Hydropower in Canada

Since the development at the end of the 19th century of the first hydroelectric plants in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Shawinigan Falls, Québec, hydropower has contributed to building a prosperous, energy-rich nation. For over 100 years, the power of water has made a significant contribution to Canada’s economic growth by providing a renewable, reliable and affordable energy source that enabled regional development. Not only has hydroelectricity promoted the growth and competitiveness of industries as diverse as aluminum and agri-food, it has allowed for the development and export of a world-renowned expertise.

Canada is a world leader in hydropower production: an installed capacity of over 70 858 megawatts (MW), and an annual average production of 350 terawatt-hour (TWh), account for nearly 13 percent of the global output of hydropower.

Two thirds of Canada’s electricity needs are met with hydropower. There are approximately 475 hydropower plants in Canada. Half of these plants have a generating capacity of over 10 megawatts and represent 99 percent of the total capacity. Canada still has significant hydropower resources that can be developed in all provinces and territories – over 163 000 MW of technical potential.

Canada is the world’s second largest exporter of electricity after France. Canada exports on average 40 TWh of electricity each year to the United States with a value of $2.5 billion. Most of that electricity comes from hydropower. By displacing sources of electricity such as thermal power plants, the export of hydropower significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants on a continental scale.

Hydropower plants are often part of multipurpose facilities that provide water for domestic and agricultural needs, flood protection, and navigational and recreational uses. In particular, projects that include storage capacity give hydropower a unique operational flexibility. This flexibility, combined with hydropower’s qualities as a clean and renewable energy, make it the best source to support the development of intermittent renewables such as wind and solar power.

Canada holds significant hydropower capacity and potential. Not only that, Canada has over 100 years of experience in project planning, financing, construction and operation, environmental protection and mitigation, and consultation with stakeholders, including aboriginal communities. Canadian engineers, construction workers, geologists, specialized technicians, mechanics, environmental specialists, and many other experts have developed some of the largest and most efficient hydropower facilities in the world. Worldwide and in Canada, hydropower has earned its reputation as an excellent renewable energy source.

For more details on small-scale hydroelectric facilities, visit the small-scale hydro page.

For more information on the Canadian hydropower industry, visit the Canadian Hydropower Association’s website.