A new Clean Energy Canada report offers federal candidates and constituents plenty of good news to contrast the turmoil underway in the nation’s oil and gas markets. Last year, the nation’s clean energy sector continued its steady climb, and generated unprecedented investment and new jobs.
In 2014, the value of new clean energy projects—mostly wind and solar farms, and large and small hydroelectric plants—approached CAD$11 billion, up 88 percent from 2013.
And while traditional energy sectors languish in the employment doldrums, in 2013, the most recent year for which reliable data exists, Canada’s clean energy industries were together responsible for 26,900 direct jobs—up a respectable 14 percent over the previous year.
The report, Tracking the Energy Revolution — Canada 2015, is a comprehensive and accessible annual snapshot of our nation’s clean energy performance. Clean Energy Canada produces it to inform federal and provincial policymakers. This year’s edition arrives as federal candidates debate how Ottawa should best approach and manage our energy resources.
Tracking the Energy Revolution — Canada contrasts Ottawa’s current “missing in action” approach with the strong leadership exhibited by the Oval Office in Washington DC, and highlights how Canada’s next federal government could help boost clean energy investment.
The report is the companion to Tracking the Energy Revolution — Global 2015, released earlier this year.
QUOTES:
“Here’s a good news story on the clean energy front—investment is pouring in, and employers are hiring. Canadians are concerned that we’ve put too many eggs in the oil and gas basket, and the clean energy sector can help round out the Canadian economy.” — Merran Smith, Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada
“The news on clean energy is good, but with federal leadership, it could be terrific. Unlike Washington, Ottawa’s pretty much been ignoring this sector. We hope and expect this report will serve as a flashing neon sign for federal parties: There’s a huge opportunity here; get on board and show us what you can do.” — Merran Smith, Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada
“Canada is well positioned to play a leading role as the world rapidly embraces clean energy. This industry is growing—even while Ottawa has looked the other way. We look forward to hearing how the federal parties will give clean energy the attention and standing it deserves.” — Merran Smith, Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada
KEY FACTS:
- Renewable energy attracted $10.9 billion in investment in 2014, almost double that of agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors put together.
- The five sub-sectors that constitute Canada’s clean energy industry together are responsible for 26,900 direct jobs in 2013, up a respectable 14 percent over the previous year.
- Due to favorable policy support, much of this investment is flowing to Ontario, which floated to the top of our ranking of provinces.
- As far as technologies go, wind delivered the bulk of Canada’s added renewable-power capacity last year—enough to serve the needs of half a million Canadian homes.
