Potential for Electricity Generation from Emerging Renewable Sources in Canada

Abstract

According to the international energy agency (IEA), the total world investment requirements for the electricity sector over the next 25 years will be of the order of C$12 trillion. The need to advance sustainable energy options, will accelerate their commercialisation. Economics, as well as environmental policies, will determine what energy projects will go ahead. The contribution of emerging renewable energy sources in Canada is about 4% of the total electrical generation. Their estimated impact on emissions is of the order of 50 Mt/y CO2e, at an environmental cost ranging from negative, for many bioenergy projects, to $10-15/t of CO2e for Small Hydro and other projects. The fastest growing renewable energy options for electricity supplies in Canada are currently Wind and Small Hydro. It is estimated that the wind energy installed capacity will be between 7,000 and 8,000 MW by 2012 and 20,000 MW by 2025. Currently, the installed capacity is about 680 MW and growing rapidly. Small Hydro projects account for about 2,500 MW and are also growing rapidly. The resource potential for doubling the current contribution of Small Hydro is well known and there is growing public interest to access it.