Honda's mega battery and electric car assembly complex to begin production in Ontario by 2028 Experts say these new factories — and the vehicles they make — will put a heavy burden on the province's electricity grid, which could lead to more pollution. Sources to power them.
Although the Government of Ontario Doug Ford Said to seek to boost renewable energy sources, it refuses to abandon natural gas, which accounted for roughly 13% of Ontario's electricity generation last year.
Hydropower accounts for about a quarter (25%) of this generation, while nuclear power accounts for more than half (53%).
For comparison, more than 94% of the electricity generated in Quebec comes from its hydroelectric dams. The rest comes from other renewable sources such as wind and solar power.
We are in a situation where Ontario's network is becoming much less clean. We are seeing dramatic growth in the role of natural gas as an electricity source in Ontario
Note that Mark WinfieldProfessor of Environmental and Urban Change at the University of York.
Quantities of emissions [dérivées de la production d’électricité] It has tripled since 2017.
Experts worry that the addition of electric vehicles to our roads and mega assembly complexes in the southwest of the province will exacerbate this dependence on natural gas.
Ahead of their shutdown”,”text”:”We are approaching the levels of electricity generated by our coal-fired power plants before their shutdown”}}”>We are approaching the levels of electricity produced by our coal-fired power plants before they shut down
He \ he said.
Ontario appreciates its clean energy
Thursday, at AllistonHonda President and CEO Toshihiro Mib touted the benefits of expanding its presence on Canadian soil, including Ontario's Clean Energy Network. The world is changing fast and we must work together to achieve carbon neutrality
He announced in a press conference.
The Japanese manufacturer has committed to selling only electric models in North America by 2040. Here, the goal is more ambitious: Starting in 2035, all new vehicles sold in Canada must be electric.
Justin Trudeau also highlighted Environmental responsibility
As Canadian value, delivered throughout the supply chain. We have a more responsible approach and this is what consumers around the world want.
Prime Minister underlined.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Ontario counterpart Doug Ford attended the announcement of Honda's $15 billion project to produce batteries and electric vehicles in Ontario.
Photo: The Canadian Press / Nathan Dennett
Daniel Breton, CIO Electric Mobility Canada — an association whose goal is to promote electric transportation — agrees. He mentioned that the greenhouse gas balance of electric vehicles It keeps getting better
Provinces will move away from polluting sources to supply themselves with electricity.
Electricity generation is moving in the right direction, electricity is decarbonising.
He noted that Alberta will soon close its last two coal-fired power stations and Nova Scotia has committed to reducing emissions per kilowatt hour of electricity by 85% to 90% by 2030.
Mr Breton acknowledged the most populous province had taken some steps back in recent years. But it's a transitional move that will allow Ontario to restore its nuclear power plants, according to him.
In Ontario, we've seen a slight increase in natural gas consumption as the nuclear power plant is being retrofitted, he explained. But there is an increase in wind power generation, so that balances it all out.
Daniel Breton, CEO of Electric Mobility Canada
Photo: Radio-Canada / Jacques Poitras
teacher Mark Winfield However, it responds that Transformation
May be more than a decade. And it's the best case Ontario has ever had when it comes to nuclear projects.
He \ he said.
Experts — including Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator and the David Suzuki Foundation — say the province can wean itself off natural gas through innovations in low-energy technologies, investments in other renewable energies and increased partnerships with Hydro-Québec.
But there is no indication that the Ford government will pursue these possible avenues, Mr. Winfield said. It is clear that we are relying on natural gas to meet our additional electricity needs.
With information from Yanick Lepage
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