Electrical generating capacity
Archived Content
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.
Related information
Canada had 130.5 million kilowatts of electrical generating capacity in 2010, up 6.1% from 123.0 million kilowatts in 2006.
Most of Canada's electrical capacity in 2010 was from hydraulic- and thermal-powered turbines, which produced 75.1 million kilowatts (57.5%) and 51.4 million kilowatts (39.3%), respectively. Quebec accounted for 51.2% of Canada's hydraulic power in 2010, with a capacity of 38.4 million kilowatts. Ontario (25.5 million kilowatts) and Alberta (11.1 million kilowatts) provided most of Canada's thermal capacity; 47.0% of Ontario's thermal capacity was from nuclear steam turbines.
The largest growth in capacity from 2006 to 2010 occurred in tidal- and wind-powered turbines, up 440.5% and 170.2%, respectively. Nova Scotia was home to the only tidal power turbines in 2010, with 20,000 kilowatts of capacity. Ontario is home to 36.7% of Canada's wind turbine capacity, nearly 1.5 million kilowatts. Alberta generated 20.3%, or 805,700 kilowatts.
Solar-powered turbines accounted for 108,400 kilowatts in 2010, the first year solar power recorded a capacity.
- Date modified: