Prime Minister Mark Carney Unveils National Electricity Strategy to Double Canada’s Power Grid by 2050

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a sweeping new National Electricity Strategy that aims to double Canada’s electricity generation capacity by 2050, positioning clean and affordable power as the cornerstone of the country’s economic and energy future.

The announcement, made in Ottawa on May 14, outlines a long-term plan to strengthen Canada’s energy independence amid global trade disruptions, geopolitical instability, accelerating artificial intelligence growth, and increasing climate-related challenges.

Carney said electricity will be central to Canada’s economic transformation, noting that demand is expected to double over the next 25 years as industries and households become increasingly electrified.

Canada currently operates one of the world’s cleanest electricity systems, with approximately 80 per cent of power generation coming from non-emitting sources. The federal government says this gives Canada a significant competitive advantage as nations race to modernize their energy systems.

The new strategy will be developed through consultations with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, utilities and labour organizations over the coming months.

According to the federal government, the initiative could generate up to $15 billion in energy savings by 2050 and reduce total energy costs for seven in ten Canadian households.

The plan will be guided by four core priorities: expanding electricity generation and grid infrastructure, connecting provincial and territorial grids through east-west-north transmission links, training more than 130,000 skilled workers, and boosting domestic manufacturing of key components such as transformers, cables, batteries and other technologies.

The government says natural gas will continue to play a role during the transition, and clean electricity regulations will be adjusted to ensure affordability and grid reliability while emissions are reduced.

The strategy also includes support for up to one million households to undertake energy-saving retrofits and adopt electric heat pumps, replacing more expensive propane, oil and electric baseboard systems.

Several major projects are already underway, including the Darlington New Nuclear Project, the Taltson Hydro Expansion, the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project, the North Coast Transmission Line and the Wind West Project.

The federal government says billions of dollars are being mobilized through investment tax credits, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Canada Growth Fund and the expanded Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said energy security has become a matter of national security and emphasized that Canada must build a strong, affordable and sovereign electricity system.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the strategy will help attract investment, accelerate electrification and strengthen the competitiveness of Canadian businesses.

Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said Canada’s clean grid provides a powerful foundation for innovation, job creation and emissions reduction.

Carney described the strategy as a nation-building initiative that will ensure Canada can supply clean, reliable and affordable electricity for generations.

“In a rapidly changing and more volatile world, Canada is taking control of our future,” Carney said. “When we master energy, we master our destiny.”

Courtesy: Prime Minister of Canada