Questerre Energy said Thursday that Quebec's newly released Integrated Energy Resource Management Plan for 2026-2050 underscores the long-term role of natural gas in the province's energy mix, which the company said supports its Utica shale gas discovery.
The company said the provincial plan, published earlier this month, outlines Quebec's future energy supply strategy and says natural gas will continue to play a strategic role as the province gradually decarbonizes its energy system.
According to the plan, existing natural gas infrastructure can support the transition by enabling gradual decarbonization.
Questerre President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Binnion said the government's recognition that natural gas will remain part of Quebec's energy system for decades reinforces the importance of reliable gas supplies during the energy transition.
"This is positive for our Utica natural gas discovery and confirms the continuing importance of reliable gas supply during the energy transition," Binnion said.
While the provincial plan does not specifically reference the company's Utica discovery, Binnion said public opinion polls indicate Quebecers prefer locally produced natural gas over imports from the US.
He added that locally produced gas from the Utica formation would have a lower greenhouse gas emissions footprint than imported US supplies.