Why is Canada a Power Titan: How Does the Country Help the US with its Hydropower

The United States is the world’s most powerful military and economy and the world’s leading producer of fossil energy. China is increasing in power, lifting over 500 million individuals out of poverty within 30 years. The country is set to dominate the US as the world’s largest economy in the coming decade, with considerable investments worldwide. However, China has become the world’s no. 1 greenhouse gas emitter.

How about Canada? Although Canada is lesser in population compared to China and the U. S. and in GDP, the country stands out with its clean and renewable energy. Canada is the third country with the most oil reserves. It is also the fourth worldwide in natural gas production. Canada, the US, and China play essential roles in inflows of energy all over the globe.

Hidden Connections in Hydropower

The United States, China, and Canada have excellent hydropower potential. In 2014, China had 282 GW of hydroelectric power capacity. Moreover, the US and Canada follow with 79 and 78 GW of power capacity, respectively. Including nuclear, Canada produced about 80% of electrical power from renewable sources while the US 32%.

Canada creates a great partnership with the US in combating climate change by sharing its experience with location and large-scale hydroelectric power, thereby reducing GHGs (greenhouse gases). Vermont sources ⅓ of its electrical power from Quebec’s hydropower plants. In 2015, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) announced that states could use imported hydroelectricity from Canada to reduce gas emissions. This regulation encouraged Americans to use Canadian exports and add them to the energy mix. Hydropower can supply constant power while supporting the adoption of solar and wind power in different states.