For Immediate Release
February 26, 2025
econext has published a discussion paper which explores the potential for the application and development of digital, remote, and autonomous operations technologies within Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry.
“The objective of this discussion paper is to advance a conversation locally on the potential for innovation in these subject areas,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. Hanley says that the province has strong expertise in the development of these types of technologies, but much of that expertise is ocean-based. “We believe there is an exciting opportunity to understand how Newfoundland and Labrador’s technology strengths can be applied within the growing clean energy industry – a lot of which will be terrestrial.”
Hanley says that digital, remote, and autonomous operations can help industry improve its productivity and reduce operating costs – both of which will be important for the future of clean energy in the province. “We think there are all sorts of interesting applications for these types of technologies as they can relate to wind turbines, transmission lines, storage systems, both small- and large-scale generation facilities, and other infrastructure.”
The report was completed in partnership with SEM Ltd., and is intended as a first step for econext to define more concretely the opportunities that exist and inform its future efforts to help innovators pursue them. “There’s a lot different ideas presented in this discussion paper – and that’s the point,” said Hanley. “Over time we will work with industry, businesses, entrepreneurs and others to narrow in on some more specific areas of opportunity.”
Hanley said that econext is planning an event in the near future for businesses to engage in a discussion on the topic – and workshop ideas together. “We will have more information soon on this event!”
Innovation challenge underway
The release of the discussion paper is also meant to help businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador generate ideas that might be suitable for the Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge, said Hanley.
“Earlier this month we launched a competition in partnership with Foresight Canada for innovative ideas that our emerging industry can embrace to reduce operational costs, and we are hoping that this document is a bit of a catalyst to stimulate local submissions.”
More information on the challenge can be found here.
About econext
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities.
econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.
