2 Best Clean Energy ETFs in Canada (June 2026)

The best clean energy ETFs in Canada include ZCLN.TO (~0.40% MER) and HCLN.TO (~0.40%). These ETFs provide exposure to global renewable energy companies, offering strong long-term growth potential but high volatility, making them best suited as a small satellite position in a diversified portfolio.

Updated June 20262 ETFs ReviewedRisk: HighGrowth

Clean energy ETFs are designed for Canadian investors looking to invest in renewable energy and the global transition toward sustainability. ETFs like ZCLN.TO and HCLN.TO provide exposure to companies involved in solar, wind, hydrogen, and other clean technologies.

The key advantage of clean energy ETFs is their long-term growth potential driven by global decarbonization trends. However, these ETFs can be highly volatile, as many companies are still in growth stages and sensitive to interest rates and policy changes.

In this guide, we break down the best clean energy ETFs in Canada, comparing diversification, fees, and risk so you can decide how they fit into your TFSA, RRSP, or growth-focused portfolio.

At a Glance: Quick Comparison

Side-by-side snapshot of fees, yield, and returns. Data updates daily.

ETFMERAUMYieldYTD1Y
Top
ZCLN.TO

BMO Clean Energy Index ETF

$89M1.20%+31.14%+66.45%
HCLN.TO

Harvest Clean Energy ETF Class A units

$24M+11.62%+46.09%

What Is an ETF?

A clean energy ETF in Canada is an exchange-traded fund that invests in companies focused on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and hydrogen. These ETFs provide exposure to the global shift toward sustainable energy and reduced carbon emissions.

For example, ZCLN.TO (~0.40% MER) tracks a global clean energy index, offering diversified exposure across renewable energy companies. HCLN.TO (~0.40% MER) provides similar exposure with a focus on companies involved in clean energy production and technology.

Clean energy ETFs are commonly used in TFSAs and RRSPs for long-term growth. Investors should consider policy risk, interest rate sensitivity, and high valuation levels within the sector.

The 2 Best ETFs: Ranked & Reviewed

Detailed breakdown of each pick with live data.

1
Top PickZCLN.TO

BMO Clean Energy Index ETF

$23.75

+31.14% YTD

NA

AUM$89M
Yield1.20%
Holdings10
FrequencyAnnually

Returns

YTD

+31.14%

1Y

+66.45%

3Y

+6.81%

5Y

+2.96%

Tracks: Morningstar Gbl SMID GR CADCategory: Global Small/Mid Cap Equity
View Full Analysis: ZCLN
2
HCLN.TO

Harvest Clean Energy ETF Class A units

$11.72

+11.62% YTD

NA

AUM$24M
Holdings10
FrequencyAnnually

Returns

YTD

+11.62%

1Y

+46.09%

3Y

-0.49%

5Y

-4.16%

Tracks: Morningstar Gbl SMID GR CADCategory: Global Small/Mid Cap Equity
View Full Analysis: HCLN

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exposure to long-term growth driven by global energy transition
  • Access to renewable sectors like solar, wind, and hydrogen
  • Aligns with ESG and sustainability investing goals
  • Potential for strong returns as clean energy adoption increases

Cons

  • High volatility due to early-stage and growth-oriented companies
  • Sensitive to interest rates and government policy changes
  • Can experience long periods of underperformance
  • Higher concentration risk compared to broad-market ETFs

Compare These ETFs Head-to-Head

Drill into a side-by-side breakdown of performance, AUM, and yield.

Best next ETF step

Keep comparing ETFs

These are good next reads if you want a broader shortlist, Canadian index exposure, or a faster way to compare funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best clean energy ETF in Canada?

ZCLN.TO is one of the most popular clean energy ETFs in Canada due to its diversified global exposure to renewable energy companies. HCLN.TO offers a similar strategy with a focus on clean energy innovation.

Are clean energy ETFs a good investment?

Clean energy ETFs offer strong long-term growth potential as the world transitions to renewable energy. However, they are highly volatile and depend on government policies and interest rates, making them best suited as a small portion of a diversified portfolio.

Should I invest in clean energy ETFs long term?

Clean energy ETFs can be suitable for long-term investors who believe in the global shift toward sustainability. Due to volatility and concentration risk, they are typically used as a satellite allocation rather than a core holding.

Advertisement