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Energy facts: Clean power and low carbon fuels

Clean power and low carbon fuels are crucial for Canada to meet climate goals. The majority of electricity generation in Canada comes from non-greenhouse gas emitting sources and Canada is a world leader in hydroelectricity, nuclear power and hydrogen. Wind and solar photovoltaic energy are the fastest growing sources of electricity in Canada, while biofuels and electric vehicles also play an important role in reducing the climate impact of transportation in Canada.

Learn more about clean power and low carbon fuels in Canada in Section 5 of the Energy Fact Book including:

  • Clean technology and electricity mix
  • Renewable energy
  • Biofuels and transportation

Key facts

  • In 2021, Canada produced 628 terawatt hours of electricity.
  • 68% of Canada's electricity comes from renewable sources and 82% from non-greenhouse gas (non-GHG) emitting sources such as solar, hydro, wind and nuclear power.
  • Canada is the world's second largest producer of hydroelectricity. 60% of Canada's electricity comes from hydroelectric sources.
  • In 2022, Canada was the world's second largest producer and second largest exporter of uranium. Nuclear power plants generate about 14% of Canada's electricity.
  • Canada exports about 8% of the electricity it generates to the United States.
  • Transportation GHG emissions increased 5% from 2020 to 2021, though they remain 12% lower than their pre-pandemic level in 2019.
  • In 2022, electric vehicle (EV) registrations made up 8.2% of total vehicle registrations. Over 123,000 plug-in EVs were registered in 2022, over six times the number of registrations as in 2017.

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