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Of the total electricity generated in Canada, approximately 62% (350 terawatt hours) is from large-scale hydro power. Current hydro generating capacity is approximately 65,000 megawatts.
Environment Canada considers hydro power to be a renewable and low-emission option for power generation. Hydro power reservoirs, like natural lakes and rivers, emit small amounts of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. The release of greenhouse gases results from decomposing vegetation and other natural biological reactions.
When considering the development of new sources of hydro power, due regard is also given to the environmental and social impacts of new plants and transmission lines. For information on electricity from renewable energy sources having low adverse environmental impact relative to conventional large-reservoir hydroelectricity, please go to the Green Power page.
The Climate Change Plan for Canada states: “Low emission sources of electricity 
already play a significant role in Canada's energy mix. These include hydro-electricity and nuclear power.” The Plan does not call for massive investments in new hydro dams but does propose that options to address the impediments to new hydroelectricity generation capacity be identified.
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