Renewable Energy

Battery energy storage

Batteries are the most scalable energy storage technology, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional grid infrastructure. They’re proving critical to meeting rising demand for electricity to power data centres, electrified transportation and industry. Plus, battery energy storage allows renewable energy to be easily redistributed during peak demand periods.

The National Research Council’s battery energy storage team works with industry and collaborators to develop next-gen energy storage materials, devices and applications. The group has expertise in critical minerals, battery materials, battery cell prototyping and battery recycling.

Solar energy

Global demand for solar energy is rising – driven by an 83% drop in costs over the past 15 years.

That’s why global companies with bold ambitions are turning to Canada, which offers vast potential and energy capacity. As of 2025, there are more than 200 major solar projects producing power across Canada, and another $8.8 billion in solar projects planned or under construction. Alberta and Ontario lead solar deployment in Canada. 

Provinces are increasingly turning to private developers to meet demand. Québec, Ontario and British Columbia are actively seeking private investment to expand solar infrastructure and meet carbon reduction targets.

Wind energy 

Canada’s wind energy sector is attracting strong interest from global companies. Canada offers the land resources, high wind speeds, and physical and economic conditions needed to scale wind power generation. 

Alberta, Ontario and Québec are leading the charge, supported by deep technical expertise, supportive government policies and a mature energy infrastructure.

As home to some of the world’s strongest wind resources, Atlantic Canada is emerging as one of the most promising regions for wind energy projects in North America. 

Today, more than 340 major wind projects are actively producing power, and the pipeline continues to grow. With $26.8 billion committed to 31 new wind generation projects, the opportunity for long-term success is clear. 

Nuclear energy

Canada is the second largest producer of uranium worldwide, accounting for 24% of global supply. All production leverages Saskatchewan’s high-grade deposits, where the uranium concentrations are up to 100 times larger than the global average.

Canada combines decades of expertise – from R&D and isotope production to waste management – with a commitment to sustainability and safety. At the core of this leadership is the CANDU reactor, a Canadian-designed technology recognized globally for its reliability and efficiency.

Industry leader Hitachi GE Vernova Nuclear Energy has started construction on the first small modular reactor (SMR) project in the G7 at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Ontario. More than 80 companies are working with Ontario Power Corporation to the SMR initiative. The Canada Growth Fund is investing $2 billion to support the construction and operation of the SMRs and the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion. 

Other SMR projects are advancing in Alberta, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, including micro-reactor pilots.

SMRs have the potential to support on-grid power generation, especially for public utilities aiming to replace end-of-life coal plants, and off-grid heat and power for heavy industry. They can serve remote communities with off-grid power, district heating and desalination – helping to reduce reliance on diesel fuel.