Solar and wind energy, a big opportunity for Canada
5/1/202621 min
At a time when the world is facing an energy crisis, solar power grew by 30 percent in 2025, with China leading the charge in harnessing the power of the sun. And yet, Canada has fallen behind other G7 nations when it comes to renewable energy from solar and wind. We speak with Nicolas Fulghum, senior data analyst with the international energy research agency, Ember, about that group’s latest report, and Mark Winfield, professor of Environmental and Urban Change, and co-chair of the Sustainable Energy Initiative at York University, about what has held Canada back, and the potential of renewable energy.
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsMatt Galloway· Host0:00
If you're listening to this, I already know you have great taste in podcasts. But maybe, if you're like me, you still wonder if you're missing out on the best stuff. That's where the Sounds Good newsletter can help you out. Every other Thursday, the audio files at CBC Podcasts highlight one must-hear show and lots of other new and noteworthy titles. They do conversation starters, they do hidden gems, and they also tell you about the stuff they love that they didn't make. Go to cbc.ca/soundsgood to subscribe.
Speaker 10:29
[upbeat music] This is a CBC podcast.
Matt Galloway· Host0:33
Hello, I'm Matt Galloway, and this is The Current podcast.
Speaker 2· Host0:37
The global energy crisis created by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and war in the Middle East are pushing some countries to rethink their reliance on fossil fuels according to a new international report. Global oil prices spiked yesterday to the highest they have been in four years, surging past $126 US a barrel before easing off. Experts say the increase is caused by the possibility of escalation in the US-Israel-Iran war, creating more uncertainty about when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. Ember, an international energy research think tank, says these conflicts have left countries that rely on fossil fuels vulnerable, and new data shows that's creating a shift, pushing higher investments in re- renewable energy, especially in solar and wind. Nicholas Fulgham is a senior data analyst with Ember and part of the team that put together the annual