How has Canadian energy consumption changed over time?

Canada's energy consumption has changed significantly over time. Historically, Canada has been a net exporter of energy, with oil and natural gas being the primary exports. However, in recent years, energy consumption in Canada has increased significantly due to population growth and economic expansion.

According to Natural Resources Canada, the total primary energy supply in Canada has increased from 7,576 petajoules in 1990 to 10,231 petajoules in 2019. This is largely due to increased consumption of natural gas, electricity, and renewables. In contrast, consumption of oil has remained relatively stable over the same period.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on reducing Canada's carbon footprint, with a focus on transitioning to renewable energy sources. This has led to increased investment in wind, solar, and hydropower projects, as well as the development of new technologies to make traditional energy sources cleaner and more efficient.

Canadian energy consumption has increased over time, with the exception of a dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Canada's energy consumption was 8,167 petajoules (PJ), which is about 7.5 tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) per capita. This is among the highest per capita energy consumption rates in the world.

The majority of Canada's energy consumption is for heating and cooling buildings, transportation, and industrial processes. The transportation sector is the largest consumer of energy, accounting for about 35% of total consumption. The residential sector is the second largest consumer, accounting for about 25% of total consumption. The industrial sector is the third largest consumer, accounting for about 20% of total consumption.

Canada's energy mix has changed over time, with a shift away from coal and towards natural gas and renewable energy sources. In 2021, natural gas accounted for about 36% of Canada's energy consumption, followed by oil at 26%, coal at 10%, and renewable energy sources at 23%.

The government of Canada has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. This will require significant changes to the country's energy system. The government has announced a number of policies to support this transition, including investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage.

It is expected that Canada's energy consumption will continue to grow in the coming years, but at a slower rate than in the past. The government's climate change policies are expected to have a significant impact on the country's energy mix, with a further shift away from coal and towards natural gas and renewable energy sources.