Modelling energy pathways and analyzing their impacts on the evolution of the Quebec economy

Bill 69, tabled on June 6, 2024 in the National Assembly, aims to modernize the laws governing energy in order to support the energy transition and the decarbonization of the Quebec economy by 2050. This bill proposes the implementation of an integrated energy resources management plan (IERMP) to manage energy resources in a predictable, efficient and sustainable manner, define a trajectory for the decarbonization of the energy system by 2050, and guide Quebec’s energy development in order to achieve its climate and economic objectives. ESMIA has been selected to carry out the modelling that will significantly support and guide the development of the PGIRE, using its proprietary NATEM-QC and NAGEM-QC models. These two models have been closely coupled to analyse, in an integrated manner, the energy, economic and environmental challenges through different supply and demand scenarios. Based on the modelling results, ESMIA developed a comparative analysis as well as recommendations for the future development of Quebec’s energy sector, accompanied by a sophisticated dashboard to monitor progress in the coming years. Finally, ESMIA trained the MEIE in the use of its modelling platform, in order to enable the Ministry to license and operate the tools to model any updates to the IERMP.