Coal Phaseout: How Far Has Canada Come?

Canada’s commitment to net-zero emissions includes a goal to eliminate unabated coal-fired electricity by 2030.

Provincial decarbonization efforts continue, and implementing sustainable replacements is not yet fully resolved.

Coal phaseout is critical to reduce emissions and modernize Canada's power grid.

For a more in-depth look, read Will Canada’s Coal Phaseout Meet Its 2030 Deadline?, by Lucas Bettle.

Canada’s Decision to Phase Out Coal

Historically, coal-fired electricity was a significant contributor to emissions in Canada’s electricity sector.

In 2012, federal regulations established a framework to phase out coal. The rules set up performance standards for emissions for all new units. Plus, existing units needed to meet the emissions standards beyond their useful life, defined as 50 years.

Amendments in 2018 tightened rules, requiring conventional coal units to comply by 2030, setting a firm deadline for the end of unabated coal-fired electricity in Canada.

Two Decades of Progress – 2005 to Today

Over the past 2 decades, national electricity generation from coal fell from 17% to 4%. Coal generation dropped from 102 TWh to 25 TWh because 8 coal-fired power generation plants remain in operation as of 2026.

Natural gas replaced most of the generation capacity lost from coal, but solar and wind power continue to add more to the grid. Overall, this shift away from coal to cleaner fuels demonstrates a major transformation in the electricity industry in Canada.

The Health and Environmental Benefits 

Between 2005 and 2023, Canadian electricity-sector emissions declined by about 58%. The provincial emissions reductions in Ontario came from an early coal phaseout.

Now, reduced coal use improves air quality with lower levels of particulates in the air. Cleaner air improves visibility and breathability, enhancing quality of life, especially in urban areas.

Conclusion 

Canada continues to progress toward a coal-free electricity grid. This shift away from coal-fired power represents one of the most successful initiatives for emissions reduction.

But the question remains, “Can Canada finish the job and fully meet its 2030 target?”