The Quebec government has introduced legislation that would, for the first time, establish a regulatory framework for the geological sequestration of CO2 in the province.
Bill 17, tabled by Minister Delegate for the Economy and Small and Medium Enterprises Samuel Poulin, aims to regulate the exploration and use of underground reservoirs, including for carbon storage.
The bill represents a key step toward enabling carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects that have been awaiting regulatory clarity.
According to Poulin, several CCS projects are already under development in regions such as Chaudière-Appalaches and Centre-du-Québec, but have been unable to proceed without a permitting and oversight framework. The proposed legislation would set out rules for site approvals, public consultations, operations and closure requirements.
Industry Projects Poised to Advance
If adopted, the bill would allow companies such as Montreal-based Deep Sky to move forward with permanent CO2 storage projects in Quebec. The company is targeting a first phase of operations at its Thetford Mines site in 2028, pending regulatory approval.
Deep Sky has already carried out exploratory drilling and injection tests in Thetford Mines, including the injection of water and a water-CO2 mixture using carbon captured from ambient air.
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The company says this marked the first permanent underground storage of direct air capture CO2 in Quebec.
Additional projects are also being explored in Bécancour, where further site studies are underway.
The government said Bill 17 is intended to regulate strategic energy sectors, including carbon storage, compressed air storage, geothermal energy and geological hydrogen, as part of broader efforts to meet climate targets while supporting regional economic development.
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