Month: December 2018

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is seeking partners to help pursue the development of a province-wide electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network.

“Experts forecast that within ten years the upfront cost of EVs will reach parity with internal combustion cars,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Given that the operational cost of EVs is much cheaper in terms of refueling and maintenance, it is expected that a large percentage of consumers at that time will choose the more cost-effective option.”

But Hanley says that the infrastructure does not exist in Newfoundland and Labrador to support increased numbers of EVs on the province’s roads. “The number one question those curious about EVs always ask is how far across the province they can drive,’” Hanley says, “and though batteries and ranges continue to improve with each passing year, the fact remains that in order to facilitate longer-distance driving in this province we need the infrastructure – and that means a network of fast-charging stations.” Hanley says such infrastructure either exists or is being built in jurisdictions right across Canada, and that the lack of such activity in Newfoundland and Labrador is a barrier to EV adoption.

“Transportation represents over 30% of our province’s total greenhouse gas emissions; if we are going to reduce our contribution to climate change, we have to take action in this space.” Hanley says that with the province’s electricity soon to be almost entirely generated from renewable sources, Newfoundland and Labrador is perfectly positioned for broader adoption of EVs. “On the one hand we should do what we can to encourage residents to purchase EVs. On the other hand, we have to be prepared for the change in consumer habits that will occur when EV prices approach parity with traditional vehicles. Either way, we need to be investing in fast-charging EV infrastructure.”

There are funding mechanisms available that may be able to support the implementation of a province-wide EV fast-charging network, Hanley says, but investment will still be required beyond government sources. “The existence of the infrastructure will help accelerate the adoption of the technology, but in these early stages we need leaders able and willing to make an initial investment.” Hanley is encouraging corporations, SMEs, and organizations interested in supporting the implementation of a province-wide EV network to contact him at kieran@neia.org.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has released a report it commissioned in 2018 that examines opportunities for firms in the province in to pursue business in Caribbean markets through climate change and environmental programming offered by International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

“Export markets in the Caribbean continue to be of importance for businesses in this province,” says NEIA’s Executive Director, Kieran Hanley. “The region faces enormous climate change challenges; this – in combination with recent natural disasters and financial commitments from the Government of Canada – provide opportunities through IFIs for firms with environmental products or services.”

Hanley says the report identifies IFIs operating in markets of interest to Newfoundland and Labrador firms, and outlines their priorities and programming relating to climate change, environment, and sustainability. “The study is structured to focus on the opportunities that are most relevant to the strengths of firms here in this province,” says Hanley.

The report also provides current jurisdictional snapshots for thirteen markets of interest in the Caribbean, including: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Firms interested in receiving a copy of the study can contact NEIA’s Manager of International Business Development, Abbie Lacey, at abbie@neia.org.

Since 2014, NEIA has had an active program of activities – including six in-market engagements – supporting firms from the province to pursue opportunities in the Caribbean. “The environmental challenges being faced by these small and primarily island nations – from coastal erosion to wastewater management to their distance from major markets – are very similar to the challenges we are facing here at home,” says Hanley. “The products and services developed in Newfoundland and Labrador are relevant, at the right scale, and can in many cases be adapted for use in the Caribbean.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org