Canada’s Electricity Future Is About to Shift. Here’s What’s Coming by 2035
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Between 2026 and 2035, Canada’s electricity system transitions as billions of dollars flow into new power generation, energy storage, and transmission projects.
Planned investments of more than $160 billion are already linked to projects to reshape how Canada generates and uses electricity while balancing:
Rising electricity demand
Net-zero emissions targets
For more details, read How Canada’s Electricity Landscape Will Evolve from 2026 to 2035, by Lucas Bettle.
Canada’s Current Electricity Mix
Hydroelectricity dominates Canada’s energy landscape as the country’s largest source of electricity generation and a contributor to renewable power.
But hydro isn’t growing as quickly as other sectors.
Natural gas and nuclear energy still hold major shares of Canada’s electricity supply. Meanwhile, wind and solar continue to expand, though they remain smaller overall.
Massive Projects Currently Underway
Canada has 77 major electricity-related projects planned or under construction.
These projects cover:
Electricity generation
Energy storage
Transmission infrastructure
Carbon capture systems
Together, the investment totals about $162 billion. The planned generation projects alone could add over 20,000 MW of new capacity by 2035.
Nuclear and Natural Gas Lead the Way
Much of the investment goes into nuclear and natural gas energy.
Nuclear energy is expected to see substantial growth, with several planned traditional nuclear facilities and smaller modular reactor system projects. Natural gas is also expanding.
As the government of Canada promotes cleaner energy goals, it simultaneously approves billions in new fossil fuel infrastructure.
Supporters argue newer gas facilities reduce emissions with carbon capture technology. Critics question whether those systems deliver meaningful results at scale.
Fast-Growing Solar & Wind
Solar power is a much bigger part of the conversation. Over 25 major solar projects are currently planned, many concentrated in Alberta. Together, they could add roughly 4,000 MW of capacity.
Several of these projects are among the largest solar developments Canada has ever seen.
Wind power is also expanding steadily, particularly in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
A Different Grid by 2035
If these projects move ahead, Canada’s electricity system could look very different within the next decade.
Hydro still matters enormously. But nuclear, solar, storage technology, and transmission infrastructure are all poised to take on larger roles.
The bigger question is whether those investments can move quickly enough to keep pace with both rising demand and climate targets.
