Renewable Energy

Canada’s oceans and offshore areas have major renewable energy potential. Efforts to collect energy from ocean currents, tides, waves and offshore wind are now being explored on Canada’s east and west coasts.

Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that do not deplete natural resources, for example, electricity generated from offshore wind, tides and waves.

Benefits

• Renewable energy produces less greenhouse gas emissions and less air pollution than energy produced from fossil fuels, which come from limited resources.
• Renewable energy from our oceans has the potential to contribute a significant portion of Canada's current and future energy demand. While renewable energy currently only supplies a small amount of Canada's total energy needs, there is great potential for expansion.
• Offshore renewable energy may also benefit coastal communities that rely on diesel power generators. This could reduce their dependence on imported fuel, increase energy supply and stability, lower energy costs and create local jobs.

Several demonstration and commercial renewable energy projects are at different stages of development on Canada’s east and west coasts. Many issues associated with the development of these projects are similar to issues faced by the offshore oil and gas industry years ago. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is collaborating with other federal departments and coastal provinces to better understand the possible effects of proposed developments and to ensure that public and environmental interests are carefully assessed.

Related Links

ecoENERGY for Renewable Power
International Energy Agency — Ocean Energy Systems
Ocean Renewable Energy Group
Renewable Energy — Natural Resources Canada