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Preserving Air Quality
Producing Minimal Atmospheric Emissions |
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Thermal electricity generation produces three main gases that affect air quality: carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). CO2 is not a pollutant, but it contributes to the greenhouse effect. Conversely, SO2 and NOx do not contribute to the greenhouse effect but are pollutants.
Each resident of Québec produces two-thirds the GHG emissions of the average Canadian citizen and one-sixth compared with Alberta's citizens. Hydroelectricity contributes directly to Québec's exceptional track record.
Neighboring U.S. states use thermal generating stations (coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear) to produce most of their electricity. Consequently, each time we export hydroelectricity to our neighbors, GHG emissions are reduced by an equivalent amount, because we are stepping in to fill that energy demand. |
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