The New Geography Of Wind Power In Canada

Ontario’s recent decision to resume renewable energy procurement marks a significant shift in Canada’s wind power landscape after years of political resistance. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) announced the selection of 14 renewable projects, including two major wind farms—Gichigami Wind and Northern Breeze Wind—totaling 400 MW. While these projects contribute a modest 1.25 terawatt-hours annually in a province with roughly 140 TWh demand, they represent a tangible commitment to expanding clean energy capacity and signal a renewed market confidence in wind power. Canada’s wind energy sector is already substantial, with nearly 19 GW of installed capacity placing it among the world’s top ten. However, growth has been sluggish, with only 347 MW added in 2025, reflecting an annual increase of less than 2%. This slow expansion contrasts sharply with Canada’s growing electricity needs driven by electrification in transport, industry, and buildings. The gap between Canada’s technical ability to develop wind projects and the pace of actual deployment underscores a broader challenge in aligning policy and investment with the country’s decarbonisation goals. The political context is crucial to understanding this development. Ontario’s Conservative government, which previously halted renewable contracts and fostered uncertainty, is now embracing wind energy, illustrating a pragmatic acceptance of renewables’ role in the province’s energy future. This turnaround is particularly notable given the party’s earlier scepticism towards climate change and renewables. The inclusion of Indigenous equity participation in all new projects also reflects a more mature and inclusive approach to renewable energy procurement, signalling progress beyond mere capacity additions. Regionally, Canada’s wind market is diverse, with the Prairies, Ontario, and Quebec accounting for the vast majority of installed capacity. Ontario’s re-entry into the market is significant not only for its own capacity but also for restoring investor confidence nationally after years of policy instability. Meanwhile, Quebec is poised to become a major growth centre, with plans to triple its wind capacity by 2035 through substantial public and private investments. Together, these provincial dynamics suggest that Canada’s wind energy trajectory could accelerate rapidly, even if other provinces remain less active. Looking ahead, Ontario’s recent procurement is just the beginning, with further rounds planned to meet increasing clean electricity demand. Although the current 1,315 MW package addresses only a fraction of the province’s future needs, it reopens the pathway for sustained renewable development. Quebec’s ambitious wind expansion plans, combined with Ontario’s renewed commitment, could transform Canada’s wind energy sector, positioning it to meet the country’s growing electricity requirements and climate commitments in the coming decade.