RFP – Video Production

econext is seeking the services of a qualified vendor to produce videos capturing the capabilities of ocean cleantech businesses operating in Newfoundland and Labrador for the purposes of educating the workforce on the skills, jobs, and opportunities associated with the sector.

To achieve the stated objective, the following activities will be undertaken:

  • Video capture of 10 demonstration activities at The Launch in Holyrood, NL spread over 5 days in 2023 (i.e. 2 per day on 5 different days). Activities will involve the deployment of equipment and technologies in the ocean and/or the demonstration of processes and services that are oceans-focused. The dates of demonstration activities are to be determined;
  • 10 video interviews to be conducted focusing on the jobs, skills, and opportunities associated with the businesses / organizations involved in the demonstration and deployment activities;
  • The production of 10 vignettes (up to 2 minutes in length), using the video obtained above, aimed at educating the workforce on the jobs and skills required by businesses / organizations like those involved in the deployment and demonstration activities;
  • Providing guidance and recommendations to the client on the effective distribution of the materials produced to meet knowledge mobilization and education objectives;

More information can be found in the RFP which can be downloaded via the button below. The deadline for responses to this RFP are due by June 12, 2023.

Click to Download RFP

Questions and Answers

A collection of questions asked about the RFP, and answers provided by econext.

Do you have a profile of the target audience segments for these videos – including ocean cleantech companies within the sector, the workforce, and within the broader econext ecosystem?
There is no more information that we can provide beyond what was shared in the RFP. The purpose of the footage obtained is to help stakeholders showcase the capabilities that exist in Newfoundland and Labrador with respect to ocean cleantech, and those of The Launch. The purpose of the produced videos (vignettes) is to generate interest within under-represented communities within the workforce – e.g., women, youth, new Canadians, Indigenous peoples – in pursuing careers within ocean cleantech businesses.

In terms of the distribution strategy, can you confirm if the budget needs to include a paid media recommendation versus a focus on owned (e.g., social, web, enews, events, etc.) and earned media (e.g., PR / other) opportunities.
We will rely on the consultant to provide us with recommendations that will best achieve the stated objectives. Expenses related to the recommendations made are not within the scope of the budget of this project.

Why is the deliverable 10 videos specifically? Based on the budget, and the desired outcome, are you open to a different recommendation? If 10 is set, are there key messages / themes and set technologies outlined for each?
As per the RFP, there are 10 demonstration activities, each of which should be captured in a vignette. This is the minimum number of videos to be produced. You are free to suggest an alternative number. Key messages and themes should align with the stated purposes as referenced above, with some variability given that each of the 10 demonstration activities will be unique.

Is there a definitive requirement for underwater filming?
As per the RFP, activities will take place near, on, and under the water and we are seeking high quality and dynamic video which fully captures the excitement/capabilities of the technologies and/or services being demonstrated. We are leaving it to respondents to propose how this can best be achieved.

Is drone footage anticipated or required?
Same answer as above.

Are there any other details available relating to the ‘on or near water’ production environment given it factors into safety, insurance, and gear considerations.
Given the response provided above, we would expect respondents to make their own determinations on what safety, insurance, and gear considerations need to be made.

Do you have adequate casting options on your team or within your partner network to ensure diversity given your stated purpose is to “generate interest within under-represented communities within the workforce – e.g., women, youth, new Canadians, Indigenous peoples – in pursuing careers within ocean cleantech businesses”.
We expect RFP respondents to propose approaches that will help us meet the stated objectives.

econext seeking hosts for Fall 2023 Clean Energy Work Terms initiative

econext is looking for businesses and organizations to host clean energy work terms students during the Fall 2023 semester.

“We have identified a series of challenges and opportunities for students to work on that we believe are important for Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy future,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “By hosting a student who works in one of these areas, you will be helping to contribute to our province’s collective understanding of its emerging clean energy industry.”

Click to See Challenges/Opportunities

Hanley said that students will be encouraged to view challenges and opportunities through an entrepreneurial lens. “We know these things are technically feasible – what we want to better understand is if there are reasonable business cases to be made for them, and the work term students will be armed with supplemental training to allow them to start that assessment.” During their work term students will benefit from training delivered by the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE).

Projects can focus on the technical or economic/business aspects of clean energy opportunities (not necessarily one of those listed), and thus work term students can come from engineering, business, and other faculties. “Our objective with this initiative is to get both the workforce and companies thinking about clean energy in Newfoundland and Labrador in an innovative way.”

Hanley said that there are various programs currently available which can help subsidize the cost of hiring a work term student. “Reach out to us and we can let you know which programs you are eligible for.”

If your business is interested in hosting a clean energy-focused work term in Fall 2023, contact Alex Rumbolt – econext’s Special Projects Coordinator, Marketing and Green Jobs – at alex@econext.ca.

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

Clean Energy Challenges / Opportunities

Clean Energy Transportation Alternatives

Transportation accounts for approximately 34% of Newfoundland and Labrador’s GHGs. The transport of goods, services, and people via cars, busses, transport trucks, ferries, aviation, etc. has a significant environmental impact. A technical, environmental, and economic analysis could be undertaken to explore GHG reduction opportunities for NL through the adoption of zero emissions technologies for its heavy transport, bussing, and/or marine sectors. A plan for adoption that aligns with NL’s net zero by 2050 commitments could be developed.

Underground Hydrogen Storage

Large quantities of hydrogen can be stored in caverns for many years. The storage of large quantities of hydrogen underground in solution-mined caverns within salt domes, aquifers, excavated rock caverns, or mines can function as energy storage. When surplus electricity is available (from the grid or from hydrogen production operations) hydrogen can be produced and stored. This provides reserve product that can be utilized when intermittent electricity access reduces production at other times. It also provides access to energy that can be utilized to meet electricity needs during times when demand may exceed supply. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role of underground storage opportunities for NL.

Underground Compressed Air Storage

Large quantities of compressed gas can be stored in caverns for many years. Compressed air storage can function as energy storage – and a method by which the supply and demand of energy can be balanced in a number of important ways. When surplus electricity is available (from the grid or from clean fuels production operations) air can be compressed and stored. When electricity is required, the compressed air can be released through turbine generators to create energy. Underground compressed air storage can help balance the supply and demand of electricity. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role of underground storage opportunities for NL. Conduct a technical and economic analysis to better understand potential role of pumped storage opportunities for NL.

Domestic Decarbonization via Clean Fuels

Clean fuels are playing an important role in decarbonization internationally. With domestic production of clean fuels within the province it is logical to explore how they can contribute to the decarbonization of the NL economy. The use of locally produced clean fuels can help contribute to the long-term resilience and success of the industry and present R&D opportunities. A plan for decarbonization via clean fuels (e.g., hydrogen, clean diesel, SAF, etc) for NL could be developed.

Energy Pathways Modeling

Hydrogen production processes require access to renewable energy sources. While NL’s electricity grid is predominantly ‘clean’, there is limited capacity available to supply industrial projects. Yet there are abundant renewable energy resources that can be developed or optimized to increase the grid’s capability to support clean fuels projects. Moreover, there are a number of energy storage and energy efficiency options that exist which can accomplish the same. Not all options would be implemented simultaneously, but a combination of some of them could help balance supply and demand for electricity in NL and maximize its clean energy output. Modeling is required to understand what the best combination of activities would be to most efficiently maximize growth opportunities.

Direct Air Capture

Direct air capture (DAC) technologies extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere (i.e. large turbines). The CO2 can be permanently stored in deep geological formations in saline aquifers or can be utilized in processes such as food processing or synthetic fuel generation. The prospect of new wind energy developments in NL may present interesting DAC opportunities. When winds are high and electricity is in low demand, DAC systems could be powered by this excess clean electricity. DAC is most effectively used in areas that are windy (increasing the natural airflow through the fans), which makes their use in NL attractive. Such a process could create much-needed carbon offset opportunities for NL and its industries. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role DAC opportunities for NL.

Carbon Offsets

To achieve net zero, NL will require negative GHG emissions activities to balance GHGs which are unfeasible to eliminate completely. Work is required to identify which carbon offset opportunities are best for the province (e.g., have the greatest GHG reduction potential at the lowest cost). The following are some options:

Forest Management
Forests sequester carbon in biomass through photosynthesis and are a natural carbon sink. Proactive steps can be taken that maintain or increase the effectiveness with which forests capture carbon. With a significant amount of forested lands, NL may present significant opportunities for such activity. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role forest management opportunities for NL.

Peatland Restoration
Peatlands are terrestrial wetland ecosystems in which waterlogged conditions prevent plant material from fully decomposing. Restoring peatlands can increase carbon storage. The number of harvested peatlands in the province that can be restored is currently unknown. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role peatland restoration may have for NL.

Seaweed
Seaweed sucks in carbon from the air as it grows. With its vast array of coastlines, NL may present significant opportunities for such activity. Moreover, there may be a number of potential uses for the biomass produced. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role seaweed farming may have for NL.

Eeelgrass
One opportunity to achieve this is through the restoration or growth of eelgrass. Eelgrass sucks in carbon from the air as it grows. With its vast array of coastlines, NL may present significant opportunities for such activity. Moreover, there may be a number of potential uses for the biomass produced. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role eelgrass may have for NL.

RFP – Firm-Level Training Needs Assessments

The objective of this initiative is to inform the future development of micro-learning and upskilling programming related to ocean cleantech and the convergence of the blue and green economies in Newfoundland and Labrador.

To achieve the stated objective, the following activities will be undertaken:

  • Conduct needs assessments with 10 pre-selected SMEs to identify training, education, and/or professional development needs for present and future employees;
  • Collate results from needs assessments and identify gaps in training / professional development; and
  • Present findings to client via written report and PPT presentation.

More information can be found in the RFP which can be downloaded via the button below. The deadline for responses to this RFP are due by June 12, 2023.

Click to Download RFP

Survey: Environmental Training and Professional Development

econext is seeking feedback from its members and our wider network to guide its delivery of training and professional development programming. Your participation in this survey will be a great help – it should only take you a couple of minutes to complete.

Complete the Survey

The deadline for participating is Friday June 2nd, 2023 @ 4:30 PM. For more information on this survey, please contact Colin Heffernan, Manager of Industry and Community Engagement, by e-mail at heffernan@econext.ca.

Clean Fuels and Economic Development in Newfoundland and Labrador

econext has released a discussion paper which explores the economic development opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador that are associated with the emerging clean fuels industry.

“We believe that clean fuels production presents an enormous opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador, its economy, and its communities,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO – referring to the wind energy to hydrogen projects being proposed within the province.

Hanley said it is important to view the potential benefits of the emerging industry beyond just those that come with construction and operations and the export of a commodity. “Newfoundland and Labrador has the potential to be among the first in the world to produce clean fuels at this scale, and with that comes a series of time-sensitive opportunities to position ourselves as leaders in innovation and training and attract more green industry.”

Download the Discussion Paper

“The purpose of this discussion paper is twofold,” said Hanley. “First, we want to create a greater awareness of the opportunities that are before the province, and second we want to get decison-makers and stakeholders thinking about how we go about pursuing those opportunities.” Hanley said that the discussion paper is intended to be the start of the conversation, and is not a definitive or conclusive report. “We welcome any and all feedback that can help us better understand these opportunities.”

“I would like to thank all of the econext members who provided their time and many of the ideas that are represented in the paper,” said Hanley. “econext looks forward to doing its best to advance many of the opportunities identified on your behalf.”

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca

econext releases discussion paper exploring the economic development opportunities of the clean fuels industry

For Immediate Release
May 9, 2023

econext has released a discussion paper which explores the economic development opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador that are associated with the emerging clean fuels industry.

“We believe that clean fuels production presents an enormous opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador, its economy, and its communities,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO – referring to the wind energy to hydrogen projects being proposed within the province.

Hanley said it is important to view the potential benefits of the emerging industry beyond just those that come with construction and operations and the export of a commodity. “Newfoundland and Labrador has the potential to be among the first in the world to produce clean fuels at this scale, and with that comes a series of time-sensitive opportunities to position ourselves as leaders in innovation and training and attract more green industry.”

Download the Discussion Paper

“The purpose of this discussion paper is twofold,” said Hanley. “First, we want to create a greater awareness of the opportunities that are before the province, and second we want to get decison-makers and stakeholders thinking about how we go about pursuing those opportunities.” Hanley said that the discussion paper is intended to be the start of the conversation, and is not a definitive or conclusive report. “We welcome any and all feedback that can help us better understand these opportunities.”

“I would like to thank all of the econext members who provided their time and many of the ideas that are represented in the paper,” said Hanley. “econext looks forward to doing its best to advance many of the opportunities identified on your behalf.”

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

— 30 —

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca

RFP: Identifying Workforce Capacity Gaps in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Growing Clean Energy Industry

The prospect of significant renewable energy development and clean fuels production in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is creating a need for stakeholders to understand what is needed from a labour market and workforce development perspective.

In some cases, such as large-scale wind farms and hydrogen production, these are ‘new’ industries to NL and, as such, its workforce is not necessarily fully prepared to participate. In other cases, stakeholders in the clean energy industry as it exists today (e.g., operations and maintenance of electricity generation and transmission assets, electrification activities) are already expressing challenges with workforce attraction and retention.

These factors combined demonstrate a clear need for strategic workforce development initiatives for the clean energy industry in NL. It is important to understand where skills gaps exist before advancing next steps.

Download RFP

Important Dates:

  • RFP Release Date: May 9, 2023
  • Proposal Due Date: May 26, 2023

Discussion Paper: Addressing Future EV Battery Waste in Newfoundland & Labrador

It is well established that electric vehicles will reduce GHG emissions, however there have been recent concerns about the downstream environmental impacts – particularly with the disposal of batteries. Taking a circular economy approach to the waste management of batteries makes sense but, in general, economics for established methods of waste management are difficult to adopt in Newfoundland and Labrador due to economies of scale and geography. This discussion paper explores the challenges and the possibilities.

Download Discussion Paper

WEBINAR: Canada-Spain Collaboration in Sustainable Marine Technologies  + Funding Opportunities

Are you interested in exploring co-innovation opportunities between SMEs in Canada and Spain in the green/blue economy? Tune in to this webinar to learn about some of the possibilities!

This webinar will provide information on the Eureka/Eurostars international call which funds collaborative research, development, and innovation projects between Canada and Spain. 

Date: May 11, 2023
Time: 11h30 Newfoundland Standard Time

Learn about Atlantic Canada’s strengths in ocean cleantech from econext and Spain’s strengths from PROTECMA … and also the capabilities of their members in order to help identify new collaborative opportunities.

Eureka is the world’s biggest public network for international cooperation in R&D and innovation which aims to boost the productivity and competitiveness of industries by financing and supporting international collaborative and market-focused projects.

Matchmaking opportunity for virtual B2B introduction after event:
Do you have a project idea and you are looking for a partner in Canada or in Spain? Fill the form during the registration and the associations will try to facilitate the introduction.

About CETMAR/PROTECMA
CETMAR is a public foundation in Spain that works to improve the marine environment, its resources and all the sectors that make a living from it, promoting innovation and environmental, social and economic sustainability. The general objective of PROTECMA is to develop and implement a research, technological development and innovation strategy aimed at i) the protection of the coast and the marine environment, ii) the prevention, response and mitigation of marine pollution caused by anthropogenic activity and iii) to control and improve the quality of marine, coastal and transition waters.

REGISTER NOW




AGENDA (60 Minutes)

Presentation of the seminar and opportunities for collaboration and investment in Canada.
Alexandra O’Sullivan, Embassy of Canada in Spain

Introduction of econext and its objective to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador
Kieran Hanley, econext

Introduction of PROTECMA and its lines of collaboration in marine technologies.
Marisa Fernandez and Anxo Mena, CETMAR/PROTECMA

Eureka/Eurostars opportunities between Canadian and Spanish entities.
Eric Holdrinet, NRC-IRAP and Antonio Gómez, CDTI

Questions and closing remarks