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Science & Tech

Interactive map shows hydropower infrastructure in Canada

The Canadian Hydropower Interactive Map helps Canadians understand the invisible but important role hydropower plays in their lives

  • May 25, 2016
  • 218 words
  • 1 minutes
A hydroelectric dam located near Bassano, Alberta. Expand Image
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Pause for a moment and consider the electricity that is powering the device you’re currently using. Where does it come from? If you’re reading this in Canada, chances are the laptop, phone or tablet you’re using is powered by water.

Many Canadians don’t know that hydroelectricity provides more than 60 per cent of Canada’s electricity needs. In fact, Canada has the third largest installed hydro capacity in the world, behind China and Brazil. But even though Canada has the existing infrastructure to produce about 78,000 megawatts, it has room to more than double its hydropower generation. That’s good news in a world where clean and renewable sources of energy are crucial in the fight against climate change.

The Canadian Hydropower Association and Canadian Geographic created the Canadian Hydropower Interactive Map to help Canadians understand the invisible but important role hydropower plays in their lives. The map allows anyone to explore the location of almost every Canadian hydro dam and generating station, what utility runs it, their size and the transmission network that connects the dams to cities and homes.

Click on the map below to find out if your life is powered by one of Canada’s greatest resources.

Expand Image

The Canadian Hydropower Interactive Map, created by The Canadian Hydropower Association and Canadian Geographic.

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