This map shows the 815 generating stations with a capacity
of 500 kilowatts or greater classed by the principal fuel used. Two fuels
are dominant: water power (hydro-electricity) and petroleum products. The pattern
of hydro plants across Canada is partly explained by Canada's geology: areas
that are either rugged or mountainous should have more good sites for these
plants than do flat-lying areas. The geology map of Canada has been added here
confirms this: it shows that the Canadian Shield (rugged) and Orogen areas (mountainous
areas) do have many more hydro stations than do platforms (flat-lying areas).
For the other prominent fuel - petroleum products - it can be seen that a large
number of plants in Canada's North operate on petroleum fuels.
