Energy Maps

In Canada, there are diverse and reliable sources of energy: oil, natural gas, hydroelectricity, coal, nuclear (uranium), solar, wind, tidal and biomass. Canada is the fifth largest energy producer in the world, after Russia, China, United States and Saudi Arabia, and the eighth largest consumer of energy. Energy consumption sustains economic growth and our standard of living. Canadians are the fourth largest users of energy per person in the world. The energy sector in 2007 contributed 5.6% to the gross domestic product (GDP) and $90 billion in exports.

The Atlas of Canada offers a collection of energy maps including:

  • Coal Resources Map
    Depicted on the map are the major coal deposits in Canada, categorized by rank, and the locations of major coal fields and coal mines, major coal transportation routes and major coal-powered electrical generating stations.
  • Crude Oil and Natural Gas Resources Map
    The map shows the major petroleum-producing fields (or pools) of conventional natural gas, crude oil and the oil sands, as well as the extensive pipeline network.
  • Generating Stations, 2007 Map
    The map shows the 916 generating stations (power plants) operating in 2007. There were 479 hydroelectric stations, 375 thermal plants (combustion, internal combustion and steam), 7 nuclear plants, 54 wind turbines and 1 tidal power plant.
  • Hydropower Resources Map
    The map shows 632 large dams and 6 major dams. Major dams are defined as being greater than 150 metres in height and large dams as between 10 to 15 metres and 150 metres. Also, mapped are 479 hydroelectric generating stations. A generating station (power plant) is an industrial facility built and operated to generate electricity. Hydroelectric power is generated from a plant in which the turbine generators are driven by falling or flowing water.
  • Uranium Resources Map
    The map shows districts with potential for uranium development, small occurrences of uranium, locations of uranium mines and facilities, and locations of nuclear facilities that generate electrical power.