Toronto, April 30, 2026—Canada is well positioned to capture up to $200 billion in clean energy investment, but system and market factors will shape how much of that opportunity is realized, according to a new report.
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) report, Watts at Stake: Canada’s $200-Billion Clean Energy Investment Opportunity, finds that global capital is actively seeking renewable energy investments and that Canada is seen as a top-tier destination given its resource base, stable policy environment and growing electricity demand.
The report estimates that meeting rising electricity demand will require between 54 and 88 gigawatts of new wind, solar and energy storage capacity over the next 10 years, representing up to $200 billion in investment. That demand is being driven by industrial electrification, data centre growth, population increases and the expansion of energy-intensive sectors such as mining and manufacturing.
“Canada needs more wind, solar and energy storage to power our future, and the fundamentals to attract investment are already in place,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA President and CEO. “These technologies are among the most affordable, fastest to deploy and scalable ways to build new electricity supply, and they are essential to growing Canada’s economy.”
The report points to several factors shaping investor decisions, including permitting timelines, grid interconnection, transmission availability, pricing structures and the coordination of approvals across jurisdictions.
In a global market where capital can move across borders, investors are placing increasing weight on delivery timelines alongside traditional criteria like project economics and resource quality, the report says.
Recent shifts in U.S. policy and global investment patterns have accelerated that trend, with capital moving toward jurisdictions that offer greater certainty around permitting, construction timelines and revenue frameworks.
The report warns there are areas where improvements are needed to support faster project delivery, including clearer permitting timelines, better alignment between generation and transmission planning, and improved engagement and coordination with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders.
CanREA is releasing the report ahead of the Clean Power Finance Canada summit, which it is hosting in Toronto on May 5, 2026, where industry participants will focus on aligning capital, policy and system planning to support continued growth.
Quote
“Canada needs more wind, solar and energy storage to power our future, and the fundamentals to attract investment are already in place. These technologies are among the most affordable, fastest to deploy and scalable ways to build new electricity supply, and they are essential to growing Canada’s economy.”
—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
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About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how wind energy, solar energy and energy storage can decarbonize and modernize Canada’s electricity systems quickly and affordably, follow us on LinkedIn and visit renewablesassociation.ca.