Climate Change Threatens Canada's Hydropower Future

Canada, a global hydropower leader, is grappling with the harsh realities of climate change as extreme weather disrupts energy production and infrastructure. Once a reliable cornerstone of Canada’s energy mix, hydropower now faces an uncertain future amid dramatic swings between drought and flash floods.

Canadian hydropower exports to the U.S. have plummeted to their lowest levels in 14 years. Earlier this year, for the first time in nearly a decade, Canada was forced to import energy from the U.S., highlighting critical production shortfalls. With 60% of its energy reliant on hydropower, provinces like Quebec, British Columbia, and Manitoba have seen their reservoirs pushed to record lows.

Experts warn that Canada’s aging dams—many over 50 years old—are ill-equipped to handle the intensifying weather extremes. Flash floods, now occurring twice a decade in some regions, and prolonged droughts pose severe risks to dam infrastructure and energy security. Despite Hydro-Quebec’s adaptive measures, questions remain about whether infrastructure can evolve quickly enough to meet the new climate reality.

Overall, the hydro power uncertain future raises a concern about how provincial hydro can meet the expected increase in electricity demand with decreasing hydro-based electricity generation.

As Canada faces these challenges, diversifying its renewable energy portfolio is critical. Borrum Energy Solutions are committed to providing innovative wind power solutions that complement renewable sources such as solar and hydropower as well as reducing dependency on the electrical grid. Together, we can build a resilient, sustainable future in the face of climate uncertainty.