A discussion examining major projects, market trends, policy developments, and investment opportunities shaping Newfoundland and Labrador’s environmental and clean growth sectors. The discussion will focus on economic development through energy projects, and the expected business opportunities for NL SMEs, including workforce development considerations.
In her role as President of the Atlantica Centre for Energy, Michelle proactively advocates for the evolution and growth of Atlantic Canada’s energy sector and is a champion for a more reliable, affordable, secure, and economically competitive regional energy system. Michelle has more than 25 years of public relations, education and business management experience. She has led research projects and community engagement initiatives in various sectors for government, industry and non-profits. Michelle serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Atlantic Hydrogen Alliance and is an Expert Advisory Panel member for the Atlantic Economic Panel, a private sector led initiative to lead transformational economic growth for the region.
Gail Randell is the Vice President of Major Projects at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. In her current roles, she leads the planning and execution of our larger-scale electricity projects. Gail’s career with us started in 2015 and has seen her hold senior roles that have helped shape regulated capital investment strategies and execution plans. With more than 25 years of project execution experience, including 15 years in the Alberta energy sector, Gail brings a strategic and technical perspective to this role. Gail is a Professional Engineer, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Dalhousie University and is a member of the WaterPower Canada Board.
Jeff Murphy P.Eng., is the Vice President of Capital Projects. He brings extensive experience in engineering, procurement, and construction for energy projects, ensuring the successful development of large-scale infrastructure. He has 20+ years of experience as a Process Engineer in oil and gas, primarily in the NL offshore industry. He has held various senior and engineering lead positions throughout his career, spanning all phases of the project life cycle from Pre-FEED/FEED, through Detailed Design and Construction, Commissioning, Start-up and Operations. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University, is a professional engineer registered with Professional Engineers and Geoscientists NL.
Frank Davis is the Canada Country Head for Pattern Energy, one of the country’s leading renewable energy infrastructure proponents. He has played a central role in the development, financing, and operations of one of Canada’s largest wind energy fleets, helping to advance the transition to clean energy across the nation. Frank manages Pattern’s Canadian business development activities, including project origination, government and stakeholder relations, Indigenous partnerships, and project financing. He has also served on the Board of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) and is a former director of Public Health Ontario. Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Frank now resides in Toronto, where he continues to build partnerships and champion renewable energy opportunities that deliver long-term value for communities and Canada’s energy future.
Darren Pelley is a native of Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, and a graduate of Memorial University, with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. He has more than 30 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry, with senior leadership responsibilities spanning forestry management, publication papers operations, corrugated board manufacturing, and renewable energy.
During his 16 years with Kruger, Darren has held several key leadership positions, including Vice President and General Manager of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, and Vice President Packaging for Kruger’s Packaging Division. He currently serves as Vice President Special Projects, where he leads the advancement of Project Tuckamore, a transformational initiative focused on the revitalization of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, while strengthening the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Newfoundland and Labrador forest sector.
Darren has a wife and two daughters who along with their extended family are very proud to maintain a strong connection to Corner Brook and also many communities across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Devin Lacey has almost 15 years of experience in finance, commercial and business development roles that have spanned some of Canada’s largest upstream energy projects. His Newfoundland & Labrador project experience includes work on the Hebron Project, the Lower Churchill Project, and the Terra Nove Life Extension Program. Devin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Memorial University and an MBA from the University of Calgary. His broader professional experience includes national and international project development across oil and gas, regulated utilities, and clean technologies. After having lived and worked in Calgary for the past seven years, Devin is now headquartered back home in St. John’s where he supports Triple Point with project development, commercial partnerships and stakeholder relations.
Lauge Nielsen – Panelist
Lauge Nielsen is Director of Project Development at Pattern Energy, with more than 25 years of experience across the wind energy sector, including development, construction, operations, maintenance, and strategic leadership in Canada and international markets.
Lauge began his career with Vestas in Denmark, including experience within the company’s R&D organization, before progressing into senior construction and operational leadership roles with Vestas North America and ENGIE. At Pattern Energy, he served as Sr Director of Operations in Canada before moving into the development organization, where he has spent the past four and a half years and now leads work focused on Canadian market and asset expansion.
His background includes extensive experience in high- and low-voltage electrical systems, regulatory compliance, and health and safety. Based in Ontario, Lauge brings a practical, hands-on perspective that combines deep technical knowledge with extensive experience developing, delivering, and operating complex, large-scale renewable energy projects.
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