Study confirms economic potential of renewable natural gas for Québec regions
Article continues below
Those were the conclusions of a study conducted by Aviseo Consulting to evaluate the economic, tax and foundational impacts of RNG production for communities.
The construction phase for RNG production centres would entail nearly $20 billion in investments, contribute approximately $8 billion to Québec's GDP, support more than 88,000 jobs and allow the Québec and federal governments to earn $1.3 billion in income taxes and other taxes.
After reaching its full potential, RNG production would contribute about $1.6 billion to Québec's GDP each year, support 15,000 direct and indirect jobs and generate $256 million in annual tax revenues for the Québec and federal governments.
Québec's regions would benefit greatly because over 70% of the GDP supported by RNG production would be generated in the regions where the production facilities would be located.
In the municipal, agricultural and forestry sectors, RNG production would help to diversify revenue sources.
RNG production contributes to Québec's circular economy by turning organic waste into locally produced renewable energy while reducing our reliance on imported energy. In addition, the digestate originating from RNG production is an odour-free fertilizer that can be reused for agricultural purposes. ■