Canada’s cleantech sector: Poised for global leadership
Canada’s clean technology sector is at a pivotal moment. In Export Development Canada’s (EDC) 2025 cleantech report, economist Prerna Sharma explores how scalable, commercially mature technologies—such as renewable energy, electrified transport and advanced electrification—are driving the global energy transition amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.
Why this report matters
As climate goals stall and trade tensions rise, clean technologies remain resilient. This report identifies key sectors where Canada holds a revealed comparative export advantage, including:
- Solar, wind and hydrogen technologies
- EV batteries and automotive supply chains
- Niche electrification solutions for heating and cooling
Key insights from the 2025 report
- Renewable energy: Canada’s strengths in solar, wind and hydrogen exports
- Electric vehicles: Competitive edge in automotive and battery supply chains
- Electrification: Innovative heating and cooling technologies supporting energy efficiency
- Global context: Amid record CO₂ emissions and rising climate urgency, clean energy investment surged to US$2 trillion in 2024—nearly double fossil fuel investment.
Canada’s cleantech edge
Canada’s mature cleantech sectors aren’t just scalable—they’re increasingly profitable and essential to global energy security. With strong export capabilities and innovation, Canadian businesses are well-positioned to lead in the clean energy transition.
EDC’s role in cleantech
EDC continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Canada’s cleantech ecosystem. Since 2012, EDC has facilitated approximately $50 billion in cleantech business and remains a leading financier of the sector. In 2024 alone, EDC supported 500 cleantech companies, helping scale solutions that drive the energy transition forward.
This report coincides with EDC’s 9th annual Cleantech Export Summit in Toronto, where industry leaders gather to explore global opportunities and trade challenges under the theme: Powering the world with Canadian cleantech.
