Innovation Assessment Report Shows National Low-Carbon Energy Strengths, and Clear Provincial and Territorial Paths Forward to Net-Zero

Press Release

June 12, 2025 // A transformation in how energy is generated, distributed, and used, is necessary to develop low-carbon energy systems that can improve Canada’s economy and reduce emissions. However, current regulatory and market frameworks hinder the development and deployment of low-carbon innovations needed.

To open more access to low-carbon energy innovation across the country, QUEST Canada and Pollution Probe have developed a National Low-Carbon Energy Innovation Assessment which identifies strengths and gaps and highlights successful pathways forward in each jurisdiction.

“Most provinces are active in climate action and are on a path toward achieving a net-zero economy by 2040,” says Richard Carlson, Director, Energy with Pollution Probe. “And they are creating opportunities for innovation in this direction.”

“However, to further enhance progress and drive innovation toward net-zero energy systems,” he points out, “every province and territory can still prioritize developing sector-specific pathways, modernizing the regulatory system to allow for greater innovation, and ensuring that all Canadians can participate in and benefit from low-carbon energy innovation.”

The Report reveals the path forward to a low-emissions economy is clear: scale innovation, remove barriers, and invest in the people and systems that are here now, and ready for what’s next.

“This assessment shows where Canada is ready to lead in low-carbon energy, and where we’re still falling short,” says Tonja Leach, Executive Director of QUEST Canada. “Key conditions like regulatory flexibility, workforce planning, and equity supports are still missing in many jurisdictions.”

“To turn ambition into impact, governments need to enact stable policy that supports innovation at every stage, from early ideas to real-world deployment.”

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More information:

Low Carbon Energy Innovation | QUEST Canada & Pollution Probe

Media contacts:

Richard Carlson, Director, Energy, Pollution Probe
rcarlson@pollutionprobe.org / 416-926-1907, #251

Donald Wiedman, Senior Lead, Communications, QUEST Canada
dwiedman@questcanada.org / 866-494-2770, #702

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