A multi-criteria analysis of Canadian electricity supply futures

This paper presents a multi-criteria analysis of Canadian electricity supply futures. Based on the results of Natural Resources Canada's Energy Technology Futures Project, a panel of energy and environmental experts was selected to evaluate alternative electricity supply futures according to several competing environmental, social and economic criteria. Electricity supply futures are explored from both sectoral and regional perspectives and the sensitivity of supply preferences examined in regard to changing electricity environment conditions. The results indicate a demonstrated preference for national electricity supply diversification, including improvements in fossil-fueled electrical generation technologies and significant increases in the integration of renewable electricity sources. At the regional level, however, the analysis suggests significant dissent amongst provinces with regard to the nature of electricity diversification and future growth opportunities based on regional electricity resource siting.