Author: kieran

econext hosts research connector event to foster clean energy innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador

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For Immediate Release
July 4, 2023

This June econext, in partnership with Memorial University’s Research Innovation Office (RIO), held an event that explored opportunities to connect industry needs with research expertise.

“One of econext‘s primary objectives is to stimulate clean growth innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “One of the ways that we do this is by working with our members to understand their challenges and opportunities, and then engaging with local research institutions to see if we can find a match.”

The event featured a number of econext members presenting on their challenge or opportunity to an audience of pre-identified researchers at Memorial University. Researchers then presented on their areas of expertise and interest. “The next step is for us to do what we can to match-make and encourage collaborative research projects between industry and academia.”

Last week’s event had a thematic focus on ‘batteries’ – for storage, EV charging and even recycling. “Electrification and energy storage are concepts that are both key to our province’s net zero objectives and clean energy growth,” said Hanley. “This is an area where econext will be very active in acting as a catalyst for innovation in the province.”

“The team at RIO works to bring industry partners and Memorial researchers together to help solve real challenges in today’s world,” said Dr. Paula Mendonça, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Memorial University. “Through our ongoing partnership with econext, we are able to enhance awareness about the world-class expertise and facilities available at Memorial. We look forward to future conversations and support clean energy solutions in the region.”

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

RIO helps identify resources and facilitate connections to move ideas towards opportunities via industry connection, funding, IP support and programming. More information can be found at mun.ca/RIO.

econext formalizes partnerships between Atlantic Canada and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States

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econext COO Abbie Hodder with His Excellency Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

For Immediate Release
June 28, 2023

Atlantic Canada and the Caribbean have a significant history of interregional trade and partnership in sectors spanning cable and telecommunications, banking and finance, energy, and education.

In May, as part of its twelfth trade mission to the Caribbean region since 2015, econext formalized a partnership for the mutual benefit of the two regions.

“We are excited to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as part of our trade mission,” said Abbie Hodder, econext’s COO and Director of International Business. “There is ample potential for collaboration between the four provinces of Atlantic Canada and the 11 OECS countries, and we look forward to putting this MOU into action.”

Atlantic Canada and the OECS have common regional strategic objectives. Beyond the promotion of trade and partnerships, the regions can exchange valuable information and experiences in areas of common interest including the support of local economies to becomes globally competitive, resilient, inclusive, and increasingly green.

The May 2023 trade mission consisted of eleven delegate organizations from Atlantic Canada engaging in over 150 meetings across four countries in the Caribbean region – Barbados, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. econext’s missions are multi-sector, but there is a strategic focus on green economy, blue economy, infrastructure, and education and training.

Firms in Atlantic Canada have many synergies with their counterparts in Caribbean markets. Hodder stated, “The products and services developed in Atlantic Canada can work well in other island and rural coastal environments, such as those found in the Caribbean.”
Hodder notes the region faces similar challenges such as the impacts of climate change, coastal zone erosion, distance from markets, and economies that are resource dependent. “We have a long history of trade with the Caribbean, and our commitment is to sustain and enhance this bond through meaningful reciprocal engagement.”

econext’s next Caribbean Trade Mission is set for November 2023. For information on how you can participate, please contact Abbie Hodder at abbie@econext.ca.

About OECS
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an international organisation dedicated to economic harmonisation and integration, protection of human and legal rights, and the encouragement of good governance among independent and non-independent countries in the Eastern Caribbean comprising Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Martinique and Guadeloupe.

About econext
econext is a not-for-profit association that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, working on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. A priority for econext is helping its members engage internationally; the association has helped develop relationships between Atlantic Canada and Caribbean markets since 2014 .

econext welcomes NL Green Transition Fund announcement

Posted on by kieran

On June 21, 2023 the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology announced the launch of the Green Transition Fund. Program information and guidelines can be found here.

Text from econext CEO Kieran Hanley’s remarks at the launch event:

Thank you for the opportunity to be here today to speak to this wonderful announcement.

econext is an organization that works day in and day out to drive and support clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

That means helping our key industries become more competitive in a world that is increasingly concerned about greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts.

That means doing what we can to support new industries that help not just Newfoundland and Labrador, but the world fight climate change.

And that means working with communities to understand their role in all of this, and to maximize adjacent economic development opportunities.

In this work, econext finds itself in the middle between industry, governments, communities, and research institutions sharing ideas, experiences, challenges, and opportunities.

And through this work, we can see now that this province is on the verge of big things. Why? Simply put, we have what the world needs.

From our green electricity grid, to our world class undeveloped renewable energy resources, to our emerging clean fuels and energy storage hubs, to our rich cache of critical minerals… Newfoundland and Labrador has a clean energy advantage that positions us extraordinarily well internationally.

Let’s be clear. We have the resources here to fuel the world’s energy transition.

Newfoundland and Labrador has the ability to make a globally significant contribution in the fight against climate change. It is time to be bold and to seize these opportunities.

To succeed, we need more investment into research, development, and innovative green economic activity.

The Green Transition Fund announced today is a big step forward in that regard and will help ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador reaches its economic growth potential while advancing its pursuit of net zero.

Congratulations to Minister Parsons and to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on this announcement.

To econext members: this is a funding program that you have been asking for for a long long time. It’s going to be competitive. Get busy developing your project ideas. Make them innovative, and make them collaborative.

Let’s get to work.

From L to R: Kieran Hanley – CEO, econext; Dr. Michael Long – Dean of Applied Research and Innovation, CNA; Charlene Johnson – CEO, Energy NL; Hon. Andrew Parsons; Bruce Billard – Manager, Green Transition, IET; Kirk Youden – Director, Sector Diversification, IET.

econext looking for local building owners/managers to help pilot new energy management technology

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With the acquisition of the Zen Ecosystems assets, Mysa Smart Thermostats expanded its business and commercial focused offering. In order to further develop this business line, econext is helping Mysa find local businesses to partner with and deliver significant energy savings.

The Opportunity

  • Receive Zen Smart Thermostats + Zen HQ Energy management platform at a 50% discount. More info about Zen HQ can be found on the Zen HQ website or this video.
  • Receive support from the Mysa team on installation, setup, and management to deliver energy savings for your business. Existing Zen HQ customers are seeing over 20% savings on their energy bills.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Business must be located within the St. John’s Metropolitan area
  • Business must have more than 10 low voltage (24v) thermostats across their operations, in one location or multiple locations combined
  • Zen smart thermostats are compatible with most 24V HVAC systems but you can verify compatibility by reaching out to hq-support@getmysa.com
  • Business must have Wifi available so the thermostats can get connected to the internet and to the Zen HQ platform

Are you Interested?

Contact Daan Goossens, VP Growth at Mysa, at daan@getmysa.com.

Regional Climate Workshop – Port Rexton, Trinity East / Bonavista

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Are you concerned about the impact climate change will have on your community and region? Do you have some ideas for adaptation strategies?

The Harris Centre, in partnership with econext and CLIMAtlantic, are hosting a series of regional workshops in 2023 to discuss the impacts and opportunities associated with climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The focus of these sessions will be to discuss the effects of climate change at a regional level, to explore regional options for climate adaptation, and identify potential regional development opportunities related to climate action. These sessions will build on and utilize information gathered during the Harris Centre’s Forecast NL initiative along with resources available through CLIMAtlantic.

The intent of these workshops is to:

  • Engage community members and stakeholders from different NL regions and sectors in a mutually beneficial exchange of information around climate change adaptation priorities, approaches, resources and outstanding questions.
  • Produce summaries of regional discussions that can be used by local and provincial organizations to inform their planning and provision of technical assistance resources toward the issues of highest interest, priority and need.
  • Provide opportunities for workshop participants to collectively identify adaptation strategies and actions they could pursue together in their region.
  • Highlight opportunities for the collection and dissemination of additional information – either already existing or developed through new research – focused on key questions and topics identified by community members and stakeholders.

Port Rexton

Date: June 11, 2023
Time: 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Location: Port Rexton / Trinity East, NL
Venue: Brightside Bistro, 12 Main Road, Trinity East

Click to Register

Bonavista

Date: June 12, 2023
Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Bonavista, NL
Venue: Corduroy Brook Nature Centre, 2 Conservation Place

Click to Register

econext Summer Social

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Join us for the econext Summer Social on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. This in-person event will take place at Brewdock, 85 Duckworth Street, St. John’s.

Connect with fellow professionals in the industry and enjoy a fun-filled evening of networking, drinks, snacks, and live music. This is a great opportunity to expand your professional network and meet the econext team.

Be sure to RSVP by 4:00pm on Tuesday July 4, 2023. Any questions on the event, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Colin Heffernan via e-mail at heffernan@econext.ca.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Register here to secure your spot.

RFP – Video Production

Posted on by kieran

econext is seeking the services of a qualified vendor to produce videos capturing the capabilities of ocean cleantech businesses operating in Newfoundland and Labrador for the purposes of educating the workforce on the skills, jobs, and opportunities associated with the sector.

To achieve the stated objective, the following activities will be undertaken:

  • Video capture of 10 demonstration activities at The Launch in Holyrood, NL spread over 5 days in 2023 (i.e. 2 per day on 5 different days). Activities will involve the deployment of equipment and technologies in the ocean and/or the demonstration of processes and services that are oceans-focused. The dates of demonstration activities are to be determined;
  • 10 video interviews to be conducted focusing on the jobs, skills, and opportunities associated with the businesses / organizations involved in the demonstration and deployment activities;
  • The production of 10 vignettes (up to 2 minutes in length), using the video obtained above, aimed at educating the workforce on the jobs and skills required by businesses / organizations like those involved in the deployment and demonstration activities;
  • Providing guidance and recommendations to the client on the effective distribution of the materials produced to meet knowledge mobilization and education objectives;

More information can be found in the RFP which can be downloaded via the button below. The deadline for responses to this RFP are due by June 12, 2023.

Click to Download RFP

Questions and Answers

A collection of questions asked about the RFP, and answers provided by econext.

Do you have a profile of the target audience segments for these videos – including ocean cleantech companies within the sector, the workforce, and within the broader econext ecosystem?
There is no more information that we can provide beyond what was shared in the RFP. The purpose of the footage obtained is to help stakeholders showcase the capabilities that exist in Newfoundland and Labrador with respect to ocean cleantech, and those of The Launch. The purpose of the produced videos (vignettes) is to generate interest within under-represented communities within the workforce – e.g., women, youth, new Canadians, Indigenous peoples – in pursuing careers within ocean cleantech businesses.

In terms of the distribution strategy, can you confirm if the budget needs to include a paid media recommendation versus a focus on owned (e.g., social, web, enews, events, etc.) and earned media (e.g., PR / other) opportunities.
We will rely on the consultant to provide us with recommendations that will best achieve the stated objectives. Expenses related to the recommendations made are not within the scope of the budget of this project.

Why is the deliverable 10 videos specifically? Based on the budget, and the desired outcome, are you open to a different recommendation? If 10 is set, are there key messages / themes and set technologies outlined for each?
As per the RFP, there are 10 demonstration activities, each of which should be captured in a vignette. This is the minimum number of videos to be produced. You are free to suggest an alternative number. Key messages and themes should align with the stated purposes as referenced above, with some variability given that each of the 10 demonstration activities will be unique.

Is there a definitive requirement for underwater filming?
As per the RFP, activities will take place near, on, and under the water and we are seeking high quality and dynamic video which fully captures the excitement/capabilities of the technologies and/or services being demonstrated. We are leaving it to respondents to propose how this can best be achieved.

Is drone footage anticipated or required?
Same answer as above.

Are there any other details available relating to the ‘on or near water’ production environment given it factors into safety, insurance, and gear considerations.
Given the response provided above, we would expect respondents to make their own determinations on what safety, insurance, and gear considerations need to be made.

Do you have adequate casting options on your team or within your partner network to ensure diversity given your stated purpose is to “generate interest within under-represented communities within the workforce – e.g., women, youth, new Canadians, Indigenous peoples – in pursuing careers within ocean cleantech businesses”.
We expect RFP respondents to propose approaches that will help us meet the stated objectives.

econext seeking hosts for Fall 2023 Clean Energy Work Terms initiative

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econext is looking for businesses and organizations to host clean energy work terms students during the Fall 2023 semester.

“We have identified a series of challenges and opportunities for students to work on that we believe are important for Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy future,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “By hosting a student who works in one of these areas, you will be helping to contribute to our province’s collective understanding of its emerging clean energy industry.”

Click to See Challenges/Opportunities

Hanley said that students will be encouraged to view challenges and opportunities through an entrepreneurial lens. “We know these things are technically feasible – what we want to better understand is if there are reasonable business cases to be made for them, and the work term students will be armed with supplemental training to allow them to start that assessment.” During their work term students will benefit from training delivered by the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE).

Projects can focus on the technical or economic/business aspects of clean energy opportunities (not necessarily one of those listed), and thus work term students can come from engineering, business, and other faculties. “Our objective with this initiative is to get both the workforce and companies thinking about clean energy in Newfoundland and Labrador in an innovative way.”

Hanley said that there are various programs currently available which can help subsidize the cost of hiring a work term student. “Reach out to us and we can let you know which programs you are eligible for.”

If your business is interested in hosting a clean energy-focused work term in Fall 2023, contact Alex Rumbolt – econext’s Special Projects Coordinator, Marketing and Green Jobs – at alex@econext.ca.

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

Clean Energy Challenges / Opportunities

Clean Energy Transportation Alternatives

Transportation accounts for approximately 34% of Newfoundland and Labrador’s GHGs. The transport of goods, services, and people via cars, busses, transport trucks, ferries, aviation, etc. has a significant environmental impact. A technical, environmental, and economic analysis could be undertaken to explore GHG reduction opportunities for NL through the adoption of zero emissions technologies for its heavy transport, bussing, and/or marine sectors. A plan for adoption that aligns with NL’s net zero by 2050 commitments could be developed.

Underground Hydrogen Storage

Large quantities of hydrogen can be stored in caverns for many years. The storage of large quantities of hydrogen underground in solution-mined caverns within salt domes, aquifers, excavated rock caverns, or mines can function as energy storage. When surplus electricity is available (from the grid or from hydrogen production operations) hydrogen can be produced and stored. This provides reserve product that can be utilized when intermittent electricity access reduces production at other times. It also provides access to energy that can be utilized to meet electricity needs during times when demand may exceed supply. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role of underground storage opportunities for NL.

Underground Compressed Air Storage

Large quantities of compressed gas can be stored in caverns for many years. Compressed air storage can function as energy storage – and a method by which the supply and demand of energy can be balanced in a number of important ways. When surplus electricity is available (from the grid or from clean fuels production operations) air can be compressed and stored. When electricity is required, the compressed air can be released through turbine generators to create energy. Underground compressed air storage can help balance the supply and demand of electricity. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role of underground storage opportunities for NL. Conduct a technical and economic analysis to better understand potential role of pumped storage opportunities for NL.

Domestic Decarbonization via Clean Fuels

Clean fuels are playing an important role in decarbonization internationally. With domestic production of clean fuels within the province it is logical to explore how they can contribute to the decarbonization of the NL economy. The use of locally produced clean fuels can help contribute to the long-term resilience and success of the industry and present R&D opportunities. A plan for decarbonization via clean fuels (e.g., hydrogen, clean diesel, SAF, etc) for NL could be developed.

Energy Pathways Modeling

Hydrogen production processes require access to renewable energy sources. While NL’s electricity grid is predominantly ‘clean’, there is limited capacity available to supply industrial projects. Yet there are abundant renewable energy resources that can be developed or optimized to increase the grid’s capability to support clean fuels projects. Moreover, there are a number of energy storage and energy efficiency options that exist which can accomplish the same. Not all options would be implemented simultaneously, but a combination of some of them could help balance supply and demand for electricity in NL and maximize its clean energy output. Modeling is required to understand what the best combination of activities would be to most efficiently maximize growth opportunities.

Direct Air Capture

Direct air capture (DAC) technologies extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere (i.e. large turbines). The CO2 can be permanently stored in deep geological formations in saline aquifers or can be utilized in processes such as food processing or synthetic fuel generation. The prospect of new wind energy developments in NL may present interesting DAC opportunities. When winds are high and electricity is in low demand, DAC systems could be powered by this excess clean electricity. DAC is most effectively used in areas that are windy (increasing the natural airflow through the fans), which makes their use in NL attractive. Such a process could create much-needed carbon offset opportunities for NL and its industries. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role DAC opportunities for NL.

Carbon Offsets

To achieve net zero, NL will require negative GHG emissions activities to balance GHGs which are unfeasible to eliminate completely. Work is required to identify which carbon offset opportunities are best for the province (e.g., have the greatest GHG reduction potential at the lowest cost). The following are some options:

Forest Management
Forests sequester carbon in biomass through photosynthesis and are a natural carbon sink. Proactive steps can be taken that maintain or increase the effectiveness with which forests capture carbon. With a significant amount of forested lands, NL may present significant opportunities for such activity. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role forest management opportunities for NL.

Peatland Restoration
Peatlands are terrestrial wetland ecosystems in which waterlogged conditions prevent plant material from fully decomposing. Restoring peatlands can increase carbon storage. The number of harvested peatlands in the province that can be restored is currently unknown. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role peatland restoration may have for NL.

Seaweed
Seaweed sucks in carbon from the air as it grows. With its vast array of coastlines, NL may present significant opportunities for such activity. Moreover, there may be a number of potential uses for the biomass produced. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role seaweed farming may have for NL.

Eeelgrass
One opportunity to achieve this is through the restoration or growth of eelgrass. Eelgrass sucks in carbon from the air as it grows. With its vast array of coastlines, NL may present significant opportunities for such activity. Moreover, there may be a number of potential uses for the biomass produced. Conduct a technical, environmental, and economic analysis to better understand potential role eelgrass may have for NL.

RFP – Firm-Level Training Needs Assessments

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The objective of this initiative is to inform the future development of micro-learning and upskilling programming related to ocean cleantech and the convergence of the blue and green economies in Newfoundland and Labrador.

To achieve the stated objective, the following activities will be undertaken:

  • Conduct needs assessments with 10 pre-selected SMEs to identify training, education, and/or professional development needs for present and future employees;
  • Collate results from needs assessments and identify gaps in training / professional development; and
  • Present findings to client via written report and PPT presentation.

More information can be found in the RFP which can be downloaded via the button below. The deadline for responses to this RFP are due by June 12, 2023.

Click to Download RFP

Survey: Environmental Training and Professional Development

Posted on by kieran

econext is seeking feedback from its members and our wider network to guide its delivery of training and professional development programming. Your participation in this survey will be a great help – it should only take you a couple of minutes to complete.

Complete the Survey

The deadline for participating is Friday June 2nd, 2023 @ 4:30 PM. For more information on this survey, please contact Colin Heffernan, Manager of Industry and Community Engagement, by e-mail at heffernan@econext.ca.