Hydro-Québec Power Helps New England Meet Its GHG Reduction Goals

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May 11, 2016, 01:58 ET

MONTRÉAL, May 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Hydro-Québec's power exports avoided the emission of 7.4 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2015, the equivalent of 25% of the total emissions of New England thermal generating stations in 2014. These figures are from Hydro-Québec's newly released Sustainability Report 2015. With 99.8% of its output generated from water, Hydro-Québec's net GHG emissions are very positive for North America.

"One of the things that puts us in an enviable position, as a global shift to renewable energy takes place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is the societal choice we made fifty years ago to focus on hydropower. Today, more than 99% of the electricity generated by Hydro‐Québec is clean, renewable energy, which contributes to the quality of life of Quebecers. The benefits extend to our export markets, as well, and we're very proud of that," said Éric Martel, Hydro-Québec's President and Chief Executive Officer.

Hydro-Québec is a recognized leader in hydropower, which makes a positive contribution to Québec's carbon footprint. While playing a pivotal role in the Québec economy, it enables the province to boast among the lowest per-capita GHG emission rates in North America.

The utility's exports displace fossil fuel power generation. In this way, Hydro-Québec is extending the benefits of clean energy continent-wide. The company's 2015 exports have avoided 7.4 million metric tons of GHG emissions, the equivalent of the annual emissions of 1.85 million cars.

Hydro-Québec has been New England's energy partner for decades. As North America's biggest producer of renewable energy and New England's next-door neighbor, Hydro-Québec can do more to supply the region with power and help it achieve its objectives in the area of clean, renewable energy at an affordable cost.

For more information, please read our Sustainability Report 2015 and visit our specialized sustainable development site.

SOURCE Hydro-Québec