MONTREAL, Nov. 1, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Gaz Métro welcomes the measures announced today by the government of Quebec concerning the use of natural gas for the freight transportation industry and heavy vehicles.
The transportation sector is responsible for 42.5% of all greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) in Quebec, making it a priority area for intervention. Trucks, freight trains and ships account for almost a third of total GHG emissions in the transportation sector. Although they are the mainstay of our economic activity, it is essential to reduce their environmental footprint. For technical and economic reasons, natural gas, and not electricity, is the solution for these market segments.
Already, a number of companies here in Quebec, notably Robert Transport and EBI, have adopted natural gas. A truck that runs on natural gas emits up to 25% fewer GHGs and is up to 40% cheaper than diesel.
As such, the government's announcement that it will subsidize 30% of the additional cost, up to a maximum of $75,000, for the purchase of vehicles running on natural gas as a source of fuel--in compressed or liquefied form--is excellent news.
"The measures announced today are important, because they will help speed up the use of natural gas as fuel, resulting in an immediate reduction of up to 25% in GHG emissions," said Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaz Métro.
Natural gas is also good for use in ships and locomotives. In this regard, Gaz Métro would like to underscore the proposed measures in the government document to reduce GHGs in the marine and railway sectors by encouraging the use of alternative, cleaner fuel such as natural gas.
As well, Gaz Métro wishes to highlight the creation of a road freight transportation working group and is enthusiastic about the prospect of actively taking part in it.
About Gaz Métro
With over $5 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is a leading energy provider. It is the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec, where its 10,000-km underground network of pipelines serves 300 municipalities and more than 185,000 customers. Gaz Métro is also present in Vermont, producing electricity and distributing electricity and natural gas to cater to the needs to some 300,000 customers. Gaz Métro is actively involved in the development of innovative, sustainability-oriented energy projects such as the production of wind power, the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel and the development of biomethane as a renewable energy source. Gaz Métro is committed to ensuring the satisfaction of its customers, providing support to businesses, local organizations, families and communities, and meeting the needs of its partners (Gaz Métro inc. and Valener) and employees. www.gazmetro.com
SOURCE: Gaz Métro
Media
Audrey Giguère
Public Affairs
514 598-3449
www.twitter.com/gazmetro
www.gazmetro.com/pressroom
Photos, videos (b-roll) and logos are available in Gaz Métro's Multimedia library.
Share this article