Canada Delays Net-Zero Electricity Grid Target to 2050

The federal government revises its Clean Electricity Regulations, citing affordability and feasibility concerns raised by provinces and industry.

Canada's federal government has postponed its goal for a net-zero electricity grid from 2035 to 2050, responding to feedback from provinces and energy stakeholders.
The finalized Clean Electricity Regulations allow greater flexibility, including higher emissions limits, extended exemptions, and the use of carbon offsets for natural gas plants.
The revised regulations are projected to cut 181 megatonnes of carbon emissions by 2050, a significant reduction from the initial forecast of 342 megatonnes.
Provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, which rely heavily on fossil fuels for power, pushed back against the original targets, citing concerns about costs and grid reliability.
Environmental groups and industry representatives expressed mixed reactions, with some praising the progress and others criticizing the relaxed standards for undermining climate goals.