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9.1 Introduction
The electricity industry continues to innovate and adapt to support the emergence of a cleaner and greener global village.
Introduction to the Future of the Electricity Industry
In this module, we will explore the Canadian government’s net-zero emissions target and the proactive initiatives already underway within the Canadian electricity industry that align with it.
Reference Documents
To facilitate your understanding of terminology used in this course, please download the glossary of electrical terms.
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Reducing Emissions
Reduction of fossil fuel-generated electricity, digitization of system operations, and enabling more players in the electricity market can help the industry progress to net-zero emissions. Decentralization through using multipath grids, as opposed to one-way delivery, can also allow for the incorporation of new forms of renewable generation from many sources.
What is Net Zero?
Achieving net-zero emissions means we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as much as is feasible, and then use technologies that can capture carbon before it is released into the air or offset remaining emissions through actions such as tree planting. This is essential to keeping the world safe and livable for our children and grandchildren.
Net Zero 2050—The Federal Government Goal
Canada has joined over 120 countries in committing to be at net-zero emissions by 2050, including all other G7 nations (the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Italy, France, and Japan).
Canada’s strengthened climate plan has put the country on track to not only meet, but exceed its 2030 Paris Agreement emissions-reduction goal—but we can’t stop there. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to moving to net-zero emissions by 2050.
The government, however, cannot achieve net-zero emissions on its own. This goal will require support and engagement from all parts of society, including provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and businesses.
The recently passed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act has formalized Canada’s intent to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050 and establish a series of interim emissions-reduction targets at five-year milestones. It will also require a series of plans and reports to support accountability and transparency and to help ensure Canada reaches its milestones as targeted.
A number of cities and provinces have already made net-zero-by-2050 commitments, including Vancouver, Hamilton, Guelph, Toronto, and Halifax, along with Newfoundland and Labrador and most recently Quebec. Prince Edward Island has also pledged to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Other provinces have indicated interest.
The transition to a cleaner while still prosperous economy needs to be both an immediate priority and a sustained effort over the years and decades ahead. The only way to meet this long-term goal is for Canada to keep innovating, advancing, and building on existing measures.
