The next time your job feels impossible, remember there are people in charge of doubling the capacity of Canada’s energy grid by 2050.
Driving the news: According to a federal government report, Canada has to double its current electricity supply over the next 26 years to meet growing demand. Even Québec, long seen as a source of limitless electricity, is expected to face shortages by 2027.
- Today’s supply took 140 years to build. And that was before a time of bureaucracy surrounding environmental regulations and Indigenous consultations, per The Hub.
Why it’s happening: Much of the power needed will be driven by EV adoption and the production of renewable energy to meet net-zero goals. Energy use also increases with population growth, which is expected to jump from 41 million to ~50 million by 2050.
- Québec will put up to $185 billion into expanding its grid, B.C. is also spending more, and Ontario is both investing in nuclear and signing other renewable power deals.
Why it matters: An electricity shortage can lead to high prices and outages, and boosting supply is no easy feat. Canada’s size makes expanding the grid costly and technically hard, plus, every province has its own approach to energy policy and grid management.—MR, SB