Quebec ups renewable fuel targets, unveils $1.5B clean energy plan

June 27, 2017 |

In Canada, Quebec’s provincial government unveiled its said it will spend $1.5B between now and 2019 to spir clean energy and reduce oil dependency.

As a part of the 2017-2020 Action Plan, Quebec Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Pierre Arcand has announced the jurisdiction’s first ever volumetric requirements on renewable fuels (such as ethanol and biodiesel). The blending requirement for renewable fuels will start at 5% for gasoline and 2% for diesel, and the province has indicated its intention to escalate these levels after 2020. The Action Plan is the first of three such documents, which seek to implement the 2030 Energy Policy aimed at reducing Quebec’s dependence on fossil fuels by 40% between now and 2030.

RICanada Chair Jim Grey issued the following statement in support Minister Arcand’s leadership on fighting climate change:

“Renewable Industries Canada applauds the Government of Quebec’s approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions outlined in the 2017-2020 Action Plan.

Required volumes on renewable fuels will help Quebec achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets. Since the implementation of required volumes provides market certainty, the government’s action will also stimulate investment in the industry. This announcement on renewable transportation fuels further entrenches Quebec’s position as a leader in the production of renewable energy and in the broader battle against climate change.

Current biofuels use in Canada reduces carbon emissions by 4.2 megatons every year – the equivalent of removing 1 million cars from our roads. Ethanol reduces GHG emissions by as much as 62%; biodiesel does so by up to 99%; and cellulosic biofuels by up to 87%.

Category: Fuels

Thank you for visting the Digest.