World energy sources: electricity generation

Global demand for electricity will continue to rise, especially in those large developing countries such as China, India and Brazil with rapidly-growing economies.

The six major fuels for electricity production are coal, hydroelectric, nuclear, oil, natural gas, and renewable energies (such as solar, wind and biomass).

Canada is a leader in clean and low-cost electricity production

Canada is fortunate to have huge amounts of hydroelectric power, and to be able to satisfy 62 per cent of its electricity demand in 2008 using this low cost and renewable energy.

An additional 15 per cent of electricity demand is met by nuclear energy. Nuclear reactors do not emit the gases that cause global warming and smog; they produce affordable power; and they are designed to operate continuously.

The rest of Canada's electricity is generated by coal (19 per cent); oil and gas (3.8 per cent); and non-hydroelectric renewable energy forms (0.5 per cent).

In total, Canada generates more than 75 per cent of the electricity it needs using affordable and clean hydro-electric and nuclear power. This is in contrast to many countries around the globe that generate most of their power using coal or other fossil fuels.