10th Edition of the State of Energy in Quebec | News

February 8, 2024

It is too early to distinguish the effects of the pandemic, prices and shifts in energy production and consumption data in Quebec. For example, from 2021 to 2022, the volume of sales of petroleum products increased by 7%, and the number of large vehicles in the fleet is increasing. It shows the gap between our energy consumption habits and goals that are out of reach.

These are the main findings Energy situation in Quebec 2024 edition, which was recently released by HEC Montreal's Energy Sector Management Chair. Prepared by Pierre-Olivier Pinault and Johanna Whitmore of the Energy Sector Management Research Chair, this annual review is funded by the Government of Quebec. Here are some highlights.

Struggle to break past inertia

• Energy consumption trends must change if Quebec is to achieve its 2030 targets, particularly the reduction of greenhouse gases.
• From 2014, the vehicle fleet and heated floor area continued to grow faster than the population, except for 2022, when growth slowed.
• The energy efficiency of industries remains unchanged, and energy consumption per capita remains one of the highest in the world.

Energy consumption and vehicle sales

• Consumption of gasoline, diesel and other petroleum products will not reach pre-pandemic levels in 2022.
• The market share of SUVs and other gas-powered trucks is growing: 70% in 2022, compared to 24% in 1990.
• In 2022, electric vehicles will account for 13% of new vehicle sales.
• In Quebec, about 60% of the energy consumed by the industrial sector is lost. There are approximately 26 certificates for ISO 50001 – the international standard for energy management systems – in Canada, and 5523 certificates in Germany.

Electricity: critical power and energy requirements

• Hydro-Québec estimates that it needs to add about 15,000 MW to the 46,000 MW installed in Quebec, while not consuming 3,500 MW during peak hours in 2035.
• Subsidy for residential customers increased further in 2022 (i.e. the portion of costs borne by industrial and commercial customers).
• In 2019, households earning more than $150,000 consumed an average of more than 25,000 kWh, while those earning less than $40,000 consumed just 13,000 kWh.

New energy sectors

• Despite their importance to the energy transition, there is currently no federal or provincial official and public census of all projects in the new energy sectors.
• Biodiesel and ethanol production capacity remained virtually unchanged in 2023 compared to 2021.
• The number of listed green hydrogen projects under consideration, awaiting power unit approvals and awaiting stand-alone production or under development has increased from 4 to 14 from 2022 to 2023, representing more than 900,000 kg/d of green hydrogen production and a full electrolyser capacity of 3,000 MW.

Regional duties

• From 2010 to 2021, the number of vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants increased from 543 to 580 in almost all Quebec regions (except Monterrey).
• On the other hand, annual fuel sales per capita in Quebec decreased from 1,083 liters in 2010 to 956 liters in 2022 – except for 4 regions: Morisy, Estrie, Nord-du-Quebec and Gaspésy.

Learn more

Energy situation in Quebec 2024 edition (in French only)

HEC Montreal Energy Sector Management Chair