Canada’s Roadmap to a Net-Zero Electricity Grid

Canada has taken a significant step towards decarbonization with the unveiling of its Clean Electricity Regulations (CER). The new goal targets a net-zero electricity grid by 2050, replacing the original, more ambitious 2035 target. This shift reflects the government’s response to feedback from provinces and industry leaders, who expressed concerns about reliability, cost, and stranded assets.

Currently, 85% of Canada’s electricity comes from clean sources like hydropower, wind, and solar. While the revised regulations offer flexibility, critics argue that they may make it harder to achieve Canada’s broader climate goals of cutting emissions 45–50% below 2005 levels by 2035. The new CER allows power plants to emit 65 tons of carbon per gigawatt hour—more than double the earlier limit—and permits an additional 35 tons through offset credits.

Despite the compromises, the CER is expected to cut 181 megatons of carbon emissions from the grid between 2024 and 2050. Advocates view the regulations as practical, saying they provide the guardrails needed to spur energy investment. However, opposition remains strong, particularly from Alberta, which plans to challenge the rules in court.

Borrum Energy Solutions sees CER as an opportunity to drive innovation and expand renewable energy adoption. Their focus on wind-based energy solutions aligns with Canada’s long-term sustainability goals. As the country transitions to a cleaner grid, they’re committed to empowering dwelling owners with options to generate clean electricity at the point of consumption and help build a net-zero future with a lower dependence on the electrical grid.