Author: kieran

econext celebrates historic Churchill Falls agreement between Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
December 13, 2024

econext is congratulating the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and its negotiating team on the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed yesterday with Quebec to chart the future for Churchill Falls.

“The Churchill Falls hydroelectric resources are world class and are admired by all those econext and its members engage with nationally and internationally,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s CEO. “We commend both provincial governments for seeing the importance and value of this enormous clean energy asset, and are excited and ready to contribute to its future development.”

The MOU signed between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec includes an agreement to terminate and replace the 1969 Upper Churchill Contract, expand the capacity of the existing Churchill Falls plant, develop Gull Island, and build important new transmission infrastructure.

“Gull Island is well known across the continent as being one of the most attractive undeveloped hydroelectricity projects in North America,” said Hanley. “All told, this agreement will increase clean energy generation capacity in Labrador by almost 4GW, with the province maintaining majority ownership of the generation assets and having access to almost 2GW.”

Hanley said that the agreement will mean a number of things from a clean energy perspective. “First, this expanded access to clean energy will allow the province to attract new investment and new low-carbon industrial activity,” noting that it has the potential to enable new critical minerals activity in Labrador. “Second, this will mean many green jobs and business opportunities for people in our province over a sustained period of time.”

Also significant, said Hanley, is the involvement of the Innu Nation in the negotiations and the announcement of the MOU. “We are seeing a trend here in Newfoundland and Labrador where Indigenous groups are becoming directly involved in clean energy project development, and this is a very positive thing.”

Hanley observed that the MOU is the result of the hard work and determination of many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. “This MOU is a win for all parties to the agreement; econext would like to extend a congratulations to all of those involved.”

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.

Abbie Hodder named CEO of Women in Resource Development Corporation

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
December 9, 2024

On Friday, econext‘s Chief Operating Officer Abbie Hodder was announced as the new CEO of the Women in Resource Development Corporation (WRDC).

“I know I speak for the econext team, Board of Directors, and membership in offering a big ‘Congratulations!’ to Abbie,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO.

Abbie started with the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association in 2012, with her responsibilities growing over time to ultimately lead the organization’s international business development activities and take on the role of COO.

“Abbie has played such an important role in all of the success that econext has had these past years, and has been integral to the organization transforming from NEIA to become what it is today,” said Hanley. “We sure are going to miss her, but we know that her success at WRDC will be to everyone’s gain!”

Hanley noted that econext‘s recent research on expected clean energy industry job demands makes it clear that increasing women’s participation in trades and technology is going to be a key success factor. “WRDC has made an excellent selection; Abbie brings with her experiences and skills which are certain to help move the needle – as she has done with such effectiveness at econext these past years,” said Hanley.

Abbie will officially join the WRDC team in January 2025.

“We are so happy for Abbie and wish her the best in this new adventure.”

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.

CEO Message – November 27, 2024

Posted on by kieran

Help chart the course for NL’s future offshore wind industry

If you are interested in the future of offshore wind in Newfoundland and Labrador – whether that be from a technical, policy, socio-economic, developer, or environmental perspective – time is running out to provide your feedback on work completed on a regional assessment.

The Committee for the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Newfoundland and Labrador has released its draft final report which can be downloaded here.

The main purpose of the regional assessment is to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of future impact assessments for specific projects. The report covers a wide range of topics from environmental impacts (i.e., acoustics, marine habitats, ocean life), to potential for conflict with other ocean users (i.e., fisheries, transportation, parks), to icebergs and sightlines. The report also makes recommendations on what areas are most appropriate for future licensing.

While the recommendations stemming from the report are not binding, they will certainly be taken seriously by federal/provincial regulators of a future offshore wind industry in the province. With this in mind, it is important for all interested parties to take a look at it through the lens of their expertise and make comment.

For its part, econext will be making a submission based on comments that we have received from our members through the life of the regional assessment. As you review, if you come across something that you strongly believe needs to be considered or adjusted, please let us know so that we can incorporate this into our own feedback.

As a heads up, you’ll need to set aside some time. The report is a hefty document sitting at 828 pages. Responses are due before midnight on November 29. For more information on how to provide feedback on the report, visit the regional assessment website.

// Kieran Hanley
CEO

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 complete a study, which is the next step in understanding the requirements to build an additional transmission line 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 could have three important impacts,” said Hanley.

“First, this could 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 could 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 could 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.

Holiday Social

Posted on by kieran

Date: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Emera Innovation Center, 100 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s, NL, A1A 1B3

Join us for our 2024 Holiday Social!

econext, Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defense, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, and Oceans Advance invite you to join us for a festive holiday social! Come celebrate the season, connect with fellow professionals, and reflect on our shared successes from the past year.

This event is by donation to either Heavenly Creatures or the Community Food Sharing Association. Space is limited, so please RSVP using the link below by Tuesday December 3, 2024.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Get Tickets Now

Interested in partnering with us for this event? Contact Colin Heffernan, Manager of Industry and Community Engagement, at heffernan@econext.ca.

Heavenly Creatures is a no kill animal charity with no government or corporate funding. They have a pet food bank in addition to providing medical assistance to animals in need from low-income families.

Community Food Sharing Association is a pivotal agency for food distribution to the hungry in Newfoundland & Labrador. The St. John’s office and warehouse manages the collection and distribution of food through 54 food banks to more than 10,700 children, women, and men throughout Newfoundland & Labrador.

 

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

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.