For Immediate Release
April 8, 2025

econext is highlighting the importance of electricity grid stakeholders working proactively together to ensure decision-making is as efficient as it can be.

“Electricity demand is rising in Newfoundland and Labrador – and quickly,” said Kieran Hanley, CEO of econext. “Meanwhile, our electricity system is becoming more complex and we expect this to accelerate in the years ahead.”

Hanley says that decision-makers are facing increasing pressures from decarbonization efforts through electrification, major industrial project developments, and new technologies. “As Chair of the province’s Net Zero Advisory Council, I got a glimpse of what Newfoundland and Labrador’s grid is going to encounter in the years ahead,” he said. “We are going to be faced with demands and opportunities more frequently, in greater variety, and with more urgency.”

Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean electricity grid – derived from over 90% renewable resources – is highly attractive to international investors and industries looking to produce low-carbon products said Hanley. “This is a powerful economic development asset for the province and we need to protect it and nurture it.” Hanley said it would be unfortunate if the province had to turn away new businesses and manufacturing because it is not able to supply electricity.

Hanley said that all of these factors point to the importance of stakeholders working together to ensure that decision-making processes are as efficient as possible. “From energy storage to big industrial projects that have grid tie-in to AI-integrated infrastructure – we need to make sure we are prepared for these things.”

“None of this is to suggest our analysis can be any less thorough – we’ve learned that lesson,” said Hanley, noting that thorough does not have to mean long. “Our decision-making needs to be robust, but it also needs to be swift and decisive. Let’s think about what we need to do – together – to accomplish this.”

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. For more information, visit https://econext.ca/.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca

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