Industry Insight
What Are the Current Trends in Renewable Energy?
Canada's renewable mix, hydro's lead, growing wind and solar, and Ontario's role. A 2021 snapshot with a look at what it means for rooftop solar.
Canada's renewable mix, hydro's lead, growing wind and solar, and Ontario's role. A 2021 snapshot with a look at what it means for rooftop solar.
Renewable energy is energy from sources that do not run out, such as the sun, wind, flowing water and heat from the earth. This article is a 2021 snapshot of where renewables stood in Canada and what was trending. Figures are dated, so for current numbers check Natural Resources Canada and the International Energy Agency.
Energy exists in many forms: electrical, mechanical, thermal and chemical. It is always transferred and converted from one form to another. Renewable energy specifically captures useful energy from sources that replenish themselves: sunlight, wind, hydro power (rain and tides) and geothermal heat. Because those sources are not depleted, they offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Canada has a plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, which means replacing fossil fuels with healthy, sustainable and efficient alternatives. As a result, the solar market was growing, with analysts at the time forecasting strong yearly growth over the following five years. Around 16 percent of Canada's total energy supply came from renewable sources, with solar and wind at the top of the growth market. Canada ranked among the leading countries for its use of renewables.
Hydroelectricity is Canada's main renewable source, accounting for around 60 percent of electricity generation at the time, and Canada was among the top hydroelectric producers in the world. Wind energy came second, growing steadily for a decade and supplying a few percent of generated electricity. Bioheat has also become a strong renewable option for schools, institutions and hospitals.
Over recent decades, solar has seen a strong comeback. Environmental and economic concern is growing across the country, and solar photovoltaics are becoming more affordable. Ontario has been the leading province for solar PV growth. Installed capacity figures have kept rising since this article was first written, so check official sources for current totals.
Falling equipment costs, clean energy targets and growing interest in energy independence all point in the same direction: more households are generating their own power. If you are curious how this applies to your home, see whether solar is worth it in Ontario or visit our residential solar page. Check the incentives page for current programs.
Terawatt Solar's licensed installers and design team can help you move to solar in a way that is affordable and straightforward. Book a free site assessment through our contact page.
Hydroelectricity, followed by wind, with solar growing quickly.
As of this article's 2021 snapshot, Ontario was the main province for solar photovoltaic growth.
