Author: kieran

econext recognizes strategic importance of newly announced Labrador West transmission study

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
November 13, 2024

Last week at the Mineral Resources Review 2024 Conference, the Government of Canada announced investment in a ‘Labrador West Transmission Study’ to help explore expanding transmission infrastructure in support of mining in Labrador West.

“This investment is an excellent example of the economic growth potential that a focus on decarbonization can have,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO.

The funding announced will help Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro advance potential to upgrade transmission lines between Churchill Falls and Labrador West. If this infrastructure were to be completed, it would make more clean energy resources available to existing and future critical minerals projects in the region.

“This would have three important impacts,” said Hanley.

“First, this would represent a significant investment into NL’s clean energy infrastructure – helping us to make the most of the world class hydro resources that we have while creating green jobs and business opportunities in the process.”

Second, Hanley said that the availability of additional clean electricity will allow mining operations in Western Labrador to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which would be a significant help to both industry and the province in meeting their climate change targets.

“Lastly, this would help to further position Newfoundland and Labrador as a clean energy and critical minerals powerhouse,” said Hanley, noting it will open the door to future low-carbon mining activities that will help supply the world with the materials that it needs to facilitate the energy transition.

“We applaud the efforts of Natural Resources Canada, our provincial government, NL Hydro, and industry to partner on initiatives like these which help to unlock the province’s economic potential.”

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.

Save the Date: Christmas Networking Social

Posted on by kieran

Date: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Emera Innovation Center

Registration

Coming soon.

econext and Foresight Canada announce Clean Energy Innovation Challenge

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2024

St. John’s, NL – Today at the econext 2024 Conference, econext and Foresight Canada have announced the Clean Energy Innovation Challenge.

The Clean Energy Innovation Challenge invites innovators to propose solutions that reduce the monitoring and maintenance costs for clean energy infrastructure through the application of digital, remote, and/or autonomous technologies—while improving environmental sustainability.

“The clean energy opportunity in front of Newfoundland and Labrador is tremendous,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “From major wind-to-hydrogen projects to the growth of our domestic electricity grid, we are on the verge of significant green economic growth in our province.”

More information on the province’s emerging clean energy industry can be found here. Hanley said that improving the economics of future projects and minimizing their environmental impacts will be important for their success. New ideas and approaches will be important in helping Newfoundland and Labrador reach its clean energy potential.

Staying competitive and profitable in today’s rapidly evolving market requires continuous innovation. It’s also key to meeting net zero targets. Foresight’s Innovation Challenge program connects industries with tailored cleantech solutions that address sustainability and operational challenges. By offering a de-risked and cost-efficient process for sourcing, testing, and validating solutions, Foresight enables industry leaders to achieve their sustainability goals and drive impactful change with cutting-edge innovations.

“We are honoured to collaborate with econext on this challenge, deepening our connection with the Atlantic provinces. Clean energy infrastructure is a critical gateway to decarbonization, and by linking the right innovations, we can deliver turn-key, high-impact solutions that can be deployed swiftly—driving sustainability and economic growth across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.”
Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada

A total of $50,000 in cash prizes in addition to a series of supports will be made available to competition winners to help them advance their proposed concepts. “This is a significant opportunity for innovators to get their ideas in front of industry and draw interest to their technologies.”

Industry partners supporting the challenge include ABO Energy, EverWind Fuels, North Atlantic, Pattern Energy, World Energy GH2, Newfoundland Power, and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

The Challenge has been made possible through support from RBC and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Details, including submissions guidelines and deadlines, will be announced soon.

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.

About Foresight Canada

Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they connect public and private sectors to the world’s best clean technologies, de-risking and simplifying the adoption of innovative solutions that improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing today’s most urgent climate challenges.

CEO accepts takeCHARGE Luminary Award on behalf of the econext team

Posted on by kieran

The 6th annual takeCHARGE Luminary Awards took place on October 23, celebrating companies, organizations, communities, and individuals across Newfoundland and Labrador making great strides in energy efficiency.

econext CEO Kieran Hanley accepted the “Leadership Award” on behalf of the econext team.

“Our team has been working hard to develop and implement programming to help SMEs and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador become more energy efficient,” said Hanley. “I am honoured to accept this award on their behalf.”

Hanley said that econext has a number of exciting initiatives on the horizon that will accelerate clean growth in the province through energy efficiency. “We can’t wait to talk about what we are working on – stay tuned!”

The awards event was held at the Emera Innovation Exchange, where the takeCHARGE team gathered with award recipients both in person and online. This year’s 13 recipients were:

  • NL Health Services – BIG Award
  • Franks General Store – BIG Award
  • CLEAResult – Partnership Award
  • Nunatsiavut Government – Partnership Award
  • Colemans – Sustained Excellence Award
  • Ingram’s Electrical Ltd. – Sustained Excellence Award
  • Kieran Hanley (econext) – Leadership Award
  • Ethel O’Brien – Leadership Award
  • Heat Pump Solutions Ltd. – Electric Vehicle Awareness Award
  • Penney’s Pitstop Ltd. – Electric Vehicle Awareness Award
  • Jack Byrne Regional Sport & Entertainment Centre – Innovation Award
  • Makkovik Inuit Community Government – Community Impact
  • Town of Placentia – Community Impact

More information on the takeCHARGE Luminary Awards 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.

Foresight Atlantic Canada Road Tour

Posted on by kieran

Foresight Canada has a mission, over the next three years, to accelerate adoption of the world’s best clean technologies by helping the world do more with less, sustainably.

econext is partnering with Foresight on its Newfoundland and Labrador stop during its Atlantic Road Tour.

The event will include a short presentation highlighting Foresight’s latest updates, with a focus on its new strategic plan and exciting developments in the Atlantic region. Stick around for networking over light refreshments and connect with fellow innovators and leaders who are driving groundbreaking work on the East Coast.

Date: November 1, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am GMT-2:30
Cost: Free
Location: JAG Boutique Hotel

Click Here to Register

econext releases discussion paper exploring connection between climate change adaptation and economic development

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
October 16, 2024

econext has released a discussion paper which connects the dots between climate change adaptation and economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“As we make investments into the economies of our regions and our communities, the impacts of climate change need to be a key consideration,” says Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “Generally speaking, in the future our climate is going to be warmer, wetter, and stormier – and that might change how we think about economic development projects.”

“As an example, we might not want to invest into an energy retrofit of an old community centre if that same building is in great danger of being damaged by future flooding.” Hanley said that, while this might seem obvious, oftentimes these risks would not be picked up on without deliberately thinking about climate change early in the process. “Conversely, changing weather conditions might make a region more friendly to certain types of agriculture that seemed far-fetched in the past.”

“What we are trying to do with this discussion paper is outline some of the considerations that economic developers should be thinking about as they plan and support projects,” said Hanley. “The paper looks at this through an NL-specific lens and focuses on sectors – like tourism and public infrastructure – that those involved in economic development in our province often are engaged in.”

The discussion paper can be downloaded here.

Climate Change Infographics

In 2024 econext and its partner CLIMAtlantic produced a series of infographics to better articulate the expected impacts that communities in Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to experience due to climate change.

Hanley said that econext has resources to help communities and economic developers better understand climate change and the challenges – and opportunities – that come with it. “We can help provide you with the the information and resources to put you on the right path. Get in touch.”

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.

Research Associate – Green Transition Socio-Economic Innovation Hub of NL

Posted on by kieran

Research Associate – Green Transition Socio-Economic Innovation Hub of NL

Posted on by kieran

Memorial University – Grenfell Campus

Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; Indigenous peoples; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; visible minorities/racialized people; and people with disabilities.

We acknowledge that the lands on which Memorial University’s campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province.

Gaps in career and/or research history can exist for any number of reasons (i.e.: family responsibilities, sick leave, settlement, etc.), candidates are invited to discuss these gaps and
impacts on their work in the application.

Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, is located in Western Newfoundland in an area of natural beauty in close proximity to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The campus has a population of more than 1,300 students and emphasizes innovative approaches to teaching and learning, research and engagement. Experiential learning, impactful research, and strong community relationships are the hallmarks of Grenfell’s profile.

Position Summary

The Green Transition Socio-economic Innovation Hub of NL is an important initiative to optimize the benefits of the green transition for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The rapid pace of the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and the magnitude of the associated green energy projects, will have vast impacts on the province, from economic growth to ecological impacts. This project is designed to address the green economic opportunities posed by the emerging wind-to-hydrogen industry. The project has two objectives: 1) identify sectors of the current economy that will be impacted by the wind-to-hydrogen projects in rural contexts, and 2) develop a toolkit to promote positive socio-economic innovations in these communities to maximize positive impacts of the green transition while ameliorating negative ones. Stimulating social investments alongside economic development of this new energy industry will ensure greater prosperity and a more equitable distribution of these gains, particularly for women, Indigenous communities, migrating workers, and rural inhabitants of Newfoundland.

This is designed as a two-year pilot project. The hub is hiring a key employee, under that title of Community Engagement & Research Consultant, who will act as a coordinator between academia, government, and industry to support community needs.

The position will include, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

  • Develop guidelines based on best practices for the inclusion of women and gender diverse people in traditionally male-dominated fields related to green energy production (e.g. construction, engineering) to contribute to the toolkit;
  • Organize public information sessions on green and just energy transitions in Corner Brook, Stephenville, St. John’s, and other locations. Sessions will address how Newfoundland and Labrador can engage with this economic opportunity with a focus on education, social and environmental impacts, and job opportunities for equity-deserving groups and be supported by the Community Hubs network lead by Grenfell Campus;
  • Organize information sessions in collaboration with Qalipu First Nation for Indigenous community members, designed to address Indigenous-identified needs and economic opportunities;
  • Contribute to the toolkit by developing guidelines for best practices for workers’ camps in Newfoundland and Labrador to support social integration of migrating workers into local communities and the long-term growth of rural area anchored in family-oriented and innovative ways of living in remote locations;
  • Work with industry to identify effective policies to create safe and supportive work environments for equity-deserving groups, including women and immigrants;
  • Coordinate with municipal partners, government, and NGOs to identify synergies and gaps in policy for a just, green transition within rural communities;
  • Lead the development of a permanent infrastructure (including policy, offices, etc.) to support the long-term development of a socio-economic hub.

The deadline to receive applications is November 15, 2024. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applications should include: a curriculum vitae, names of three referees, and a two-page statement of interest related to the position. Copies of up to three relevant publications may also be included.

Please send applications electronically to:
Dr. Rachel Jekanowski
School of Arts and Social Sciences
Grenfell Campus – Memorial University
E-mail: rjekanowski@mun.ca

Desired skills

  • Able to work independently and demonstrate initiative and leadership;
  • Excellent project and time management skills;
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, across a variety of sectors (academia, government, industry, etc.);
  • Experience with community engagement, public outreach, and/or interviews and focus groups;
  • Demonstrated interest in large-scale natural resources, green energy projects, and/or gendered impacts of development is an asset;
  • Strong understanding of impact assessment processes is an asset;
  • Understanding of the Newfoundland context and the green transition are important assets.

Qualifications

  • A PhD (preferred) or Master’s degree in Geography, Environmental Studies, Environmental Humanities, Sociology, Gender Studies, Communications, or other disciplines relevant the subject areas (green transition, energy justice, decarbonization, gendered impacts, etc.);
  • Experience in community-engaged research. Hours and Location of Work: This is a full-time, limited term position for one year, with the potential to renew for a second year. Typical work hours will be 9 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, with flexibility required for occasional evening and weekend hours. Anticipated start date is January 6, 2025. The position is for an in-person employee located in Corner Brook. Office space and a computer will be provided. There is limited flexibility for remote-work outside of Corner Brook.

Compensation

  • Salary Range: $68,000-80,000 per annum
  • Salary will be commiserate with the candidate’s work experience, qualifications, and internal equity and determined by the salary steps set by Memorial University.
  • Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.

econext contributes to Newfoundland and Labrador economic development conference

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
October 9, 2024

Last week econext staff attended and participated in a panel discussion at the Economic Developers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDANL) conference in Twillingate, NL.

econext‘s Manager of Industry and Community Engagement (Colin Heffernan), Special Project’s Lead (Sara Jafari), Manager of Climate Services (Sepehr Khosravi), and Director of Workforce Development (Ogaga Johnson) at the EDANL Conference.

“econext have staff members who specialize in helping communities tackle their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change,” says Colin Heffernan, econext‘s Manager for Industry and Community Engagement and panel moderator. “Viewing a town’s opportunities and challenges through that green lens opens the door to new economic development possibilities”.

The event was focused on providing information and resources for the province’s economic development practitioners working to support their communities. “A community can be defined geographically, like a town, or more holistically as a group of businesses, stakeholders, and so on,” said Heffernan, noting that many of the same economic development principles apply in different scenarios. The event was attended by staff from municipalities, industry associations, sector organizations, business, and the public service.

econext‘s panel also highlighted the major clean energy projects being pursued in the province, and the workforce that will be required to develop them.

“There are lots of opportunities available for municipalities to help finance economic development initiatives through green and environmental projects,” said Heffernan. “What we wanted to convey at the event was that econext‘s staff are here to help communities identify and pursue those opportunities.”

Heffernan said that those interested can contact econext directly at https://econext.ca/contact/.

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.

Newfoundland and Labrador signs MOU with Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
September 27, 2024

During a visit from a government and business delegation from Belgium, Newfoundland and Labrador signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is on the frontier of a new global industry,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “We have the clean energy resources to help our European allies decarbonize their economies, and agreements like this one help facilitate that trade relationship.”

Hon. Andrew Parsons (Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology) and Mr. Tom Hautekiet (Chief Business Development and Transition Officer – POAB). Image courtesy of the Embassy of Belgium in Canada.

“There are six wind-to-hydrogen developments being pursued in our province totaling over 23GW,” said Hanley. “These projects are significant on a global scale and will position Newfoundland and Labrador as an international leader in hydrogen production.”

Hanley said that coordination is required between jurisdictions that can supply clean energy and those that will be customers for it. “Relationships like the one that we are seeing develop here are important for success.”

More information on NL’s clean energy industry can be found here.

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: stimulating research, development, and innovation; preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and 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.