Quebec’s natural gas is exceptionally clean, containing one percent or less CO2 content, making it not only one of the cleanest fuel options for Quebec but also the cleanest natural gas in all of Canada. This low carbon content means Quebec gas can provide affordable energy that is consistent with the carbon reduction goals as established in the Kyoto Treaty and by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Natural gas also emits no mercury pollution and has very low nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, both of which are key contributors to acid rain. Quebec’s natural gas contains an exceptionally low content of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs – the most dangerous and environmentally damaging byproducts of fossil fuel production – and very low particular matter (PM), which is linked to numerous heart and lung diseases.
Responsibly developing natural gas in Quebec also eliminates the need for imports, all of which come from western Canada through a 12,800-kilometre long pipeline system. Transporting natural gas over this distance requires additional energy and multiple stages of reprocessing, each of which can increase air emissions.
Strengthening Quebec’s economy, reducing pollution, and addressing climate change. These are just a few of the many benefits that responsible natural gas production in Quebec can bring.