Cleantech sector on the rise in Québec

Pureplay cleantech meet the needs and challenges of traditional sectors

MONTRÉAL, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Cleantech cuts across all sectors of the Québec economy yet remains relatively unknown and hard to define. According to a new EY survey, Québec pureplay cleantech generates over $1 billion in annual revenue and $300 million in research and development investments, while employing nearly 9,000 people across some 350 companies. From green process innovations for food production and sustainable natural resource management, to driving energy efficiency in manufacturing, real estate and transportation, cleantech impacts every area of economic activity.

"Energy occupies a prominent position in the cleantech sector," says Patrick Bossé, EY partner and Québec Energy Sector Leader. "But growing public awareness of climate issues is putting more pressure on these businesses to explore opportunities for companies to rethink operations and reduce their environmental footprint. The abundance of qualified workers is helping cleantech companies achieve these ambitions."

The survey reveals that access to a skilled and diverse workforce is the most favorable factor for the development of the cleantech sector in Quebec. This is expected to continue thanks to the draw of cleantech among young people under 20. The data also shows that the sector attracts workers from various levels of education, and that three out of ten firms under five years old were founded by women.

"In a context where governments have shown a clear willingness to go green, governments and institutional markets offer excellent growth opportunities for cleantech in the coming years," says Denis Leclerc, Écotech Québec President and CEO. "Québec has what it takes, including talent, to carve out a solid position in the green economy at home and abroad. There is no lack of fertile ground for innovative ways to meet the needs of both today and tomorrow."

Pureplay cleantech companies expect strong business growth over the next two to three years, with revenues predicted to double. All markets are set to grow, but the US market is where the cleantech industry expects to generate a quarter of its revenues.

"While the findings are upbeat, Québec pureplay cleantech companies face a number of challenges," says Bossé. "Cleantech companies see access to funding, particularly for demonstration pilot projects, and access to markets as central to their main obstacles for growth. Funding needed to support growth could exceed $2 billion."

Check out the EY Cleantech in Québec report for a baseline on Québec's pureplay clean technology companies and a summary of the key government programs available to companies.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter: @EYCanada.

EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information, please visit ey.com/ca.

About Écotech Québec

Écotech Québec represents Quebec's cleantech cluster, supporting key players such as companies, researchers, investors and sector-based associations to accelerate the development, financing and commercialization of clean technologies. A non-profit organization, Écotech Québec receives financial support from a number of private sector players and the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and the Québec and federal governments. Écotech Québec is a founding member of CanadaCleantech Alliance and a member of the International Cleantech Network.

SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)

For questions concerning EY, please contact: Camille Larivière, [phone], [email protected]; For questions concerning Écotech Québec, please contact: Elise Laferrière, [phone], [email protected]