Canada's Electricity Expansion Fails to Drive Electrification

Canada's rapid progress in expanding its electricity system has raised hopes for a cleaner and more efficient grid, but experts warn that the country is still lagging behind in electrifying transportation, buildings, and industry. Madeleine McPherson, an energy modeller at the University of Victoria, points out that despite federal and provincial governments' efforts to double Canada's electricity supply by 2050, adoption of electric technologies remains slow.

Citing International Energy Agency figures, McPherson notes that zero-emission vehicles accounted for only 11% of new vehicle sales in Canada last year, compared to 55% in China and 28% in Europe. This is surprising given that much of Canada's electricity is clean and low-cost.

McPherson believes that a more electrified economy can support stronger GDP growth, employment, and trade competitiveness. Her team's modelling suggests that greater interprovincial transmission could improve reliability during extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves.