Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements, and other government-related news concerning power generation and transmission, wind and solar, utilities, midstream companies, batteries and energy storage, LNG, biofuels and nuclear.

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Start Date: 2025-03-16
End Date: 2025-03-22

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada Invests $150 Million in Clean Technology Projects

On March 21, 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada announced nearly $150 million in funding from the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) Proceeds Fund. This investment supports 38 projects across various provinces to enhance clean technology and green energy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since its inception, the Decarbonization Incentive Program has contributed over $874 million in total investments, supporting 53 emission reduction projects.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Boosts Energy in Indigenous Communities

Natural Resources Canada announced over $11 million for 15 clean energy projects in Indigenous and remote communities across Canada. The funding, primarily from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program, supports initiatives such as solar photovoltaic expansions and biomass supply chains, enhancing community energy security and sustainability.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

BC Hydro Ensures Affordable Electricity Rates

British Columbia announced a direction to stabilize BC Hydro's electricity rates, keeping increases below cumulative inflation for two years. The rate stability ensures continued investment in renewable energy projects, including the Site C hydroelectric project, while maintaining some of the lowest electricity rates in North America.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Expands Clean Tech with Federal Support

On March 21, 2025, the federal government announced over $8.3 million in funding through PrairiesCan to bolster Alberta’s clean technology sector. The investment supports 13 projects focusing on clean energy and hydrogen, including the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub. This initiative aims to grow Alberta’s hydrogen economy and enhance collaboration among industry stakeholders.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Funds Green Community Building Projects

A new federal investment of over $153.8 million was announced to support 70 projects under the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. These initiatives aim to create energy-efficient and climate-resilient community spaces across Canada, contributing to the nation’s transition to net-zero building standards.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Hydrogen Liquefier Facility to Boost BC Economy

A $49 million federal investment supports HTEC’s hydrogen liquefier facility in North Vancouver, aiming to distribute low-carbon hydrogen efficiently and strengthen Canada’s hydrogen ecosystem.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Alberta's Clean Tech Initiatives

Federal investments in Alberta’s clean tech sector emphasize collaboration and innovation, supporting projects like the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub and enhancing the province’s clean energy infrastructure.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Manitoba Homeowners Get Support for Heat Pump Installations

Natural Resources Canada announced a $7.9 million investment to support Manitoba's Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program, helping homeowners transition from oil-based heating to energy-efficient heat pumps.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Siemens R&D Centre to Advance Battery Tech in Canada

The Canadian government supports Siemens Canada’s proposal to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Centre in Oakville, focusing on battery production and efficiency advancements.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Electra's Cobalt Sulfate Refinery Proposal Welcomed

Electra Battery Materials plans to transform its facility in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, into a cobalt sulfate refinery, supporting Canada’s critical minerals strategy and EV battery industry.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Saskatchewan Joins North American Energy Security Coalition

Saskatchewan joins the Governor's Coalition on Energy Security, enhancing collaboration on energy security across North America, focusing on sustainable resource development and energy reliability.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

BC Supports First Nations Clean Energy Projects

British Columbia is providing approximately $1.49 million to 12 First Nations for clean-energy projects, promoting sustainable energy solutions and economic opportunities across the province.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Saskatchewan Budget Promotes Clean Energy Transition

Saskatchewan's 2025-26 budget includes a $175 million Clean Electricity Transition Grant, focusing on reducing emissions in the electricity sector and supporting clean energy infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta Advances Biogas Industry with New Legislation

Alberta introduces changes to the Agricultural Operation Practices Act to support biogas industry growth, allowing organic waste to be converted into renewable energy and nutrient sources.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Premier Challenges Federal Emissions Cap

Premier Danielle Smith criticizes the federal emissions cap as detrimental to Alberta’s energy sector, urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to clarify his position on the policy.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Parm Bains Advocates for Clean Hydrogen

MP Parm Bains emphasized the importance of clean hydrogen in Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy, highlighting its role in decarbonization efforts.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Williams Critiques Energy Project Cancellations

MP Ryan Williams shared a list of canceled energy projects, attributing economic losses to government decisions and regulatory uncertainty in Canada's energy sector.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jonathan Wilkinson on Atlantic Canada's Hydrogen Potential

MP Jonathan Wilkinson discussed Atlantic Canada's hydrogen energy opportunities, including new legislation and a Canada-Germany trade deal to expand offshore wind energy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Mark Strahl Announces Conservative Energy Plans

MP Mark Strahl outlined plans for a Conservative government to boost energy development, including nuclear energy and pipelines, to drive economic growth.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Shannon Stubbs Criticizes Lack of Canadian LNG Deals

MP Shannon Stubbs criticized the absence of long-term Canadian LNG supply deals, citing regulatory hurdles and project cancellations under the current government.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Trilliant to Showcase Essential, Flexible Solutions for Utilities and Cities to Future-proof Their Business at DISTRIBUTECH 2025: Trilliant presents utility solutions at DISTRIBUTECH 2025.
• Encycle and Copeland Sensi(TM) Integration Expands Availability of Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency Solution: Integration expands energy efficiency solutions availability.
• The smarter E AWARD 2025: Energy Transition Pioneers Shortlisted: Energy transition pioneers recognized in award shortlist.
• Enphase Energy Applauds New Rapid Shutdown Standard for Solar Installations in Brazil: Enphase Energy supports new solar shutdown standards in Brazil.
• GivEnergy and Intertrust Partner to Deploy Secure, Interoperable Batteries: Partnership focuses on deploying secure, interoperable battery solutions.