Good morning! This is 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. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas and Construction.

Dates: 2025-09-28 to 2025-10-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Invests Over $22 Million to Accelerate Battery Innovation and Production

On October 3, 2025, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson outlined a federal investment of more than $22 million through the Energy Innovation Program to support eight battery R&D and manufacturing projects across Canada. Recipients include NOVONIX (NS, $5M) for zero-waste cathode materials, Calumix Technologies (ON, $4.5M) for advanced coated current collectors, Flex-Ion Battery Innovation Center (ON, $3.3M) for next-generation cylindrical cells, and HPQ Silicon (QC, $3M) for SiOx production. Other projects target tin-based anode optimization, enhanced lithium-ion cell performance, and high-power cylindrical cell development led by Canadian firms from Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. This portfolio aims to improve energy storage, safety, and the competitiveness of Canada’s battery supply chain.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Announces $40M Investment in Hitachi Energy HVDC Transformer Facility, Test Lab, and R&D Hub

The federal government said on September 29, 2025, it will invest $40 million to expand Hitachi Energy’s transformer manufacturing operations in Varennes, Quebec. The funding, distributed through the Strategic Response Fund, also supports constructing a HVDC test laboratory and a high-voltage direct current simulation and collaboration centre in Montreal. This expansion is designed to increase annual transformer output, address supply chain constraints with transformer lead times near five years, and reinforce Canada’s HVDC component manufacturing capacity. The initiative is expected to create over 500 skilled jobs and offer new opportunities for local suppliers, supporting resilience in Canada’s electricity transmission network.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Directs Nearly $17 Million to Indigenous-Owned Hydroelectric Projects in Quebec

On October 3, 2025, Parliamentary Secretary Brendan Hanley confirmed almost $17 million in federal support for the 7.5-MW Innavik Remote Hydro Project, serving Inukjuak, and feasibility work for a 17-MW Matawak hydropower plant at the Matawin dam. The Innavik hydropower facility replaces diesel and is now the largest off-grid hydro plant in the country owned by an Inuit organization. The Matawak project, led by the Atikamekw Nation of Manawan and the Innu Nation of Lac-Saint-Jean, aims to meet growing energy demand for their communities and provide independent revenue. Both projects are positioned to reduce fossil dependency for northern and remote Quebec.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Approves $735,000 for Quebec Phosphate Supply Chain Research—Part of Broader $80.3M Critical Minerals Strategy

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced on October 4, 2025, up to $735,000 in conditional funding for Arianne Phosphate Inc. from the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration program. This funding, part of a larger federal initiative announced during the G7 meeting, is earmarked for processing phosphate rock and optimizing phosphoric acid purification at the Lac à Paul deposit. Commercializing Canadian-sourced phosphorus—the key ingredient in lithium-iron-phosphate batteries—would reduce import reliance and serve the needs of EV battery and fertilizer manufacturers, as well as other specialty product sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Supports 157 New EV Chargers Installed Across Atlantic Canada

On October 3, 2025, $5 million in federal funds were announced for five projects under the Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program, resulting in 157 new EV chargers to serve Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. Notable allocations: $3 million to Nova Scotia Power for 60 Level 3 chargers; $1.3 million to Steele Auto Group for chargers at multiple dealerships; $742,500 for Nikmaq Trading’s chargers at Halifax Airport; $225,000 for Glooscap First Nation’s solar-powered highway chargers; and $100,000 for Southwest Properties to install chargers at residential buildings. Indigenous participation is supported in several of these projects.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

FedNor Invests in Northern Ontario AI Solutions and Power Infrastructure

FedNor announced close to $600,000 in repayable and non-repayable funding on September 29, 2025, supporting late-stage development and commercialization of CircuitIQ’s Live Powerline Mapping Tool, Waive’s AI-driven form-filling for healthcare, and the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation’s AI strategy for over 50 First Nation communities. These initiatives cover modernization of electrical safety and mapping in utilities and facilities, as well as increased operational efficiency via AI frameworks.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests $3.5 Million in Southern Ontario TechInnovation Hub

On September 29, 2025, the government committed $3.5 million to launch Polaris, an initiative designed by TechAlliance in London, Ontario. This regional hub will assist over 115 small and midsized firms in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, digital health, agtech, zero-emissions vehicles, and clean growth technologies. Programming for participating firms includes training, mentorship, seed funding, and business advisory services intended to foster economic competitiveness and sector-wide innovation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

July 2025 Canadian Energy Production up 4.3% Year over Year, Led by Oil and Gas Output

Statistics Canada reported that primary energy production was up 4.3% year-over-year in July 2025, with crude oil and equivalent products increasing 7.2% and natural gas rising 4.4%. The statistics indicate ongoing market demand and expanded output in these commodities, which continue to play a significant role in Canadian energy supply.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

2021 Census of Environment Finds Natural Resources, including Oil, Gas, and Water, Shape Regional Economic Activity

A fact sheet from the 2021 Census of Environment, released October 2, 2025, states that Canada’s resources—oil, gas, minerals, timber, and water—continue to influence the countries’ industrial composition and regional economic contributions. The census examines how resource wealth determines local economies’ strengths and diversification.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

EPA Proposes Extending Compliance Deadlines for Steam Electric Power Plants Citing Energy Reliability Pressures

On October 2, 2025, the US EPA proposed amendments to effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) for steam electric power generation, including coal-fired plants, under 40 CFR Part 423. The proposed rule would extend compliance deadlines for zero-discharge limits on flue gas desulfurization, bottom ash transport water, and combustion residual leachate—from December 31, 2029, to December 31, 2034. The EPA cited recent surges in energy demand, persistent supply chain constraints for generation equipment like transformers, and reliability concerns identified by FERC and NERC among the reasons for the extension. The agency also proposed revisions to allow facilities increased ability to choose or change compliance pathways, site-specific deadline adjustments, and phased standards for indirect dischargers. The EPA highlighted growing electricity demand from data centers and AI, as well as increased competition for critical equipment components. The comment period closes November 3, 2025; a request for public hearing may be submitted by October 14, 2025.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Issues Direct Final Rule Extending NOPP Deadline for Coal Plant Retirement Compliance

On October 2, 2025, EPA released a direct final rule moving the deadline for steam electric power plants to submit Notices of Planned Participation (NOPP) under the 2024 ELG Supplemental Rule from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2031. Covered facilities now have until the end of 2031 to notify authorities of intentions to permanently cease coal combustion by December 31, 2034. The rule intends to allow additional time in light of evolving grid reliability needs and rapidly rising electricity demand, as described in EPA’s supporting documentation. The direct final rule will be withdrawn if adverse comments are received by November 3, 2025; otherwise, the extension is effective as published.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

CEQ Publishes Updated NEPA Guidance and Agency Template to Accelerate Infrastructure Permitting

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released revised guidance and a model template for federal agencies’ NEPA implementation procedures on September 29, 2025. The update accompanies President Trump's direction to shorten project approval timelines and follows recent legislative reforms and the Supreme Court’s decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County. According to CEQ Chair Katherine Scarlett, the first wave of agencies completed revised NEPA handbooks as of June 2025, aligning with new law and judicial interpretations. The changes focus on expediting reviews for energy and critical infrastructure projects.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

PHMSA to Hold Virtual Stakeholder Meeting on LNG Facility Safety Regulations

On October 2, 2025, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration announced a virtual public meeting set for October 22, 2025, to collect stakeholder comment regarding potential updates to LNG facility safety regulations under 49 CFR part 193. Registration is open until October 15, with the agenda covering issues identified in a previous Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The session will involve presentations by PHMSA staff, other federal regulators, and industry representatives. Public written input can be submitted to the docket PHMSA-2019-0091.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Issues NUREG-1482, Rev. 4: Updated Guidelines for Inservice Testing at Nuclear Plants

The NRC announced on October 2, 2025, the issuance of NUREG-1482, Revision 4, detailing the regulatory basis and guidance for inservice testing of pumps, valves, and snubbers at nuclear plants. The latest revision incorporates changes corresponding to the ASME OM Code 2022 Edition and aligns with amendments adopted in August 2024 that expand the code of record interval for inservice inspection and testing programs. The guidance responds to recent public comments and addresses NRC review processes, interpretations, and code conditions for operating nuclear power reactors.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Premier Meets Federal Officials on Wind West Project and Offshore Energy Bill

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston met with federal officials and the Prime Minister in Ottawa on October 1 and 2, 2025, to discuss advancing the Wind West offshore wind project as a nation-building initiative. The province released proposals for new federal support and introduced the Powering the Offshore Act to facilitate clean energy and infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Quebec Releases Annual Management Report Detailing $25.1 Million Support for 8 Renewable Energy Projects

On October 2, 2025, Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy published its FY2024–25 annual report, showing support for eight renewable energy projects with $25.1M in provincial funding—totaling $75M in investment—with multiple initiatives focused on R&D, rural development, productivity, and environmental footprint reduction.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Nova Scotia Opens Third Round for Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund

Nova Scotia began accepting applications on October 2, 2025, for the third call of its $6.5M Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The fund aims to back electric/hybrid vessel retrofits, operational equipment upgrades, and energy data collection, with application deadline December 11.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta Premier Issues New Mandate Letters Focused on Energy and Natural Resources

The Government of Alberta issued new cabinet mandates on October 2, 2025, calling for progress on energy production, new pipeline approvals, water management, resource development, and Indigenous partnerships—including a push for accelerated oil production and expedited project approval timelines.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Opens $25 Million Round of Drought and Flood Protection Grants

Alberta launched its fall application window for $25M in Drought and Flood Protection Program grants on October 3, 2025. Municipalities and Indigenous communities may apply for funding aimed at flood control berms, water infrastructure upgrades, and drought-proofing measures before the December 1 deadline.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Legislature Ends Fall Session After Passing Clean Energy and Red Tape Reduction Measures

Nova Scotia’s fall legislative session concluded October 3, 2025, after passing the Making Business Easier Act targeting critical minerals and clean energy sectors, as well as the Powering the Offshore Act and legislation to support military veterans' presence in government-operated spaces.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Impact Assessment Agency Seeks Comments on Riverside Generating Station Project by October 6

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is accepting feedback on the summary of the Initial Project Description for the Riverside Generating Station Project until October 6, 2025. Input will be used to finalize the summary of issues for this major power generation undertaking.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Enbridge CEO urges Ottawa to remove barriers to building energy infrastructure: The Enbridge CEO called for regulatory changes to accelerate new energy projects.
• Inside Nova Scotia's $60-billion wind gamble to power Canada’s clean energy future: Nova Scotia’s plans for large-scale wind buildout and its national implications.
• Policy hack: How procurement can scale cleantech solutions — and help grow Canada’s economy: The role of government procurement in supporting cleantech adoption and commercialization.
• Opinion: Let’s build Canada now – or risk falling behind: A commentary on the urgency of infrastructure build-out for Canadian energy and competitiveness.
• Citigroup Sees UK Clean Energy Sector Suffering From Falling Wind Speeds: Market risks for wind power generation in the UK and financial perspectives.
• Indigenous entrepreneurs want a bigger piece of energy contracts: Coverage of Indigenous participation and procurement opportunities in Canada’s energy sector.
• India Seeks to Hasten Hydropower Approvals to Reach Green Goals: India’s moves to speed up hydropower permitting.
• 24M Unlocks New U.S. Battery Manufacturing Opportunities with Groundbreaking, Energy-Dense 24M ETOP (Electrode-to-Pack) Technology: A feature on U.S. battery innovation and new manufacturing techniques.
• Powering Tomorrow: How CNH is innovating sustainable farming with biogas: How biogas technology is being used in the agriculture sector.
• N.S. introduces bill to allow local use of offshore energy: Nova Scotia’s push for legislative changes to unlock offshore renewable energy resources.

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