Canada strengthens energy partnership with the U.S.

Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, and Jennifer Granholm, the United States Secretary of Energy, participated in the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on energy cooperation.

The MOU commitments is set out in the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership. The partnership underscores the importance of strategic collaboration between the two countries, including Canada’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

“No two countries in the world have their energy sectors as closely linked as Canada and the United States do. It’s a relationship that supports thousands of jobs and drives economic activity on both sides of the border. We’re strengthening our bilateral energy relationship to build a clean energy future. And we’re leaving no one behind.” said O’Regan Jr.

It increases bilateral cooperation on sustainable and equitable energy transitions, clean energy innovation, connectivity and low-carbon transportation, including in the following areas:

• North American critical energy infrastructure and cybersecurity;
• advancement of a clean electric grid;
• clean fuels;
• energy efficiency standards;
• the Canada-U.S. Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals;
• knowledge sharing on nuclear energy policies; and
• collaboration on carbon capture, utilization and storage.

The Canadian and U.S. portions of the North American Renewables Integration Study (NARIS) were released, which provides a perspective on the Canadian and U.S.power systems from planning through to operation. Expanding international transmission infrastructure will help both countries meet their shared clean energy and climate goals and could generate between $10 to $30 billions of net value through to 2050.

“The United States and Canada have a shared commitment to protect our planet and ensure that all pockets of North America have access to affordable, clean energy. We can’t tackle the climate crisis alone — we must work together to accelerate the flow of low-carbon electricity across our borders, spurring job growth and ushering in a 100 per cent clean energy future.”  said Granholm.