Renewable Energy Production and Canada’s Future

Published on November 12, 2018

According to a recent report from the National Energy Board, Canada will be incorporating more renewably sourced energy into its electricity mix, while the production of oil and natural gas is expected to continue to grow as well.

Over the next 22 years, renewable sources of energy are expected to experience growth and play an important role in Canada’s electricity generation, while the generation of electricity from nuclear and coal sources is set to decline.

The report indicated that natural gas production will be increased by 33 percent, and crude oil production by 58 percent over the 22 year period.

By the year 2040, the production of natural gas is expected to increase by 20.9 billion cubic feet per day.

For crude oil obtained from oil sands, this production growth means an increase of the 2.8 million barrels of crude oil produced per day in 2017, to a production of 4.5 million barrels per day in 2040.

Jean-Denis Charlebois, chief economist at the National Energy Board, has said that technological innovation in the energy market is key for Canada, and that the future of energy in Canada is dependant on how competitive the country is within a global context.

The report noted that by using less coal and oil in the future, combined with energy efficiency improvements in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, Canada will become less carbon intensive, contributing to help lower the amount of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

With higher levels of efficiency and an increase in renewably sourced energy production, the report estimates that the amount of energy used per dollar of Gross Domestic Product in 2040 will be almost 30 percent lower than what it is now. This translates to a 15 percent reduction in energy consumption for each individual person between now and 2040.

Improving Home Energy Efficiency

With the many benefits of improving home efficiency, such as higher comfort and air quality levels, along with lower utility bills, many homeowners are looking towards buying energy efficient homes or upgrading the efficiency of their own home.

To begin this process, a homeowner should contact a building envelope consulting firm, such as Barrier Sciences Group, and have a Home Energy Assessment conducted by a Registered Energy Advisor. From the assessment, an advisor gains a clear picture of the efficiency levels in the home, and can provide the homeowner with a list of possible energy saving modifications or retrofits for them to consider - ranked in order of what would be the most cost-effective option to take. This lets the homeowner make an informed decision as to what energy saving solutions are the best fit for their needs.

Seeing a return on energy efficiency investments has been made even easier with the home renovation rebates that are currently available from Union Gas and Enbridge - a process that our Registered Energy Advisors are happy to help you understand, and qualify for.

By contacting Barrier Sciences Group, you can take the first steps towards lowering your utility bills, reducing your carbon footprint, and improving your home’s air quality and comfort.