North America

Energy system of Canada

Canada has set an ambitious target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40-45% from 2005 levels by 2030 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Canada’s energy and economic profile presents both challenges and opportunities to achieving these targets given its profile as a major producer, consumer and exporter of energy. Energy production and use in Canada accounts for over 80% of the country’s GHG emissions, with oil and gas production alone accounting for around a quarter. Canada’s electricity system is already among the cleanest in the world, with heavy dominance of hydropower as well as an important role for nuclear. Canada has put in place several policy measures to achieve its climate targets, including a carbon pricing scheme.