Canada has been described recently as an energy superpower in the making. The scale of our energy riches positions the country to be a more important presence in overseas energy markets than is currently the case. In doing so, Canada can diversify its exposure to international energy markets, reinforce its energy security, and establish a foundation for economic growth.

An argument can be made that we are already well on the way to super status. The reasons for that are easy to identify. We have a generous energy resource endowment and a need for a substantial amount of energy.

Within the G7 Group of nations, Canada is the largest consumer of energy per person, at 360 Gigajoules. But it has the smallest population of the group with 40.1 million people and the largest area at 10 million square kilometres. Because per capita consumption is 30% higher than the U.S. and more than double Japan, some commentators suggest that Canada is profligate in its energy use. But there’s more to the story.

In addition to being the most sparsely populated, it is also the coldest of the G7 countries. When we compare population densities, Canada’s unique situation becomes obvious. Canada has 4.2 residents per square kilometre, while the US has 36.0. When we look at another critical indicator of the Canadian energy market, we find that the lowest minimum winter temperature among the capitals of the G7 countries is -36 degrees celsius in Ottawa (a southern Canadian city), 10 degrees lower than the next coldest capital.

In short, Canada is a sparsely populated behemoth that is among the coldest countries on earth, with long, dark winters. The scale of energy requirements for the Canadian population should be self-evident.

According to the latest international statistics, Canada is the 5th largest producer of primary energy in the world. Among the various primary energy sources, Canadian production ranks within the top 6 in all but one category (coal).

Canadians have taken this resource endowment and built an enviable economy. For example, Canada has led the way both in developing oilsands production technology and then consistently reducing carbon emissions per barrel of production. We have developed the CANDU reactor design and sold it internationally. Canada is in the process of constructing the first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in the G7. Our expertise in hydropower, pipelines, electricity transmission, and renewables is acknowledged throughout the world.

Canadians have been gifted with an abundance of natural resources. We have developed them to serve our considerable need for energy. In doing so, we have built a world class expertise in all forms of energy. It’s fair to say that we have the means to step fully into the league of energy superpowers.