QSA's Week in Utilities & Power (#9, 2025)
Canada invests in nuclear; CBSA investigates US diesel dumping; Carleton, McMaster receive clean energy funds.
Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest 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.
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Start Date: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2025-03-08
Top Headlines
Main Stories
Canada Invests in the Next Generation of Nuclear Energy
On March 5, 2025, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced several investments to enhance Canada's nuclear energy sector. A $304 million loan will support AtkinsRéalis in modernizing the CANDU reactor technology. Additional funding will support the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, including a $55 million allocation for Ontario Power Generation's Darlington project. These initiatives aim to bolster Canada's clean energy capacity and international collaboration.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
CBSA Investigates US Renewable Diesel Dumping
On March 6, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency initiated investigations into alleged dumping and subsidization of US renewable diesel imports. The inquiry stems from a complaint by Tidewater Renewables Ltd., which claims material injury due to increased imports undercutting Canadian prices. The CBSA will determine if these imports are sold at unfair prices, while the Canadian International Trade Tribunal assesses the impact on Canadian producers.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Government Boosts Clean Energy at McMaster University
On March 7, 2025, Hamilton received approximately $1.4 million in federal funding for clean energy projects at McMaster University. The funds will facilitate the transition of two buildings to air-to-water heat pumps and support reactor heat reclaiming. These projects are expected to reduce emissions by over 2,600 tonnes by 2030, aligning with Canada's clean energy goals.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal Support for Clean Energy at Carleton University
On March 6, 2025, Ottawa announced over $1.6 million in funding for Carleton University to replace a natural gas steam boiler with an electric boiler. This project, supported by the Decarbonization Incentive Program, aims to cut over 2,900 tonnes of emissions by 2030. This initiative is part of Canada's effort to support institutions in adopting innovative, lower-cost clean energy technologies.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Canada's Investment in Green Manufacturing
On March 5, 2025, the Government of Canada announced over $19 million in investments for nine manufacturers to enhance environmentally friendly technologies. Among the recipients is Hybrid Power Solutions Inc., which will receive over $2 million to commercialize fuel-free and hybrid-based power generation products. This funding aligns with Canada's commitment to achieving net-zero targets by 2050.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Important Updates
Secondary Stories
Canada's Net Zero Advisory Body Report Response
On March 4, 2025, Minister Steven Guilbeault released an official response to the Net-Zero Advisory Body's report, noting steps toward a low-carbon economy, such as Clean Electricity Regulations and Indigenous-led climate investments.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Canada Supports Electric School Bus Transition
The Government of Canada announced nearly $1 million to support First Canada ULC's transition to electric school buses, aiding in data collection and feasibility studies for fleet electrification.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Natural Gas Financial Survey 2023
Statistics Canada reported a 28.8% decrease in natural gas prices in 2023, affecting operating revenues and expenses, despite a 2.9% rise in production to 7.8 million terajoules.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Federal Support for Thorold's Destiny Copper Inc.
On March 6, 2025, Destiny Copper Inc. received a $2.5 million repayable investment to scale production of copper powder from industrial waste, supporting clean energy applications.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Canada Invests in Critical Minerals
On March 3, 2025, Canada announced $50 million for 32 projects to enhance critical mineral value chains, support Indigenous engagement, and reduce reliance on authoritarian governments.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Jonathan Wilkinson on Nuclear Investment
MP Jonathan Wilkinson tweeted about Canada's $460 million investment in modernized CANDU reactors and small modular reactors, emphasizing benefits for Canada's nuclear supply chain.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Provincial Announcements
Community-Led Clean Energy Projects in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia announced support for 27 clean energy projects through the Low Carbon Communities program, including a geothermal study and daycare retrofit.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca
Alberta Criticizes Federal Electricity Regulations
Alberta Ministers Rebecca Schulz and Nathan Neudorf criticized federal electricity regulations, citing a $30 billion cost and increased unreliability, calling for their repeal.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
Alberta Promotes Energy Security at CERAWeek
Premier Danielle Smith will attend CERAWeek in Houston to promote Alberta as a key partner in global energy security and address concerns over recent tariffs.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
Nova Scotia Amends Wind Turbine Regulations
Nova Scotia amended regulations to ease wind energy project development while setting maximum setbacks for turbines to protect communities and the environment.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
MP Ryan Williams on Cancelled Energy Projects
MP Ryan Williams tweeted a list of cancelled energy projects in Canada, highlighting over $660 billion in lost investments.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Chris Lewis Visits EV Innovator
MP Chris Lewis met with Pat Troy from Ettractive, a company advancing EV utility vehicles, signaling innovation in municipal and mining sectors.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Blake Richards Criticizes Government Policies
MP Blake Richards tweeted about the economic impact of government policies, claiming $660 billion lost in investments and advocating for energy sector reforms.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
What We're Reading This Week
- The Globe and Mail: Article on key players in the vehicle-to-grid market.
- The Globe and Mail: FuelCell Energy partners for a low-carbon fuel production study in Malaysia.
- The Globe and Mail: Quebec considers halting electricity exports to the U.S. northeast spot market.
- The Toronto Star: B.C. plans to reduce reliance on U.S. electricity.
