Canada Thermal Power Market

Canada thermal power market, valued at USD 17.5 billion, is growing due to increasing energy needs, clean energy policies, and innovations in efficiency and sustainability.

Region:North America

Author(s):Geetanshi

Product Code:KRAD0049

Pages:95

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Canada Thermal Power Market Overview

  • The Canada Thermal Power Market is valued at USD 17.5 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for reliable energy sources in industrial and residential sectors, as well as ongoing investments in modernizing existing infrastructure and transitioning towards cleaner fuels such as natural gas and biomass. The market is also influenced by regulatory pressures to reduce emissions and the adoption of advanced technologies for efficiency and sustainability .
  • Key players in this market include Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, which dominate due to their substantial industrial bases and energy consumption levels. Alberta, with its significant natural gas resources, has been a major contributor to thermal power generation. Ontario's energy mix includes a considerable share of nuclear and natural gas, while Quebec's hydroelectric capacity complements but does not dominate the thermal sector, making these regions pivotal in Canada's energy landscape .
  • In 2023, the Canadian government implemented Clean Electricity Regulations, mandating a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from thermal power plants. These regulations target net-zero emissions by 2035, pushing operators to adopt cleaner technologies, invest in carbon capture and storage, and accelerate the transition towards renewable energy sources, thereby reshaping the thermal power landscape in Canada .
Canada Thermal Power Market Size

Canada Thermal Power Market Segmentation

By Type:The thermal power market can be segmented into coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear, biomass, waste-to-energy, geothermal, and others. Among these, natural gas has emerged as the dominant source due to its lower emissions compared to coal and its ability to provide reliable base-load and peak-load power. The shift towards cleaner energy sources, government incentives for natural gas infrastructure, and the phase-out of coal-fired generation have further solidified its position in the market .

Canada Thermal Power Market segmentation by Type.

By Technology:The thermal power market is also segmented by technology, including steam turbine, gas turbine, and combined cycle. Combined cycle technology leads the market due to its high efficiency and lower emissions, as it utilizes waste heat for additional power generation. This makes it the preferred choice for new thermal power plants and upgrades, especially in natural gas-fired facilities .

Canada Thermal Power Market segmentation by Technology.

Canada Thermal Power Market Competitive Landscape

The Canada Thermal Power Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as TransAlta Corporation, Capital Power Corporation, Emera Inc., ATCO Power Ltd., Ontario Power Generation Inc., SaskPower International Inc., Northland Power Inc., Maxim Power Corp., AltaGas Ltd., Canadian Utilities Limited, Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P., Fortis Inc., Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., Hydro-Québec, Manitoba Hydro, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

TransAlta Corporation

1909

Calgary, Alberta

Capital Power Corporation

2009

Edmonton, Alberta

Emera Inc.

1998

Halifax, Nova Scotia

ATCO Power Ltd.

1947

Calgary, Alberta

Ontario Power Generation Inc.

1999

Toronto, Ontario

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Generation Output (GWh)

Revenue Growth Rate

Market Share (%)

Fuel Mix (%)

Carbon Emissions Intensity (gCO?/kWh)

Operational Efficiency (%)

Canada Thermal Power Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Energy Demand:Canada’s energy consumption is projected to reach 2,200 terawatt-hours (TWh) in future, driven by population growth and industrial expansion. The manufacturing sector, which accounts for approximately 11% of Canada’s GDP, is expected to increase energy usage by 4% annually. This rising demand necessitates a reliable energy supply, positioning thermal power as a crucial component in meeting these needs, especially in regions with limited renewable resources.
  • Government Support for Clean Energy:The Canadian government allocated CAD 2 billion in future to support clean energy initiatives, including thermal power projects. This funding aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 encourages investments in cleaner thermal technologies, fostering a favorable environment for the thermal power sector to thrive while transitioning towards sustainability.
  • Technological Advancements in Thermal Power:Innovations in thermal power technology, such as combined cycle gas turbines, have improved efficiency rates to over 65%. The adoption of these technologies is expected to increase operational efficiency and reduce emissions. Furthermore, investments in automation and digitalization are projected to enhance performance monitoring, leading to cost savings of approximately CAD 250 million annually across the sector, thereby driving growth in the thermal power market.

Market Challenges

  • Environmental Regulations:Stringent environmental regulations pose significant challenges for the thermal power sector in Canada. The federal government has set emission reduction targets of 40-45% below 2005 levels in future. Compliance with these regulations requires substantial investments in emission control technologies, which can exceed CAD 600 million for major facilities, potentially hindering the financial viability of existing thermal power plants.
  • Aging Infrastructure:A significant portion of Canada’s thermal power infrastructure is over 35 years old, leading to increased maintenance costs and operational inefficiencies. The Canadian Electricity Association estimates that CAD 1.5 billion is needed annually to upgrade aging facilities. This challenge not only affects reliability but also raises concerns about safety and compliance with modern environmental standards, impacting the overall competitiveness of the thermal power market.

Canada Thermal Power Market Future Outlook

The future of the Canada thermal power market is poised for transformation, driven by a shift towards decarbonization and increased investment in energy efficiency. As the government intensifies its focus on reducing emissions, thermal power plants will likely adopt cleaner technologies. Additionally, the integration of smart grid solutions will enhance operational efficiency, enabling better management of energy resources. This evolving landscape presents opportunities for innovation and collaboration within the sector, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing energy environment.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion of Natural Gas Power Plants:The transition from coal to natural gas is gaining momentum, with investments projected to reach CAD 4 billion in future. This shift not only reduces emissions but also enhances energy security, as natural gas is abundant in Canada. The development of new natural gas facilities can provide a reliable energy source while supporting the country’s clean energy goals.
  • Development of Carbon Capture Solutions:The market for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies is expected to grow significantly, with investments estimated at CAD 1.5 billion in future. These solutions can mitigate the environmental impact of thermal power generation, making it more sustainable. Collaborations between thermal power producers and technology firms can accelerate the deployment of CCS, positioning Canada as a leader in clean energy innovation.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Coal

Natural Gas

Oil

Nuclear

Biomass

Waste-to-Energy

Geothermal

Others

By Technology

Steam Turbine

Gas Turbine

Combined Cycle

By End-User

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

By Application

Base Load Generation

Peak Load Generation

Backup Power

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

By Geography

Western Canada

Central Canada

Eastern Canada

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Natural Resources Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Utility Companies

Energy Producers and Generators

Equipment Manufacturers

Energy Policy Makers

Environmental Advocacy Groups

Financial Institutions

Players Mentioned in the Report:

TransAlta Corporation

Capital Power Corporation

Emera Inc.

ATCO Power Ltd.

Ontario Power Generation Inc.

SaskPower International Inc.

Northland Power Inc.

Maxim Power Corp.

AltaGas Ltd.

Canadian Utilities Limited

Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P.

Fortis Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Hydro-Quebec

Manitoba Hydro

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Canada Thermal Power Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Canada Thermal Power Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Canada Thermal Power Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Energy Demand
3.1.2 Government Support for Clean Energy
3.1.3 Technological Advancements in Thermal Power
3.1.4 Investment in Infrastructure Development

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Environmental Regulations
3.2.2 Aging Infrastructure
3.2.3 Competition from Renewable Energy Sources
3.2.4 Fluctuating Fuel Prices

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion of Natural Gas Power Plants
3.3.2 Integration of Smart Grid Technologies
3.3.3 Development of Carbon Capture Solutions
3.3.4 Partnerships with Renewable Energy Firms

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Shift Towards Decarbonization
3.4.2 Increased Investment in Energy Storage
3.4.3 Focus on Energy Efficiency
3.4.4 Rise of Distributed Energy Resources

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Clean Energy Standard
3.5.2 Emission Reduction Targets
3.5.3 Renewable Portfolio Standards
3.5.4 Energy Efficiency Programs

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Canada Thermal Power Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Canada Thermal Power Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Coal
8.1.2 Natural Gas
8.1.3 Oil
8.1.4 Nuclear
8.1.5 Biomass
8.1.6 Waste-to-Energy
8.1.7 Geothermal
8.1.8 Others

8.2 By Technology

8.2.1 Steam Turbine
8.2.2 Gas Turbine
8.2.3 Combined Cycle

8.3 By End-User

8.3.1 Residential
8.3.2 Commercial
8.3.3 Industrial

8.4 By Application

8.4.1 Base Load Generation
8.4.2 Peak Load Generation
8.4.3 Backup Power
8.4.4 Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

8.5 By Geography

8.5.1 Western Canada
8.5.2 Central Canada
8.5.3 Eastern Canada

9. Canada Thermal Power Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 KPIs for Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Installed Capacity (MW)
9.2.2 Generation Output (GWh)
9.2.3 Revenue Growth Rate
9.2.4 Market Share (%)
9.2.5 Fuel Mix (%)
9.2.6 Carbon Emissions Intensity (gCO?/kWh)
9.2.7 Operational Efficiency (%)
9.2.8 Return on Investment (ROI)
9.2.9 Average Project Completion Time (months)
9.2.10 Regulatory Compliance Score

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 TransAlta Corporation
9.5.2 Capital Power Corporation
9.5.3 Emera Inc.
9.5.4 ATCO Power Ltd.
9.5.5 Ontario Power Generation Inc.
9.5.6 SaskPower International Inc.
9.5.7 Northland Power Inc.
9.5.8 Maxim Power Corp.
9.5.9 AltaGas Ltd.
9.5.10 Canadian Utilities Limited
9.5.11 Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P.
9.5.12 Fortis Inc.
9.5.13 Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.
9.5.14 Hydro-Québec
9.5.15 Manitoba Hydro
9.5.16 Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

10. Canada Thermal Power Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Energy Procurement Strategies
10.1.2 Budget Allocation Trends
10.1.3 Supplier Selection Criteria
10.1.4 Contract Management Practices

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment Priorities
10.2.2 Cost Management Strategies
10.2.3 Energy Efficiency Initiatives

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Reliability of Supply
10.3.2 Cost of Energy
10.3.3 Regulatory Compliance Challenges

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Thermal Power Solutions
10.4.2 Willingness to Invest
10.4.3 Training and Support Needs

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Performance Metrics
10.5.2 Scalability of Solutions
10.5.3 Long-term Cost Savings

11. Canada Thermal Power Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Value Proposition Development

1.3 Revenue Streams Analysis

1.4 Cost Structure Evaluation

1.5 Key Partnerships Exploration

1.6 Customer Segmentation

1.7 Competitive Advantage Assessment


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands Analysis


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Efforts

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix Considerations
9.1.2 Pricing Band Strategy
9.1.3 Packaging Options

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines for Implementation


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership Considerations

12.2 Partnerships Evaluation


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Planning
15.2.2 Activity Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of government reports and publications from Natural Resources Canada
  • Review of industry white papers and market analysis from energy associations
  • Examination of historical thermal power generation data from Statistics Canada

Primary Research

  • Interviews with energy policy experts and regulatory bodies
  • Surveys with thermal power plant operators and management teams
  • Field interviews with engineers and technical staff at major thermal facilities

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings with energy consumption and production statistics
  • Triangulation of data from government, industry reports, and expert opinions
  • Sanity checks through feedback from a panel of energy sector analysts

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total thermal power capacity based on national energy reports
  • Segmentation of market size by province and energy source mix
  • Incorporation of future energy transition policies and their impact on thermal power

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of operational data from leading thermal power plants across Canada
  • Cost analysis based on fuel prices, maintenance, and operational expenditures
  • Volume of electricity generated multiplied by average selling price for revenue estimation

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-variable regression analysis incorporating economic growth and energy demand trends
  • Scenario modeling based on potential regulatory changes and carbon pricing impacts
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2035

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Provincial Energy Regulators60Regulatory Affairs Managers, Policy Analysts
Thermal Power Plant Operators50Plant Managers, Operations Supervisors
Energy Consultants40Energy Analysts, Market Strategists
Environmental Impact Assessors40Environmental Scientists, Compliance Officers
Utility Company Executives45CEOs, CFOs, Strategic Planning Directors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Canada Thermal Power Market?

The Canada Thermal Power Market is valued at approximately USD 17.5 billion, reflecting a five-year historical analysis. This growth is driven by increasing energy demands and investments in modernizing infrastructure while transitioning to cleaner fuels.

Which provinces are the key players in the Canada Thermal Power Market?

What regulations has the Canadian government implemented for thermal power?

What are the main types of thermal power sources in Canada?

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