Simulating the future of energy
Hydro-Québec is a government-owned power utility that manages the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the province, while also being its sole electricity provider.
To meet the growing need for sustainable energy, Hydro-Québec set an ambitious goal: to increase its production of electricity by 30%, the equivalent of 9,000 megawatts, while driving the energy transition. However, when the plan to implement new energy sources was unveiled, it sparked an outcry on social media in the following days. So how do you get people to understand what’s at stake and show them the role they can play? With a game, of course.
Designing for the public
In order to educate the public about the energy transition and the importance of sustainable energy practices, LG2’s Digital Experience team built Mission 2035: The Energy Mix Game. The web-based interactive simulation game challenges users to generate 9,000 additional megawatts by selecting their own mix of energy sources from hydropower, wind and solar power, nuclear energy and natural gas. Each source has educational information on its unique benefits and challenges. Players must balance their choices by taking into account the costs, reliability and impact of each energy source on greenhouse gas emissions.
Generating understanding
The game highlights the complexity and trade-offs involved in achieving a sustainable and reliable energy future, while making it easy (and fun!) to understand that no solution is perfect. When the goal is reached, players get to compare their energy mix with the real-life solution Hydro-Québec is proposing. By playing the game, the public gets a concrete demonstration of the types of compromises that the company is making for a greener future, while also providing Hydro-Québec with real data on which energy sources the public finds most favourable.
A powerful success
Mission 2035 was a real success and helped change public perception. A total of 52% of users finished the game and submitted their energy mix, and 75% of them said the game made them understand the compromises Hydro-Québec must make to produce more energy. More than that, the majority of users agreed that the mix proposed by Hydro-Québec is the best solution. A real win!
Client
Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and one of the world’s largest hydroelectric generators. Its sole shareholder is the Quebec government. Recognized as a leader in hydroelectricity and large-scale power systems, the company exports clean, renewable energy and leverages its expertise and innovations on world markets. For more information, visit www.hydroquebec.com.
