Chapter 14: Renewable Energy

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is energy from natural processes, primarily sun, water (hydro), biomass, geothermal, and wind (Natural Resources Canada, 2024). Unlike non-renewable energy sources, such as those derived from coal, fossil fuels, and natural gas, renewable energy sources can be replenished at a rate equal to or faster than they are consumed (Natural Resources Canada, 2024). Although the production of technology and equipment, such as wind turbines, results in the emission of greenhouse gases due to standard production models and materials, once they are generating energy, renewable energy emits low to no greenhouse gases. This helps mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.

Global and Canadian Energy Production

Globally, there is a shift from non-renewable to renewable energy sources. In 2023, global renewable energy supply from solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and ocean reached 5.7%. Bioenergy, such as biomass generation, reached 6.5% (IEA, 2025). The shift to renewable energy requires an extensive expansion of low-carbon electricity generation (Donald et al., 2022). While only 13.6% of the energy generated in Canada in 2020 came from renewable energy sources, 60% of Canada’s primary energy is projected to be generated from wind alone by 2050 (Agu et al., 2023).

Each province in Canada is responsible for developing and using its energy and establishing decarbonization strategies. This creates a patchwork system of different models (Boucher & Pigeon, 2024). Hydropower (energy created from moving water) is Canada’s most common energy source, with Quebec producing the majority, followed by British Columbia (Agu et al., 2023; Xuan, 2025). However, wind energy dominates renewable energy production in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and P.E.I.. Despite growing adoption, it is essential to acknowledge that renewable energy has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Renewable Energy

Reduced Carbon Emissions

There are many advantages to using renewable energy, including emitting fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other pollutants, which contribute to poor air quality and climate change. On the other hand, several renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric, solar, and wind power produce negligible or no direct emissions while in use (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2022). Communities can drastically cut their carbon footprint and reduce the effects of climate change by switching to renewable energy.

Diversification of Energy Sources

The diversification of energy sources also improves resilience and energy security. Dependence on a single energy source, like coal, oil, or natural gas, may result in supply interruptions due to resource depletion, market instability or geopolitical conflicts (IEA, 2023). By offering a variety of sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, renewable energy helps reduce these risks. This diversification lessens reliance on finite fossil fuels and increases the stability of energy systems. When one energy source faces a setback, others can fill the gap, ensuring a continuous and reliable energy supply.

Job Creation

In addition to mitigating climate change, renewable energy offers substantial economic benefits. Job creation is one of the most important advantages of investing in renewable energy technologies. The renewable energy sector creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research and development. These are often local jobs that cannot be outsourced, which helps stimulate the economy and supports communities. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) report, the renewable energy sector employed over 12 million people globally in 2020, with wind and solar energy being the largest employers (IRENA, 2021). This job growth can be vital to economic recovery and stability in regions transitioning away from fossil fuel-based industries.

Public Health

Switching to renewable energy also contributes to improving public health outcomes. The reduction in air pollution from burning fossil fuels has direct health benefits. Studies have shown that reducing reliance on coal and oil can lead to significant reductions in healthcare costs and prevent thousands of premature deaths due to air pollution-related diseases (World Health Organization, n.d.). Cleaner air not only improves respiratory health but also reduces the burden on healthcare systems, which can allocate resources to other pressing issues.

Land Use

Renewable energy technologies offer significant environmental benefits compared to traditional fossil fuel extraction methods. While renewable energy production still requires land use and resource extraction, it generally results in less ecological degradation than fossil fuel processes such as mining, drilling, and hydraulic fracturing (fracking). In contrast, the renewable energy sector, while not without its own environmental impacts, has the potential to preserve biodiversity and reduce long-term damage to ecosystems by shifting away from more harmful practices.

Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

While renewable energy sources provide significant environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability, it is important to consider the broader impacts of their development and implementation. Beyond energy generation, renewable energy projects can affect land use, resource extraction, wildlife conservation, and waste management. Understanding these challenges allows for more informed decision-making when transitioning to a greener energy future.

Land Use

One of the primary concerns with renewable energy is the amount of land required for large-scale installations. Solar farms, wind farms, and hydroelectric dams can occupy vast areas, sometimes leading to conflicts over land use (Mulhern, 2020). These costs can also affect traditional territory and land use. Akhtar (2023) highlights the displacement of Indigenous communities due to hydroelectric dam construction, which has led to the loss of traditional lands. Recognizing and addressing these impacts is crucial for ensuring equitable and sustainable development. To minimize disputes and environmental degradation, renewable energy projects should prioritize development on lands already impacted by human activity, such as abandoned industrial sites or degraded farmland (Zhang et al., 2024). Additionally, consulting Indigenous communities in the area and working with them can help mitigate land disruptions.

Resource Extraction

The production of renewable energy infrastructure depends on extracting and processing raw materials, which can have significant consequences. The extraction and refinement of these materials are often energy-intensive and can contribute to pollution and habitat destruction (Nakade & Dhadse, 2024). In addition, some countries that contain these minerals experience political instability, which can link mineral extraction to violence, conflict, and human rights abuses (Church & Crawford, 2020). Promoting renewable energy without considering the other costs could be devastating for local communities and ecosystems.

Wildlife Impacts

Taking a deeper look into the wildlife impacts, large-scale projects such as solar farms and wind turbines can lead to habitat fragmentation and disrupt migratory routes for species (Enow, Gbabo, et al., 2025; Smallwood, 2022). Hydroelectric dams, in particular, alter water flow and sediment transport, which can have a severe impact on aquatic life and downstream ecosystems (Enow, Ofoedu, et al., 2025). However, there are a growing number of projects that are looking at how renewable technologies, can be modified or adapted to augment wildlife habitat instead of decreasing it (Boscarino‐Gaetano et al., 2024; Enow, Ofoedu, et al., 2025; Estellés‐Domingo & López‐López, 2025).

Waste Management

Although technological advancements in renewable energy are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste management remains a growing concern. Solar panels, for example, have a lifespan of 25–30 years, creating concerns for disposal (Li et al., 2023). Similarly, wind turbines pose disposal challenges, particularly with their blades. While many components, such as the tower and nacelle, are easily recyclable, the blades are composed primarily of fibreglass and epoxy resin. These materials make the blades highly durable but difficult to break down or recycle (Delaney et al., 2023). Recycling minerals from solar panels holds promise, but current rates are extremely low and often require the use of fossil fuels to process them (Martínez et al., 2024; Rhodes, 2019). The disposal of both solar panels and wind turbines raises environmental concerns, as toxic materials can leach into the environment if not properly managed (Massoud et al., 2023). Without effective recycling strategies, disposing of outdated renewable energy technologies could undermine their environmental benefits.

Social and Economic Costs of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources can provide long-term financial benefits by reducing electricity bills and lowering maintenance costs. However, the initial investment required for infrastructure can be substantial, limiting accessibility for many consumers. Technologies such as geothermal, hydropower, and tidal energy demand high up-front costs, making government incentives essential for increasing adoption (Natural Resources Canada, 2023). Industries may need an extra push to adopt renewable energy sources and projects. Therefore, cost-benefit analyses, government funding, and the public push for renewable energy are all needed to motivate necessary change from an economic perspective.

When considering renewable energy from a social perspective, it becomes evident that public support for this energy source is generally positive, particularly due to concerns over climate change and energy independence (NESO, 2025). Unfortunately, the opinion can shift when projects are initiated in local areas, especially when communities may be displaced. However, the renewable energy sector offers many new employment opportunities to replace jobs in coal, oil, and gas as they decline (IEA, 2023). Ensuring a just transition for these workers through retraining programs and social policies is critical to addressing the social costs of this energy shift (Babatunde et al., 2024). By increasing public awareness, fostering open dialogue, and promoting community engagement, support for renewable energy initiatives can grow (Motavalli, 2021).

A Systems Thinking Lens: Renewable Energy and Remote Communities

Approximately 195,000 Canadians live in off-grid communities (Agu et al., 2023). The majority of remote and Indigenous communities in Canada are currently relying on diesel generators for heat and electricity. Diesel is expensive and runs out quickly (Agu et al., 2023). Therefore, simple daily tasks like heating water for a hot shower become a luxury. Introducing renewable energy supports Indigenous communities in developing independence, reducing emissions, and supporting economic development. Due to these benefits, the Government of Canada has committed to supporting these communities in phasing out diesel power.

Renewable energy offers:

• Economic Opportunities: Creating local jobs in construction, maintenance, and operation, creating income for communities and stimulating local economies.
• Increased Well-being: Communities with renewable energy, especially solar and wind, report higher well-being (Zapata, 2024).
• Energy Independence: Reducing reliance on fossil fuel supply chains.
• Environmental Stewardship: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting ecosystems.
• Empowerment and Autonomy: Indigenous-owned or led projects are reported to be more successful because the community has more autonomy (Zapata, 2024).

Transitioning from non-renewable to renewable energy in Indigenous, Northern, and remote Canadian communities offers benefits beyond reliable and clean energy. Switching to renewable energy has global benefits (climate change) as well as local benefits (increased local jobs, and higher community well-being), but there are still several barriers to access (Zapata, 2024). Renewable energy technologies often require a significant initial investment, and solar and wind power are intermittent sources of energy, requiring energy storage solutions or grid connections to ensure a reliable power supply (Arbabzadeh et al., 2019). The different climates and sun availability across Canada make some renewable energy sources more reliable than others (e.g., hydro-energy). Successful energy transitions require institutional reforms, policy changes, diversification, and community engagement to ensure social acceptance and project success.

One example is the Yukon Geological Survey. They have found that the Burwash Landing Area in the Yukon is a promising location for the use of geothermal energy, which comes from the warm groundwaters near the Denali fault; there continues to be extensive research being conducted in the Yukon along with policy changes for the future use of geothermal energy (Government of Yukon, 2022; Tschirhart et al., 2022).

Does AI Hold the Key to Efficient and Effective Renewable Energy?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy through its deep learning and machine learning algorithms (Boza & Evgeniou, 2021). One of the most significant challenges with renewable energy is its variability, as seen in wind and solar power. Due to their fluctuating output over time, these are known as variable renewable energy sources (Painuly & Wohlgemuth, 2021). AI-driven energy forecasting can predict the potential electricity production from solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable sources at any given time, optimize energy distribution, storage, and grid stability. Making renewable energy more effective, efficient, and reliable in the long term (Boza & Evgeniou, 2021). However, the accuracy of these forecasts depends on several factors, such as the quality and the amount of data available to the system.

AI can also predict supply and demand. There will be times of day when energy usage is high in some locations and lower in others (e.g., high in offices during the work day and lower at homes). By analyzing trends, AI can store energy in optimal locations to prepare for high-usage times.

Unfortunately, AI itself comes with significant environmental costs. Electricity consumption is the impact we think of the most. Water use is another significant impact of AI. AI technologies generate a lot of heat, and heat can damage the technologies. Therefore, companies use evaporative cooling, where water is run through the system. The water collects the heat and evaporates, creating cooling.

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About the authors

name: Andrea Molina

institution: MacEwan University

Andrea co-wrote the renewable energy chapter as part of their course work in Sustainability 301: Sustainability Challenges at MacEwan University.

name: Cheska Cabrera

institution: MacEwan University

Cheska co-wrote the renewable energy chapter as part of their course work in Sustainability 301: Sustainability Challenges offered at MacEwan University.

name: Madylin Gillett

institution: MacEwan University

Madylin Gillett is an advocate for sustainable workplaces and is interested in helping others find purpose in their work. Her research is in Cognitive and Industrial/Organizational Psychology, looking at how individuals and groups can work collaboratively and efficiently, and how we can optimize learning environments. Madylin co-wrote the Renewable Energy chapter as part of her course work in Sustainability 301: Sustainability Challenges offered at MacEwan University.

name: Dilraj Grewal

institution: MacEwan University

Passionate about the intersection of sustainability and environmental policy, Dilraj Grewal brings a background in commerce alongside experience in advocacy and community initiatives. He is particularly interested in renewable energy’s economic and environmental costs, focusing on often-overlooked challenges in sustainability. His work aims to foster informed discussions on complex environmental issues and encourage a more nuanced understanding of sustainable development.

 

Dilraj Grewal co-wrote the renewable energy chapter as part of his course work in Sustainability 301: Sustainability Challenges offered at MacEwan University.

name: Owen Lafreniere

institution: MacEwan University

Owen co-wrote the renewable energy chapter as part of his course work in Sustainability 301: Sustainability Challenges at MacEwan University.

name: Leon Woo

institution: MacEwan University

Leon co-wrote the renewable energy chapter as part of their course work in Sustainability 301: Sustainability Challenges offered at MacEwan University.

name: Kalen Pilkington

institution: MacEwan University

Kalen Pilkington is a sustainability thought leader engaged in sustainability consulting and leadership. She is also an instructor for the Introduction to Sustainability course at MacEwan University.

name: Tai Munro

institution: MacEwan University

website: https://connectingwithscience.org/

Dr. Tai Munro is a settler on Treaty 6 territory. She views sustainability as something that must centre relationships with ourselves, each other, and the more-than-human. As an Assistant Professor of Sustainability Studies at MacEwan University she is an advocate for open and inclusive education. She believes that sustainability involves everyone and sets out to enable others to join and contribute to the community.