Hydro-Québec recently announced that it had begun a provincial tour with stakeholders to initiate a dialogue about its ambitious 2035 Action Plan aimed at decarbonizing the Quebec economy.
This is a good thing, because the energy transition planned in this action plan, with its billions invested throughout the territory, could be a success if it focuses on the population, in three ways: it must obtain their support in the implementation of multiple projects which will be deployed in the territory; it must be done in a fair and equitable manner, particularly for workers affected by the transition; and it must be inspiring enough to attract the many workers required for its realization.
The transition, a historic project
Achieving net zero by 2050 requires profound transformation across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, buildings, industry and transport.
Our two refineries, in Montreal East and Lévis, have a combined capacity of some 372 thousand barrels of oil per day. Around three quarters are consumed by the transport sector: more than 90% of vehicles in Quebec still run on gasoline1. Gas is mainly used in the industrial sector. To replace these fossil fuels, we will mainly use electricity produced with renewable energy.
Quebec is therefore at the very beginning of its transition. From now on, things will have to move very quickly to have any chance of achieving the established objectives.
Public policies and technologies will play a crucial role. But at the heart of this gigantic project, the ordinary citizen will be greatly challenged, and will determine the success or otherwise of the transition.
On the one hand, various programs will encourage them to reduce their consumption, or even move it to certain time slots. We will rely heavily on this contribution.
On the other hand, this same citizen will be called upon by a vast range of electricity production projects in the territory: hydroelectric power stations, wind farms, network reinforcement projects, new transmission lines.
All of this will be subject to formal public consultation processes, where the population will be invited to give their opinion.
A just transition desired
The transition will create many winners: we will live with better air quality and many companies will benefit from lucrative contracts.
But there will also be sectors which must now think about their future in a context of transition.
The flagship law to support carbon-free energy in the United States, theInflation Reduction Act (2022), contains specific measures for the implementation of projects in low-income and Indigenous environments. Thus, from 2023, 1,800 megawatts have been allocated in these communities for various projects of less than 5 megawatts.
A just and equitable transition approach, leaving no one behind, is recognized as essential for a successful transition.
By creating good, sustainable jobs, it can even help combat social and geographic inequalities, or even promote reconciliation with indigenous peoples.
“What is important is that each country fosters an ongoing dialogue to develop a common vision of what a just transition means for the workers, communities and businesses involved. If governments can demonstrate the benefits of a green transition, they can build broader public support for higher climate ambitions,” writes the United Nations Development Program2.
A mobilization of the workforce
Finally, the transition will require a large mobilization of workers. Until 2035, Hydro-Québec estimates that its plan will require the contribution of some 35,000 construction workers. Only on an annual basis!
They must be trained and engaged in this work within a rigorous occupational health and safety framework.
These various projects, with their budgets reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, will also have to be managed by men and women demonstrating rigor and dexterity: a rare talent, even more so in a context where all trades experience a serious labor shortage.
In short, this transition will revolve a lot around people. It will only be a success if it succeeds in obtaining their support and positively encouraging their involvement.
1. Consult theState of energy in Quebec 2024
2. See “What is just transition?” And why is it important? ” (in English)
What do you think ? Participate in the dialogue
reference: www.lapresse.ca