Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Canada 2015
Canada has continued to harvest its vast natural resources and witnessed a shale revolution
alongside rising oil sands production and investment in the energy sector over the
past five years. The medium-term outlook for gas/oil production and exports, however,
is challenging amid uncertainties around pipeline developments and an era of low prices,
abundant global supplies and surging production in the United States, Canada’s main
export market.
Canada maintains the highest energy supply per capita among IEA member countries.
Emissions from the oil and gas sectors increased by 14% in 2005-13, despite Canada’s
low-carbon electricity mix (largely hydro and nuclear). The federal government, with
the provinces, has put forward stringent energy efficiency and emission standards
in the buildings, power and transport sectors, but not in industry. To strengthen
its position as responsible energy supplier and user, Canada must take action to mitigate
emissions and energy intensity. It can continue to develop its resources in a sustainable
and cost-effective manner while balancing its economic and sustainability goals.
Canada remains at the forefront of technological and regulatory innovation in unconventional
oil and gas production and carbon capture and storage (CCS) with four large-scale
CCS projects under way in 2015. The country has adopted ambitious climate targets
at provincial and federal levels, but the federation is far from meeting its targets
for 2020 and 2030. In July 2015, the Premiers of the provinces and territories agreed
a Canadian Energy Strategy. The IEA urges the federal government to seize this opportunity
for collective action to meet its 2030 goals and bring certainty to investment in
clean-energy technologies and renewables.
This in-depth review analyses the energy policy challenges facing Canada and provides
recommendations for each energy sector, including advice for the implementation of
the Canadian Energy Strategy.
Published on March 07, 2016
In series:Energy Policies of IEA Countriesview more titles