Quebec’s Energy Sector Moving Further Away from 2030 Targets
Publication of The State of Energy in Quebec 2023 Edition
February 13, 2023
Energy consumption trends in Quebec have changed since the pandemic, but they will need to evolve further if we want to meet the 2030 targets set by the government. In fact, compared to last year, gasoline sales are up, the fleet of gasoline-powered vehicles is growing and expanding, and the floor area to be heated continues to rise.
These are the main findings of The State of Energy in Quebec 2023 Edition, which has just been released by the HEC Montréal Chair in Energy Sector Management.
This annual review, which collates the most recent data on the energy sector, was financed with support from the Government of Quebec. It has been prepared by Pierre-Olivier Pineau, Research Chair in Energy Sector Management, and Johanne Whitmore.
“If no further actions are taken apart from the ones identified in the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy, Quebec will not be able to structurally decarbonize its economy and achieve its climate objectives between 2030 and 2050. To make the transition a success, we must first reduce our energy consumption in order to better absorb the costs of emerging energies and electrification. Greater emphasis on green taxation and the circular economy, as well as modernization of regulations are necessary.”
A few indicators
Vehicle sales
- The sales share of SUVs and other gas-powered trucks continues to represent 71% of the market in 2021 (it was 24% in 1990).
- In 2021, electrical vehicles (EVs) made up 9% of new vehicle sales.
- The majority of EVs sold (57%) are in the category of trucks which can consume up to 50% more energy than an electric car.
Energy efficiency
- Canada has lower energy efficiency than most other Nordic countries, with a rate of only $234/gigajoules (GJ). Quebec is slightly above with $248/GJ, which remains 17% lower than Ontario's energy efficiency.
Energy consumption
- In Quebec, nearly 60% of the energy consumed by the industrial sector is lost and does not generate added value, despite recent initiatives on the recovery of heat waste.
Find out more by consulting The State of Energy in Quebec 2023 Edition [in French only]
Learn about the work conducted by the HEC Montréal Chair in Energy Sector Management