Recently, on a trip between Quebec and Montreal in the evening, I had this thought: we waste a lot of energy in Quebec. This loss comes in particular from the dozens of car dealerships and especially from their large courtyards lit as if we were in downtown New York. I also have in mind this recently built Volkswagen dealership on Highway 20, near Quebec City, where the light is so white that it dazzles us even behind the wheel. Not to mention the other courtyards of trucking and construction companies, for example, which are extraordinarily lit at night, even if there are no customers or employees in sight. Or the countless office towers, whose floors are lit all night even if there is not the shadow of a person on their floors.
Meanwhile, Europe is preparing for the worst this winter in the face of the threat of energy shortages, while Russia could cut off its gas supply at any time. European states have adopted a series of measures aimed at the greatest moderation in the energy consumption of households and industries. In Germany and Switzerland, heating offices above 20 degrees will be strictly prohibited. For its part, the French government unveiled a historic plan a few days ago to reduce dependence on energy from abroad and thus avoid disruptions in supply chains.
Among the main measures are heating limited to 18 degrees in administrative buildings and no hot water in sanitary blocks, a temperature reduction of 2 degrees in gymnasiums and the switching off of all public lights and neon signs. between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. The objective of this energy mobilization: to reduce France’s energy consumption by at least 10% within two years.
Although the energy situation in Quebec and Canada is not that observed in Europe, it obliges us to reflect and formulate the following observation: we waste a lot (even too much) of energy. According to’State of energy in Quebec (2022), our energy system, from its source to its final consumption, records a total loss of approximately 53% of the energy produced and transformed. In other words, we really consume less than half of the energy produced and transformed in the Quebec economy.
However, Quebec benefits from one of the strongest and greenest energy systems in the world, with 94% of our electricity production coming from hydroelectricity. Next, 5.2% of total electricity production comes from wind energy. However, after a quick calculation, we see that half of this electricity is quite simply wasted, abandoned, unused, even if it is available to meet the growing needs of the Quebec economy. Imagine for a moment what it would be like if we really consumed all the energy produced and transformed.
In light of these data, we can see that we are light years away from “energy sobriety”. This essential concept in the fight against the climate and energy crisis is based on three pillars: a reduction in the waste of energy and materials, fairer consumption and a change in our lifestyles which makes us reflect on the impacts of our behaviours. For example, the coveted comfort and happiness associated with a warm abode are not lasting, they are even selfish. Remember that in Europe, the energy crisis makes us fear the worst. And the winter promises to be long and cold, especially for the most vulnerable.
Due to the growth in energy demand, the province will need 100 TWh to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and, to do this, Premier François Legault is proposing the construction of new dams. I suggest instead betting on energy efficiency and its inestimable value before building to waste even more. Why not create a national Hilo? Because we can no longer collectively afford to lose so much energy at the dawn of the climate crisis.