econext‘s Annual Conference is Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier green economy event, attracting leaders in business, government, academia, and the community.
Join us on October 30, 2024 in St. John’s, NL to hear about the latest developments in the province from decision makers and thought leaders relating to clean energy, green innovation, ongoing environmental challenges, and the pursuit of net zero.
Online processing fees from Eventbrite will be added to your total.
Your ticket will include a continental breakfast and buffet-style lunch.
Online-only registrants will receive a Zoom link to participate in the conference live.
Information on tickets being made available to students will be released closer to the conference date.
Partnership
Are you interested in partnering with us on our conference? Click here for details and contact Colin Heffernan at heffernan@econext.ca with your interest.
Everwind NL Holdings Ltd. has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the provision of environmental assessment consulting services for its Burin Peninsula Green Fuels Project – Phase I.
Click here to view the RFP, and here to download the accompanying files in .ZIP format.
Amendment 2: Note that the deadline to respond to this RFP has moved from June 3rd to Friday June 21st 2024 at 17:00 AST.
All questions regarding this RFP can be directed to:
Jan-Peter De Souza, B.Sc., B.Eng. PMP
Managing Partner
eunoia consulting group incorporated
(p) 709-351-3039 ; (e) jpdesouza@eunoiacg.com
Today the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador released its hydrogen development action plan which lays out the government’s priorities to further position the province as a Clean Energy Centre of Excellence.
Delegates from Newfoundland and Labrador at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam
“Newfoundland and Labrador has everything it takes to be a global leader in hydrogen production,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “This plan is an important signal to stakeholders that the province is serious about these opportunities and is doing what it can to help grow this industry in a methodical and strategic way.”
Hanley says that the production of clean fuels like hydrogen will not only have an important impact on the province’s economy, but also make a meaningful contribution in the global fight against climate change.
“In our travels to places like Germany and the Netherlands, it continues to be clear that Europe needs clean fuels from jurisdictions like Newfoundland and Labrador to both decarbonize and increase their energy security.”
“Newfoundland and Labrador is on the frontier of a new global industry,” said Hanley, “and this plan outlines what needs to be done so that we can seize the opportunity.”
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.
econext held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) during the week of April 26-30, 2024. The AGM featured the election of its Board of Directors.
Newly elected members of the Board of Directors include:
Jennifer Crane (Corner Brook Port)
Krista Langthorne (Newfoundland Power)
Ashley Pike (Growler Energy)
Alex Templeton (McInnes Cooper)
These Directors join:
Laurie Coady (North Atlantic)
Kris Costello (OilCo)
Don Drew (Newco Metals & Auto Recycling – Treasurer)
Heather Murphy (SEM)
David Pinsent (World Energy GH2)
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.
econext and TD are recognizing the achievements of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cleantech and environmental services Industry Awards winners.
“In the fight against climate change, businesses and individuals are doing some exciting things right here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “As a small province we are punching well above our weight in this regard and our industry awards help celebrate that success.”
The following awards were presented at econext‘s Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Event on April 26, 2024:
Cleantech Innovation Award – BioLabMate
Business Excellence Award – ASL Energy
International Business Award – Academy Canada
Industry Champion – Dave Pinsent
Information on the awards and all of the winners is found in the backgrounder below.
“Congratulations to our deserving award winners, each of whom is helping to drive clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
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.
— 30 —
Media Contact: Colin Heffernan
Manager of Industry and Community Engagement
heffernan@econext.ca
Backgrounder
Cleantech Innovation Award
econext’s Cleantech Innovation Award recognizes innovation at any stage of development in business and academia – from research and development, to commercialization, to refinement – of products, services, or processes that can mitigate effects to, protect, or enhance the environment. The award is judged according to the uniqueness of the innovation, the potential for positive environmental impact, and the potential for commercial application.
The winner of this year’s Cleantech Innovation Award is BioLabMate.
Stephen Curnew (TD Bank), Sanjay Dubey (BioLabMate), and Audrey Parnell (econext)
BioLabMate is an award winning start up focused on reshaping the future of plastic in our province. Started in 2021 with the recognition that there is a significant amount of waste generated from single use plastic items in scientific laboratories, BioLabMate is pioneering a technology that will result in a transition from petro-plastic to bio-plastic. Even when recycled, plastic still generates microplastic pollution in our oceans. As the history of Newfoundland and Labrador is deeply tied to the sea, having a safe and sustainably derived product is crucial for the future health of our marine way of life. The implications for bioplastic are beyond the university setting and can be implemented by the Health Services as well as private and industrial research labs.
The product developed by BioLabMate is truly circular. Utilizing their expertise in biochemistry and process engineering BioLabMate has invented a material derived from seaweed. They have engaged with rural communities to investigate economic development in seaweed farming in the province. This is currently an untapped potential market and provides and opportunity for growth. There will be the need for local processing facilities that have the potential to scale as adoption occurs. Additionally, the choice of seaweed as a material has far reaching climate implications. Seaweed is a powerful carbon sink, absorbing more CO2 than trees. Through its cultivation, this will allow Newfoundland and Labrador to work towards our Net Zero 2050 targets.
Through their work BioLabMate have also demonstrated that community engagement brings the best ideas forward. BioLabMate has worked with many mentors, businesses, and communities as they have grown as a company. As new Canadians with graduate degrees from MUN, they show the value that new talent and outside the petri dish thinking can bring to the province. Additionally, they have worked with students both at MUN and CNA to mentor the future scientists who can build upon their achievements. As they have progressed their fantastic vision from concept to pilot, they have been awarded the winner of Ocean Communities Climate Challenge (Ocean Startup) as well as IRAP funding.
econext is very pleased to award the Cleantech Innovation Award to BioLabMate.
Business Excellence Award
econext‘s Business Excellence Award recognizes a significant initiative or achievement of a business engaged in Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy. This could include the completion of specific projects, business growth milestones, or a contribution to the community from a sustainability or corporate social responsibility perspective. The award is judged according to the initiative or achievement’s impact as it relates to economic growth and development, positive environmental effects, and public awareness of green economy and environmental challenges or opportunities.
This year’s winner of the Business Excellence Award has demonstrated a commitment to ecological stewardship and operational excellence – ASL Energy.
Stephen Curnew (TD Bank), Dr. Ashley Gabriel (ASL Energy), Thomas Green (ASL Energy), and Colin Heffernan (econext).
In 2023 ASL Energy worked with many different partners including Equinor, North Atlantic Refining, ARUP, SLB, Springdale Forestry Resources the Provincial film and TV Industry, and even entertainment venues as diverse as Rogers Centre in Toronto, and Gilette Stadium in Foxborough Massachusetts.
Their most notable achievement in 2023 comes from their work with the aquaculture industry. Answering a mission based challenge to address the mounting aquaculture plastic waste, ASL Energy developed a recycling process for granular high-density polyethylene (or HDPE) plastics. They established partnerships with key producers to give their discarded plastic a second life. Through purchasing a shredder and designing a system where it can be deployed to the specific locations of the waste, ASL Energy can efficiently and effectively convert a landfill nuisance into a manufacturing feedstock. A notable product that ASL develops with the recycled plastic are mats which allow for environmentally safe practices in the offshore as well as in rural and remote communities.
Tackling the issue of plastic waste in the aquaculture sector reflects a proactive approach to environmental responsibility, setting a positive example and contributing to a culture of corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Through this initiative, the award winner is mitigating plastic pollution, promoting resource efficiency, and supporting a more sustainable approach to aquaculture production. Proudly female Indigenous-owned, our recipient of the Business Excellence award values diversity, inclusion, and strong ties with Indigenous partners and local communities, fostering economic growth and supporting local economies.
International Business Award
econext‘s International Business Award recognizes a significant initiative or achievement of a Newfoundland and Labrador organization engaged in international business activities relating to cleantech or environmental services. Initiatives or achievements could include export success, diversification into new sectors or markets, collaborative research and development, or the establishment of international partners. The award is judged according to the relative impact of the internationalization activity for the individual business and/or the industry at-large.
The winner of this year’s International Business Award is Academy Canada.
Stephen Curnew (TD Bank), Lisa Lovelady (Academy Canada), Abbie Hodder (econext), and Beverly Moore (Academy Canada)
Academy Canada is proud to be the largest independent career college in NL and one of the most diverse in the entire country. The college has helped more than 35,000 students build their careers by delivering hands-on and relevant diploma programs in the top 35 employment fields since it was established in 1985.
Less than five years ago, Academy Canada set its sights on qualifying and pursuing opportunities for growth and collaboration in the Caribbean market. During this short time, the organization has prioritized a handful of individual markets within the region on which to focus its business development efforts and throughout this period, the institution has remained focused and committed to establishing and nurturing meaningful strategic partnerships.
Despite the difficulties brought on by the COVID 19 pandemic which thwarted travel into the region, Academy Canada maintained and strengthened relationships in the market throughout the pandemic. And as travel to the region resumed, the institution’s success has been marked in the form of official partnership agreements signed in three distinct markets: Barbados, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. Academy Canada’s success in the Caribbean can in large part be attributed to its commitment and sustained focus on relationship building – an essential success factor for doing business in the region. But the institution’s approach to business development has also been discernibly unique.
Recognizing the need to develop trust, to demonstrate its value to prospective clients and partners and to differentiate itself from competitors, Academy Canada has been actively building the capacity of in-market partners and stakeholders by sharing Academy Canada’s own experiences and best practices through workshops and information sessions on topics such as supporting students with disabilities.
Academy Canada’s collaborative approach to international business development is also manifesting itself in the form of local partnerships here at home. One example is a tripartite collaboration between Academy Canada, the Marine Institute and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia. The collaborative initiative is aimed at creating diverse experiential learning opportunities for Canadian youth in areas of study that include coastal resource management, marine conservation, marine engineering, and welding. Academy Canada has not only established itself as a valuable training partner and provider to organizations across the Caribbean, but in doing so, it is also raised the profile of Newfoundland and Labrador in the Caribbean region, and all it has to offer.
Congratulations to Academy Canada on being recognized with econext’s International Business Award.
Industry Champion Award
econext’s prestigious Industry Champion Award recognizes the contribution of an individual to the growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean technology and environmental services sector.
Reducing our contribution to climate change really comes down to two fundamental acts: making existing aspects of our economy less greenhouse gas intensive, and introducing the new technologies, processes, and industries that will be the foundation of our economy in the long term.
Kris Drodge (Marine Institute) and Dave Pinsent (World Energy GH2).
This sums up what people mean when they use the term ‘energy transition’. The individual that we are recognizing this afternoon has played a prominent role on both sides of the energy transition coin – from oil and gas to hydrogen.
The Net Zero Project was initiated in 2021 with the objective to define what actions were necessary to ensure success for Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil and gas industry within the context of the world’s pursuit of net zero by the year 2050. As the Policy Lead for this important project, our award winner helped identify key actions that needed to be explored for our industry to reach this objective. From the development of offshore wind farms to electrify offshore assets, to the adoption of carbon capture and storage technologies, to the creation of negative emissions carbon offset projects – our Industry Champion was vital in helping us understand what crucial steps needed to be taken from a policy and regulatory perspective to allow our province to realize and adopt these opportunities.
Having helped to address these matters, our award winner next set his sights on helping to build an entirely new clean energy industry. As the Environment and Sustainability Manager of World Energy GH2 our Industry Champion helped industry navigate the environmental assessment for a project which had no precedent on a global scale. To put this achievement into context, Newfoundland and Labrador had a moratorium on wind energy up until 2 years ago. Our award winner led the advancement of an EA in a dynamic environment where processes, guidelines, and regulations were being constructed in real time. The recent release of World Energy GH2’s project from environmental assessment is a testament to the effectiveness of his work.
In both of these cases – whether it be outlining net zero pathways for our province’s key industry, or being the trailblazer in establishing the norms for a brand new one – econext’s Industry Champion has had a significant and lasting effect on clean growth and the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.
econext is privileged to present the Industry Champion Award to Dave Pinsent.
econext‘s Board of Directors provide direction and support to the organization’s staff in their work to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The following six (6) candidates, in alphabetical order by last name, have been nominated for a total of four (4) positions:
Jennifer Crane
Shem Evans
Krista Langthorne
Ashley Pike
Brian Taite
Alex Templeton
Nominee bios follow below.
Jennifer Crane
Business Development Manager, Corner Brook Port Corporation
Biography:
Jennifer Crane is a distinguished professional with a passion for sustainable development and strategic leadership in the maritime industry. Jennifer’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Memorial University of Newfoundland, followed by a Master of Education (M.Ed) specializing in Post-Secondary Studies, and culminated in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Leicester.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has seamlessly transitioned between roles in the public and non-profit sectors, demonstrating a remarkable versatility and dedication to community engagement. Her involvement in the non-profit sector has been marked by leadership positions on various boards of directors, where she has served as Chairperson and Vice-Chair, among other roles. This experience has endowed her with a profound understanding of board governance principles, strategic decision-making, and organizational leadership.
Jennifer’s commitment to professional development is further underscored by her Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, which equips her with the skills necessary to be an active and effective member of any board. Her strategic acumen and collaborative approach have been instrumental in driving positive change and fostering sustainable growth within the organizations she has served.
Jennifer’s tenure at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus provided a rich environment for cultivating enduring connections and relationships within academia and the business community. She reflects on this experience as a testament to the power of building meaningful connections and leveraging them to drive positive change and sustainable growth in her current endeavors.
In her current role as the Business Development Manager at Corner Brook Port Corporation, Jennifer leverages her diverse skill set to lead marketing and business development initiatives across key sectors, including Real Estate, Cruise Tourism, and Industrial Operations. Most recently Jennifer is deeply engaged in exploring renewable energy solutions for the Port of Corner Brook, recognizing the transformative potential of green technologies in shaping the port’s future.
In 2023, Jennifer attended the World Hydrogen Summit, where she gained invaluable insights into the latest developments in hydrogen technology and its application in the maritime sector. This experience strengthened Jennifer’s resolve to integrate renewable energy sources into the port’s operations and to explore further opportunities for emissions reduction within the region.
Looking ahead, Jennifer Crane’s vision for the Port of Corner Brook is centered on sustainability and strategic growth. Her top priority is to transition the port towards becoming a model of environmental stewardship within the industry. This includes implementing renewable energy solutions, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing carbon footprint.
In line with this vision, Jennifer plans to attend the World Hydrogen Summit again this year, eager to stay at the forefront of advancements in renewable energy. She believes that by embracing sustainable practices, the Port of Corner Brook can not only thrive economically but also contribute positively to the environment and local community.
As Jennifer continues to chart new frontiers in renewable energy advocacy and business development, her unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with her profound understanding of board governance and strategic leadership, sets her apart as a visionary leader poised to shape the future of the maritime sector.
Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:
As a member of Econext’s Board of Directors, my primary objective is to leverage my expertise in strategic management, leadership, and sustainable development to drive the organization towards its mission of fostering economic growth while prioritizing environmental conservation. I am committed to promoting innovative solutions that enable businesses to thrive in a manner that is both socially responsible and ecologically sustainable. By collaborating with fellow board members and stakeholders, I aim to steer Econext towards implementing impactful initiatives that not only enhance profitability but also contribute positively to the well-being of our planet and future generations. Additionally, I am passionate about integrating Western Newfoundland with Econext through collaboration and networking, fostering stronger ties between local businesses and the wider economic ecosystem. With a keen focus on fostering partnerships, advocating for policy changes, and championing sustainable practices, I aspire to play a pivotal role in guiding Econext towards becoming a catalyst for positive change in the global business landscape.
Shem Evans
Environmental Specialist and Project Manager, Hatch
Biography:
Shem has over 16 years of experience in the environmental industry, with special focus within the heavy industrial construction sector. His background consists of a variety of onsite environmental management roles in large undertakings throughout Canada and abroad, often in remote locations, requiring an acute understanding of the regulatory framework across various jurisdictions. Shem is highly knowledgeable in best practices for the design and implementation of monitoring programs as well as mitigation measures to protect the environment during construction, operation, and decommissioning of various Projects. Notable projects that Shem has been a part of, include Vale’s ‘Long Harbour Nickel Processing Plant Project’ (2012-2014), Nalcor’s ‘Lower Churchill Project – Muskrat Falls’ Powerhouse and Spillway (2014-2017), Rio Tinto’s ‘Kemano Tunnel 2 Project’ (2018-2019) in British Colombia, and the City of Kingston’s ‘Wabaan Bridge’ (Third Crossing Project (2019-2022)), in Ontario. The former, consisted or a 1.2-kilometre bridge built within the Rideau Canal, a federally managed waterway, designated National Historic Site of Canada, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shem’s working background also consists of various consultant roles, inclusive of coordinating environmental assessments, community engagement, and compliance permitting for different projects throughout Canada. With Hatch, Shem has supported and advised on the decommissioning of hydro dams, several remediation projects, the construction of mines, bridges, and harbour improvements, as well as renewable energy projects throughout Atlantic Canada. Shem recently led the Environmental Impact Assessment and registration of J.D. Irving, Limited’s ‘Brighton Mountain Wind Farm’, a proposed 350 MW wind farm located in central New Brunswick.
Shem holds a master’s degree in environmental policy (2017) through Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)-Grenfell Campus, with a program focus on policy development and planning, as well as environmental assessment. His research, centered around the transition to a sustainable food system in Newfoundland and Labrador, through holistic approaches to soil and crop cultivation, coupled with integrating technology and renewable energy systems into food production, to increase food sovereignty. Shem also was as a lecturer at MUN while undertaking his master’s program and received the distinction of ‘Fellow to the School of Graduate Studies’.
Shem also served on the board of directors for the Western Environment Centre (2016-2018), based out of Corner Brook on the islands west coast, where he helped to coordinate community composting and gardening programs throughout the region.
Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:
I am interested in becoming a member of the Board of Directors at econext, to assist members in the industrial shift towards a green economy. I’m passionate about our province’s future, its people, and the energy transition ahead of us. My experiences in assisting proponents towards decarbonization, environmental compliance, as well as engagement, gives me unique perspective to help members along their pathways to sustainability. I’m also particularly interested in increasing new connections between like-minded environmental interest groups and individuals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. I would also like to strengthen existing relationships for collaboration throughout our Province to tackle our greatest challenges, towards clean growth.
Krista Langthorne
Director of Customer Relations and Energy Solutions, Newfoundland Power
Biography:
Krista Langthorne, Director, Customer Relations and Energy Solutions, Newfoundland Power has been instrumental in driving transformative changes in energy efficiency and electrification for the Company, the industry and the province.
Actively engaging with customers, key stakeholders, and communities, Krista has played a key role in Newfoundland Power’s focus on sustainability and ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impacts. Under Krista’s leadership, the commitment to social and environmental responsibility has been strengthened. Her contributions have been recognized by the Globe and Mail Report on Business, naming her a Changemaker in 2021 among emerging leaders from across the country. She has also been published in the Canadian Energy Efficiency Outlook: A National Effort for Tackling Climate Change, a comprehensive overview of energy efficiency.
With over 12 years of experience, Krista has extensive knowledge and expertise in customer service, electrification, conservation, and demand management. Her proficiency encompasses energy technologies, project management, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and an in-depth understanding of industry trends and best practices in the energy sector. Krista is a leader who exemplifies creative thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to tangible results.
Krista oversees all areas of customer service delivery while prioritizing customer satisfaction. She led efforts to improve service delivery by implementing new technologies and processes to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and foster positive customer experiences.
Leading Energy Solutions includes providing strategic direction in developing, delivering, and evaluating cost-saving programs for customers, including programs to help them manage energy costs while contributing to least-cost electricity service delivery. She has been instrumental in developing and executing multiple five-year strategic plans for energy conservation, demand management, and electrification.
Krista has been at the forefront of advancing electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Her leadership and collaboration with businesses and policymakers have addressed funding gaps and enhanced customer awareness. She spearheaded the development of a $20M investment plan to kick-start EV adoption in the province and secured over $1M in funding for growth initiatives. In 2022, she was crucial in launching the takeCHARGE EV Charging Network, expanding the provincial charging infrastructure. As a result, drivers have saved over 58,000 litres of gasoline and approximately 125,000 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. Krista’s strategic efforts position her as a driving force behind innovation, contributing to the province’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
Krista joined Newfoundland Power in 2012 as Conservation Planner and served in several conservation and market analysis roles, including Manager, Conservation and Manager, Business Development. Krista holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Memorial University and completed the Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Energy and Building Technologies from Humber College in Toronto.
Active in various industry forums, Krista is a member of the St. John’s Environment and Sustainability Experts Panel and Electricity Canada’s Customer Council and Call Centre Network Committees. She has served on the Provincial Government’s Electrification Working Group, Fortis Transportation Electrification Committee, Fortis Innovation Network, and North American Alliance for Transportation Electrification.
An innovative changemaker who is always striving to find a better way of doing things, Krista Langthorne would bring invaluable insight, creativity, and leadership to the econext Board.
Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:
As a candidate for econext’s Board of Directors, dedicated to accelerating clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, my objectives include fostering environmentally sustainable development and supporting efforts to accelerate clean growth within the province. Drawing upon my expertise in energy efficiency, electrification, customer service, and the local energy sector, I aim to drive impactful initiatives that promote clean energy adoption and innovation and reduce carbon emissions. Through my comprehensive network, I strive to build positive connections for econext and its members, facilitating collaborations and partnerships that further our shared goals. Furthermore, with my technical expertise and experience, I aim to maximize the organization’s impact and effectiveness by fostering innovation.
My vision for serving on econext’s Board of Directors is to create a more sustainable and resilient future for Newfoundland and Labrador. Through collaborative leadership, strategic and creative thinking, and dedication to tangible results, I am eager to help steer the organization toward achieving its mission of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Together, we can drive meaningful change and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future for the next generations.
Ashley Pike
Stakeholder and Policy Manager, Growler Energy
Biography:
Ashley Pike has spent over 15 years in the energy sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.
She obtained her graduate and undergraduate degrees in Political Science from Memorial University. Her research focused on energy policy, intergovernmental relations, and natural resources, particularly as it relates to Newfoundland and Labrador.
She has held roles with both the federal and provincial governments in areas including resource and fiscal policy analysis, energy policy, electricity and alternative energy, energy efficiency and program management.
Ashley also spent several years at a public utility in the regulatory and business development groups. She participated in numerous regulatory filings and proceedings in these positions which has provided her with a solid understanding of the legislative and regulatory environment in this province.
Ashley is currently the Stakeholder and Policy Manager at Growler Energy, an independent power producer through partnerships on renewable energy projects. In this role, she is responsible for guiding and implementing policy initiatives, as well as collaborating with industry stakeholders to advance renewable energy developments. She was previously the Research and Business Development Manager which included collaboration with industry and academia, applied research and market development. Working at Growler Energy provides an opportunity to participate directly in the clean energy transition in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ashley is active in a number of not-for-profit organizations, both locally and internationally. She is the co-lead of the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE). WiRE is an international organization with chapters throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, dedicated to advancing the role and recognition of women and other underrepresented groups in the clean energy sector. Ashley also sits on the Board of Directors of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador, which works to advance the mental health and wellbeing of parents, children, and families in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:
I am very fortunate that I have been able to spend my career in Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy sector. I have gained valuable experience and knowledge which will enable me to support econext’s priorities and strategic vision for clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.
I am confident that econext will continue to play a pivotal role in the clean energy transition in our province, and I would be honored to be part of this. If elected, I will bring genuine enthusiasm, passion and dedication, and will continue to advocate for a clean growth future in our province. Thank you for your consideration.
Brian Taite
SSHE Advisor – HMDC
Biography:
Brian is an accomplished and dedicated health, safety, environment and regulatory professional with over 30 years’ experience in the energy, construction, and mining sectors. Brian has been a consultant to several major mining and energy companies, government agencies and private industry for emergency preparedness and response, incident investigation, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, auditing, HSE planning and technical integrity assurance.
Brian was educated at Memorial University and was admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1992, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering in 1994 and Master of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering in 1999. Brian has been associated with econext since the mid 1990’s having served on the econext board and various committees over the years.
Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:
This is a dynamic time for Newfoundland and Labrador with the advancement of wind and hydrogen energy, shirt to electric vehicles and progressing clean technology. Econext has played a significant role in many ways. Through helping our membership explore opportunities in development and global outreach to working with government in creating strategies to enable our province to accelerate our growth in clean sustainable economic development. The organization also in instrumental in helping to prepare our workforce for the greening economy.
If elected to serve on the Board of Directors I would work to continue the outstanding accomplishments of econext, to help our membership succeed in growth and innovation, and ultimately give back to our industry and our province with much pride and satisfaction.
Alex Templeton
Commercial Energy Manager, Nunacor Development Corporation
Biography:
Alex is the current Chair of the Board of Directors of econext, and a long-standing volunteer with the association. He’s a partner with the Atlantic Canadian law firm McInnes Cooper, where he maintains a litigation and regulatory practice focused on administrative law, environmental law, privacy and access to information law, municipal law and commercial law. He routinely deals with matters involving regulatory compliance, contracts, insurance, negligence and professional liability. Most of Alex’s clients are private companies engaged in a variety of industry sectors (aquaculture, fisheries, oil and gas, energy, electricity, mining, telecommunications, insurance, construction) or public institutions (universities, colleges, municipalities, crown corporations). He’s an alumnus of Memorial University of Newfoundland (B.A.(Hons.), 2003) and the University of New Brunswick (LL.B, 2006). Alex is also an elected Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, serving on the board directing the Society’ governance of the legal profession in the public interest.
Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:
There are so many reasons why I volunteer with econext. I believe econext plays an important role in brokering and enhancing relationships between private industry, public bodies, industry regulators and government, and that my modest efforts help the econext team perform this vital work. We’re living through an industrial transition where environmental imperatives are driving economic development in cleantech, value from waste, renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency, clean fuels production, and the list goes on. It’s satisfying to look back over the past decade that I’ve been involved with the association and reflect on how our members have succeeded in this transitory context, how our membership has grown, how our team has developed, and how the green economy has truly come of age. I’m proud to have played a small part in that. The challenges as we carry forward in this sea change are diverse, and there’s no end to the issues that accelerating the green economy presents, but these are what also make the work rewarding. Thank you to econext for giving me a front row seat to witness this evolution, and I’d love to have the opportunity to continue to serve.
This afternoon the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador released World Energy GH2’s Project Nujio’qonik from environmental assessment.
“This is a landmark moment for Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “This project puts our province on the frontier of green hydrogen production internationally, and we congratulate World Energy GH2 and their partners in this extraordinary achievement.”
Project Nujio’qonik will be Canada’s first commercial green hydrogen/ammonia producer created from 3+ GW of renewable electricity through wind projects in one of the world’s best wind resource regions.
Hanley said econext expects the milestone to be one among many in the years ahead for Newfoundland and Labrador. “There are several projects being explored within the province that would be internationally significant in terms of their impact in the fight against climate change,” he said. “These types of projects not only allow for Newfoundland and Labrador to make an important contribution to the world’s pursuit of net zero GHGs, but also create good jobs, business opportunities, and community investment here at home.”
“We would also like to reflect on the hard work of our colleagues in the provincial government,” said Hanley, noting that the global energy transition is happening quickly and until recent years a wind-to-hydrogen project in Newfoundland and Labrador would have been inconceivable. “Our government had to build regulations and processes from the ground up to respond to the world’s increasing demand for clean energy; this has been no small feat but it has helped position the province for success while maintaining the highest of environmental standards.”
econext is an association 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.
The Tides of Opportunity video series stemmed from a number of in-person events and real-time demonstrations where both students and skilled professionals could learn directly from industry leaders about available and emerging ocean cleantech careers in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This video spotlights The Launch. The Launch is the Marine Institute’s hub of ocean innovation, discovery, and leadership, providing a collaborative and inclusive space for Canada’s ocean stakeholders and rights holders to operationalize the vital technology needed to support ocean health and economic prosperity from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
econext will recognize and celebrate the winners of its 2024 Industry Awards on April 26 at an event at the Delta St. John’s.
“Internationally there is a growing focus on the environmental performance of economies, industries, and communities,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “Organizations and individuals are doing some world class things here in Newfoundland and Labrador that deserve to be recognized and be part of that story.”
Awards will be distributed in the following categories:
Cleantech Innovation
Business Excellence
International Business
Industry Champion
econext‘s Industry Awards are being presented this year in partnership with TD. TD provides a wide range of banking services and access to instruments for lending, equipment and asset financing, and integrated, customized solutions for their clients. “TD has been a supporter of econext and its work to grow Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy, and we are happy to have them be part of our awards ceremony this year.”
Hanley noted that nominations are still being accepted for the awards until April 9. Nominations can be made here.
Tickets for the awards ceremony are available here.
econext is an association 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.
