Montréal, August 1, 2023 - Propulsion Québec, the Electric and Intelligent Transportation (EIT) industry cluster, today submitted its brief to the public consultation on the framework and development of clean energies in Quebec. With this brief, the cluster reiterates the importance of pursuing efforts in the electrification of transportation and anticipating the needs of this sector in order to secure its supply of clean energy. Electrification, combined with greater energy sobriety, will help achieve climate objectives and improve the province's environmental record.
"The transportation sector is responsible for 43% of GHG emissions. It's essential to stay the course and set ambitious electrification targets. We are aware, however, that the electrification of the economy will generate a considerable increase in the province's energy demand, which we must anticipate and mitigate. Technology and modal shift towards more energy-efficient modes of transport will be key to a successful and sustainable transition," says Sarah Houde, President and CEO of Propulsion Québec.
Reduce, transfer and improve
The internationally recognized RTA (Reduce - Transfer - Improve) approach must be favored by the Quebec government to improve energy efficiency. It is important to reduce needs and travel distances, optimize travel and encourage a modal shift towards active or public transport, and finally, improve the carbon footprint of vehicles.
It's a well-known fact that reducing the use of cars in favor of active and public transportation, as well as shared mobility, results in significant environmental gains. Modal shift also contributes to the economic development and growth of the TEI industry, as the Quebec industry deploys its expertise in the following niches:
- Medium and heavy vehicles
- Public transport
- Specialized vehicles
- Recreational vehicles
- Innovative, shared mobility fleet management
Optimizing and managing recharging
The impact of transport electrification can be mitigated by smart charging infrastructures and energy consumption optimization systems. These technologies make it possible to control power in order to reduce the impact on the grid and avoid peaks and maximum power demand. With mass electrification, it will be essential to democratize access to these technologies for all customer groups (residential, multi-unit, commercial, etc.), and to enhance and maintain existing incentive programs, while including an energy management support component.
Energy storage to make the most of electric vehicle batteries
According to the Quebec government's targets, the number of electric vehicles on Quebec roads will reach 2 million by 2030. It will therefore be important to anticipate the arrival of batteries and ensure a circular economy that encourages reconditioning, reuse and recycling. Energy storage using stationary batteries not only gives them a second life, but also provides energy while mitigating the variability associated with solar and wind power.
"Innovation will be at the heart of Quebec's energy transition. A number of local companies are already hard at work developing technologies that will provide a local response to today's climate and energy challenges. However, the development of these solutions requires support to ensure their deployment and commercialization. The industry therefore offers its full cooperation to the Quebec government in optimizing energy consumption in the transportation sector," concludes Sarah Houde.
