Wind energy in Canada is expanding, harnessing vast natural potential

Canada’s wind energy sector has experienced substantial growth over the past five years, solidifying its position as a key component of the nation’s renewable energy strategy. With vast land areas and favourable wind conditions, wind power continues to diversify Canada’s energy portfolio and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Installed capacity and growth

• Total capacity: As of the end of 2024, Canada’s cumulative wind energy capacity surpassed 18 GW, marking a 35% increase from 2019. This growth underscores wind power’s leading role in Canada’s renewable energy landscape.
• Offshore wind: Canada’s offshore wind energy sector is still in its early stages, but the country has vast potential along its coasts, particularly in the Atlantic provinces. As of 2024, Canada had no large-scale operational offshore wind projects, but several developments are underway, signalling future growth.

Government ambitions

• 2030 target: Canada aims to achieve a total wind energy capacity of 35 GW by 2030, aligning with broader objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a sustainable energy future.
• 2050 net-zero target: The federal government has set a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Wind energy, alongside other renewables, is expected to play a critical role in achieving this target.

Current and upcoming projects

• Dufferin Wind Power Project: Located in Ontario, the Dufferin Wind Power Project is one of Canada’s largest onshore wind farms, with a total capacity of 66 MW. The project contributes significantly to Ontario’s renewable energy supply and demonstrates the potential for further expansion in the province.
• Glen Dhu Offshore Wind Project: Canada’s first major offshore wind project planned for the coast of Nova Scotia. This project, with a capacity of 400 MW, is expected to begin operations in the late 2020s and will be a key contributor to Canada’s growing offshore wind industry.
• Turbine installation in British Columbia: Several onshore wind farms are planned in British Columbia, such as the Vancouver Island Wind Project. These projects will help to meet growing demand for clean energy in the region and contribute to Canada’s national renewable energy targets.
• Atlantic offshore wind development: The Bay of Fundy Offshore Wind Project in New Brunswick, with an expected capacity of 1.5 GW, is one of several offshore wind initiatives being explored along Canada’s Atlantic coast. These projects will serve as key stepping stones in developing Canada’s offshore wind potential.

Provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan have been at the forefront of wind energy development. Alberta, for instance, accounted for a significant portion of the new wind capacity added in recent years.

Canada is exploring the potential for offshore wind projects, particularly along the Atlantic coast. While still in the early stages, these developments signal a promising avenue for future growth in the wind energy sector.

Recent developments

• Offshore wind auction in Nova Scotia: In 2024, the government of Nova Scotia held an auction for offshore wind leases, signalling the beginning of large-scale offshore wind development in the region. This auction attracted bids from major international energy companies, indicating strong interest in the region’s wind energy potential.
• Collaboration with international partners: Canada has been collaborating with international partners, particularly in Europe, to learn from the advanced offshore wind sectors in countries such as the Netherlands. These partnerships are helping Canada’s emerging offshore wind industry develop more rapidly and efficiently.

Canada’s wind energy sector is poised for significant growth, both onshore and offshore, in the coming decades. With a cumulative installed capacity of 15.3 GW as of 2023 and ambitious targets of 35 GW by 2030, wind energy is set to play a key role in Canada’s renewable energy future. The government’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 is driving investment in both onshore and offshore wind projects, particularly in the Atlantic provinces. Offshore wind is expected to be a critical part of Canada’s energy transformation, with promising developments already in motion, and ongoing auctions in Nova Scotia. Floating wind technology also offers great potential, with pilot projects underway to assess its feasibility. These developments underscore Canada’s commitment to expanding its wind energy sector, reducing emissions, and contributing to a sustainable energy future.

This information is updated in March 2025

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