A word from the President
What should be the future of natural gas for heating in Quebec?
A balanced perspective on the issues
By Jean-François Fauteux, President at Coval
| Novembre 21, 2024
Recently, Quebec government sparked much debate by announcing its intention to ban the use of fossil-based natural gas for heating buildings. While this initiative is part of a commendable effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it comes with some questions and concerns that deserve special attention. Here are some thoughts and nuances on some of the issues affecting Quebec’s energy situation.
A Project Under Construction
First of all, it is important to know that there is no official bill on the table. The public and experts must wait for the official press release to appear in the Government Gazette to get a full understanding of what this legislation will actually entail. What is known at this time is that the bill would apply to natural gas appliances, mainly residential buildings, and that it would not involve propane gas.
Reconciling Environmental Ambition and Energy Realities
Applauding ecological ambitions is essential, but their implementation must be approached pragmatically, especially with regard to energy supply during peak periods. Currently, Hydro-Québec must still rely on electricity produced by fossil fuels to compensate for the winter deficit. It is this reality that raises the question of our future capacity to fully electrify the network without compromise. Indeed, in 2022, the government corporation announced that “Québec [will] need 100 TWh to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050”[2]. As a reference, the four new “Romaine” dams produce an average of 8 TWh annually. [3] [4]
AN ENERGY IN DEVELOPMENT
“Énergir believes […] that it is realistic to be able to supply the residential, commercial and institutional sectors 100% with RGS by 2040, even if this currently only represents 2% of the volume of gas it distributes.”[1]
Growing demand
“The surpluses intended for the Quebec market […] will completely melt away in 2027, and from 2029, 7 TWh will have to be found using new supplies”[5]
Choices to be Made
It is in this context, where electricity demand is expected to increase exponentially and production is limited, that it is crucial to explore all solutions that can efficiently meet energy demand during these peaks, and with a lower environmental impact.
The proposed ban on natural gas thus raises questions about the priorities in terms of electrification of our lifestyles. Is it more relevant, for example, to prioritize the electrification of home heating systems or that of gasoline vehicles? These decisions must be guided by a thorough assessment of the environmental gains they can generate compared to the disadvantages.
Indeed, is it reasonable to remove access to renewable source gas (RSG) for residences knowing that the development of this gas is the main strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the rest of America? Do we not risk to remove one of the solutions for the future? Of course, we must reduce the use of fossil fuels. However, we live in a nordic country where heating is essential and the electricity grid cannot meet demand. The question should therefore not be whether to ban natural gas for heating, but how we can use it most efficiently to maximize emissions reductions and the use of green electricity until we have the means to fully decarbonize the economy.
Stoves and Fireplaces, a Neglected Ally
And our industry in all this? This is where we are an ally to the cause. Although the government’s position on gas fireplaces remains unclear, these devices play a crucial role as secondary heating systems. Stoves and fireplaces, whether they run on wood, pellets, electricity or gas, are capable of providing considerable energy during peak winter periods, when demand is at its highest. They can provide the same gains as dual energy, particularly in homes equipped only with electric heating.
Indeed, secondary heating devices, such as those offered by Coval, are a tangible answer. With their highly regulated efficiency and innovative heat distribution systems, they are positioned as potential contributors to a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions until Quebec is able to achieve a sustainable ecological energy transition. Additionally, they can make a difference during periods of extreme cold when heat pumps stop working and conventional heating draws high amounts of current from the grid to compensate for heating needs.
In conclusion, if the objective of banning natural gas for heating demonstrates a strong commitment to the energy transition, the path to achieve it should be marked by inclusive and well-thought-out solutions, taking into account all the options available for supporting energy infrastructure, meeting Quebec’s energy needs and the need to implement ecological initiatives.
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