Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Sourcing Renewables  -  November 18, 2020

Quebec government unveils massive green economy plan

The Government of Quebec announced Nov. 16 its massive “Plan for a Green Economy 2030,” which has a budget of $6.7 billion CAD over five years and will focus heavily on the electrification of transportation and clean electricity to reduce its emissions output to only 54 million tons of CO2e by 2030.

The government will implement the plan in pursuit of its target to reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions 37.5% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

A primary focus of the plan’s electrification strategy, in addition to building heating and cooling, is on transportation, which is responsible for more than 43% of Quebec’s emissions. The province will focus funds to light trains, city and school buses, taxis, cars and trucks to accelerate their electrification and is targeting 1.5 million electric vehicles to be on the road in 2030.

“Among all the American states and all the Canadian provinces, Quebec is the place that emits the least greenhouse gases per capita,” François Legault, Premier of Quebec, said in a statement. “This is a reality of which we can be proud. But rather than being satisfied with it, I invite Quebeckers to capitalize on this pride to go further, to meet the challenge of climate change and to fundamentally transform our economy. The heart of our project is the electrification of our economy. This invaluable asset of hydroelectricity, combined with wind power and other forms of clean energy, will allow us to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while creating more wealth. With our clean electricity, we can become the green battery of Northeast America and meet our climate challenge. “

In particular, Quebec is considering the following measures to speed up the electrification of transportation in the province: renewing the rebates for electric vehicle purchases and rentals, raising zero-emission requirements for manufacturers, banning new gasoline car sales from 2035 and accelerating the deployment of rapid charging stations.

Another key piece of the plan is the electrification of heating and cooling in Quebecois buildings. The government plans to invest $550 million into the reduction of emissions from heating residential, commercial and institutional buildings by 50%.

Additionally, $401 million will be given between 2021 and 2026 to encourage the emergence of new green industries, such as improved industrial processes and battery development. Investments of $213 million will be given to support the emerging renewable natural gas industry in addition to $15 million invested in green hydrogen development and research. 

To reduce emissions from its building stock by 60% before 2030, the Quebec government will invest $307 million into projects that support energy conversion and efficiency projects for commercial and institutional buildings.