Canada’s Missed Opportunity: Waste Heat to Power and Why Conservatives Have a Plan
I called out the Liberal government for deliberately excluding Waste Heat to Power from Canada’s clean tech incentives — a missed opportunity to generate zero-emission electricity from industrial sectors.
While countries like the U.S. and France offer major tax credits for heat recovery, Canada does nothing. I urge immediate action and affirms that Conservatives will manage Canada’s energy future with economic sense.
I highlighted a critical gap in Canada’s clean energy strategy. While the Environment Minister spoke about making Canada an energy superpower—low-carbon, low-risk, and low-cost—the government continues to ignore one of the most practical, proven solutions: Waste Heat to Power.
The Missed Opportunity:
Every day, massive amounts of heat escape from industrial sectors like metals, chemicals, and cement. In 2021, industry accounted for more than half of Canada’s total end-use energy, and much of that was lost as residual heat. This isn’t just wasted energy—it’s wasted potential. Capturing that heat could generate zero-emission electricity, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.
What Other Countries Are Doing:
Canada is falling behind.
- United States: Offers a 30% tax credit for heat capture technology.
- France: Incentives reach up to 50%.
These countries recognize that waste heat recovery is not just an environmental win—it’s an economic one.
Canada’s Failure:
Despite the clear benefits, Canada has excluded waste heat recovery from clean technology incentives. This is not an oversight; it’s a deliberate policy choice—a misguided decision that undermines both our climate goals and our economic competitiveness.
The Conservative Plan:
We believe good environmental policy starts with sound economic management. We will correct this failure and ensure Canada harnesses its full energy potential. Waste Heat to Power is a solution that strengthens our economy, reduces emissions, and positions Canada as a true energy leader.
Related material
Consult the official Hansard transcript.