the large-scale alternatives—60 times less than coal-fired power plants and approximately 20 times less than the least carbon intensive of the thermal generation options, the natural gas combined cycle.

In fact, life cycle emissions of hydropower are comparable to those of wind power, a renewable but intermittent source of electricity.

Based on the assessment of the hydropower potential in four provinces—British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland & Labrador—it is clear that Canada offers many opportunities for new hydropower projects that could be developed with respect for the environment. The assessment of untapped hydropower potential in other provinces and territories could also result in increased economic benefits.

Hydropower is the largest source of electricity in Canada, representing more than 60% of all electricity produced. If coal-fired power plants had produced that electricity, GHG emissions and emissions responsible for smog and acid rain would be between 50 to 77% higher than they are today. Or put in terms of the future, an increase in fossil fuel generated electricity, be it coal-fired or natural gas-fired plants, would increase existing risks to public health and the environment. On the other hand, favouring hydropower project development to meet our electricity needs would greatly reduce GHG emissions and air emissions causing smog and acid rain.

Whether or not Canada ratifies the Kyoto Protocol, the federal government must ensure the development of hydropower to continue providing reliable, efficient and economic electricity to a growing economy while acting on its commitment to reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality.

Founded in 1998, the Canadian Hydropower Association (CHA) is the national association dedicated to representing the interests of the hydropower industry. Its principal mandate is to promote hydropower nationally and internationally as a source of renewable energy, to make the economic and environmental advantages of hydropower better known and to publicize the benefits of hydropower in the search for sustainable energy solutions. CHA members represent more than 95% of the hydropower capacity in Canada.