Largest econext conference yet a reflection of Newfoundland and Labrador’s emerging green economy opportunities

For Immediate Release
November 6, 2024

On October 30, 2024, econext hosted its annual conference at the Delta Hotel in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. This sold-out event drew almost 300 participants, who gathered to discuss the province’s emerging green economy opportunities and the innovative technologies that could drive future growth.

“Newfoundland & Labrador is on the leading edge of clean growth on a global scale,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s CEO. “Our conference provided the chance for businesses, governments, communities, and academia to learn more about a number of these quickly evolving opportunities.”

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in a series of panel discussions ranging from: the Canadian perspective on the emerging hydrogen energy; advancements in energy storage, biomass, and grid technologies; lessons in social license and stakeholder engagement for clean energy projects; and advancing cleantech innovation.

The Hon. Dr. Andrew Furey (Premier of Newfoundland & Labrador) gives a keynote address at the econext 2024 Conference.

“We were excited this year to welcome speakers representing organizations from all across the continent,” said Hanley. “Being on an island, it is important to get that outsider’s perspective on where our province stands in the bigger picture.” Hanley said that those who travelled for the conference will also now be able to spread the word within their known national and international networks about the exciting things happening in NL.

Jean Habel (Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Victoria Gatehouse (Rio Tinto), Michelle Lethbridge (ABO Energy), Graeme Burk (Electricity Canada), and econext Vice-Chair Heather Murphy (SEM Ltd).

One of the conference’s key announcements was the launch of the Clean Energy Innovation Challenge, a collaboration between econext and Foresight Canada.

The challenge invites innovators from across the country to propose solutions for reducing the monitoring and maintenance costs associated with clean energy infrastructure through the use of clean technology. With a $50,000 prize pool and additional support available to winning teams, the challenge aims to accelerate the development of cost-effective, sustainable solutions. To read more about the challenge, click here.

Jeanette Jackson (Foresight Canada), Santosh Raikar (Silverpeak Renewables Investment Partners), Marija Ilic (MIT Department of Engineering & Computer Science), and econext Chair J. Alex Templeton (McInnes Cooper).

The 2024 econext conference was carbon neutral via offsets purchased from Sharp Management.

“econext would like to express its thanks to all of our partners, panelists, moderators and attendees for helping to support and contribute to this event. We look forward to welcoming you all again in 2025.”

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.