Overview

RETScreen is a clean energy management software used to evaluate, implement and monitor renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. It combines technical, financial and emissions analysis within a single platform. Finance professionals may find it relevant for assessing project viability, costs, returns and climate-related impacts across energy investments.

Organisation behind the tool

RETScreen is developed and maintained by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), a federal government department of Canada. The tool is publicly backed and supported by government expertise in energy, climate and natural resources. It is not operated by a commercial entity or independent non-profit organisation.

What the tool does

RETScreen enables users to analyse and track clean energy and energy efficiency projects using standardised datasets and models. Key functions include:

• Feasibility analysis for renewable energy projects (solar, wind, hydro, biomass and others).
• Energy efficiency assessment for buildings, industry and infrastructure.
• Financial analysis, including costs, savings, payback periods and internal rates of return.
• Greenhouse gas emissions estimation and comparison against baseline scenarios.
• Use of global climate, energy cost and performance benchmark datasets.
• Ongoing performance monitoring and verification of operational projects.
• Downloadable reports and structured outputs for technical and financial review.
• The tool is designed for project-level analysis rather than market-wide forecasting.

Target audience

The primary users are energy professionals, engineers and project developers. Other intended audiences include:

• Finance and investment professionals.
• Government agencies and policymakers.
• Utilities and infrastructure operators.
• Researchers, consultants and academic institutions.

Relevance to finance professionals

RETScreen can support financial analysis and decision-making in several areas:

• Risk assessment – evaluates energy performance and emissions outcomes, supporting analysis of operational and transition risks in energy-related assets.
• ESG analysis – provides quantified emissions and efficiency metrics useful for climate reporting and sustainability disclosures.
• Market and infrastructure insights – supports assessment of renewable energy and efficiency projects across regions using standardised assumptions.
• Investment context – assists with comparing project economics, capital costs and long-term savings under different scenarios.

The tool is most relevant for project appraisal and portfolio-level screening rather than high-level market analysis.