Estimate of direct GHG emissions associated with electricity use in Québec

Data on electricity sources supplied by Hydro‑Québec as well as an estimate of direct GHG emissions associated with electricity use in Québec. Updated hourly, the data illustrates variations in the intensity of direct GHG emissions based on sources of electricity provided and time of day. It was produced for Hydro‑Québec’s participation in HackQC from Données Québec in 2022.

• This data does not meet the legal requirements concerning GHG inventory reporting with which our customers are required to comply. Rather, these requirements are met by the label described on the page on GHG emission rates associated with Hydro‑Québec’s electricity.

Methods

Data from public sources outside Hydro‑Québec is extracted and compiled. All data sources used are public. They are accessible as open data or as publicly available information.

When estimating direct GHG emissions related to electricity use in Québec (Quebec_Estimation_Consommation_GES), we compile values from sources of electricity generated in Québec and values from electricity imports and exports per market (including wheel-through energy). Direct GHG emission factors from energy sources on Québec’s import and export markets are applied to these values. This provides an order of magnitude for estimating direct GHG emissions. Imports and exports include wheel-through energy, which represents only a small percentage of exchanges. The estimate also includes direct GHG emissions in connection with generation of imported electricity (emissions from outside Québec).

Data from sources of electricity supplied by Hydro‑Québec (Quebec_Consommation_Sources) is produced by combining values from sources of electricity generated in Québec and values from electricity imports and exports per market (including wheel‑through energy).

Useful information for interpreting the data

For any given hour, it is assumed that the number of megawatts (MW) corresponds to the megawatt-hours (MWh) for this hour.

Additional information

• Geographic coverage: province of Québec, except regions supplied by off-grid systems
• Temporal coverage: 48 hours
• Initial distribution: 2022-10-27
• Notices and conditions of use:
  • This data does not meet the legal requirements concerning GHG inventory reporting with which our customers are required to comply. Rather, these requirements are met by the label described on the page on GHG emission rates associated with Hydro‑Québec’s electricity.
  • The information provided represents raw data. The quality of the data is not guaranteed, and the data is subject to change without notice.