econext is requesting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified firms based in Newfoundland and Labrador with the ability to provide greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification services to small and medium sized businesses in the province.
econext is supporting its members by facilitating access to services that help businesses quantify their environmental impacts. Armed with the results of these assessments, businesses in the province will be better positioned to fight climate change and improve their bottom lines.
The purpose of this request for EOIs is for econext to gain an understanding what GHG quantification services are available locally so that it can encourage businesses across the province to avail of them.
Responses should include the following information:
Summary of services able to be provided;
Demonstrated experience in providing the services;
Standards or methodologies that are used or adhered to in the provision of services;
Cost structure/estimates for the provision of services. Estimates can be tiered based on expected variables from business to business (i.e., business size, number of business assets/locations, business type, complexity of task, etc.);
Any geographical restrictions to for the provision of services (i.e., available anywhere in the province versus only in specific areas); and
Any other information believed to be relevant by the respondent.
EOI responses being accepted until June 28, 2024. It is understood that there are many variables that can impact cost estimates; the intent of this request for EOIs is not to define exact costs but to understand what the range of costs are expected to be based on these variables. Responses should be in PDF format and be no longer than two standard pages. Responses can be sent to greeningbusiness@econext.ca.
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.
The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology (IET) is pleased to announce that plans are underway for a Newfoundland and Labrador delegation to attend the World Hydrogen 2024 Summit & Exhibition associated events in Rotterdam, Netherlands (May 12-15).
The World Hydrogen 2024 Summit & Exhibition is the world’s largest hydrogen event dedicated to global hydrogen advancement and has become a leading global platform for hydrogen business development. Approximately 15,000 visitors and over 500 exhibiting companies from 130 countries participated in 2023, which tripled in size from 2022, and organizers are planning a further expansion in 2024.
All information pertaining to IET’s attendance is available here.
Registered delegates will receive:
Exhibition floor access
Support at the Newfoundland and Labrador booth
Invitations to industry networking events
Energy NL will also host a reception for delegates at the Rotterdam Marriott Hotel on the evening of Sunday, May 12. A sponsorship opportunity is available for this networking event. For information, please contact Mike Daly at mdaly@energynl.ca.
As well, Energy NL has a block of rooms held until February 26 at the Rotterdam Marriott Hotel available here.
The room block period is for May 12-14. Dates outside of this block require a separate booking.
Please note the seven-days prior cancellation policy.
Any questions on the accommodations can be directed to Robin Kieley at rkieley@energynl.ca.
For further information or to register, please contact Mary Lynn Granville at email: marylynngranville@gov.nl.ca or telephone: 709-729-0440.
Additional information on the Summit and Exhibition can be found here.
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.
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 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.”
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.
The prospect of significant renewable energy development and clean fuels production in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is creating a need for stakeholders to understand what is needed from a labour market and workforce development perspective.
In some cases, such as large-scale wind farms and hydrogen production, these are ‘new’ industries to NL and, as such, its workforce is not necessarily fully prepared to participate. In other cases, stakeholders in the clean energy industry as it exists today (e.g., operations and maintenance of electricity generation and transmission assets, electrification activities) are already expressing challenges with workforce attraction and retention.
These factors combined demonstrate a clear need for strategic workforce development initiatives for the clean energy industry in NL. It is important to understand where skills gaps exist before advancing next steps.
Are you a Canadian company interested in learning more about selling to the U.S. offshore wind market?
The Trade Commissioner Service in Boston is organizing a pilot program to assist Canadian clients as they explore market entry strategies into the U.S. offshore wind industry.
Introductory Webinar: Open to all Canadian clients
March 14th
Time: 12:00-2:00 ET
On March 14th, the Trade Commissioner Service in Boston will host a webinar featuring the Xodus Group. The Xodus group is a global energy consultancy that has worked with both developers and states in the U.S. as they seek to expand their offshore wind supply chains. The webinar will include an overview of the US offshore wind market, information on the current project pipeline and a discussion of potential entry pathways, key decision points and approaches to articulating your companies value proposition for offshore wind clients.
*Sessions will be schedule individually between March 16 and March 31st*
Following this webinar, the Trade Commissioner Service will select 6 clients to participate in one-on-one sessions with Xodus. The benefits will include:
2-hour deep dive into the company’s specific value-add areas for the offshore wind industry including
Recommendations of customizing approaches by service/product area
Suggestions on incorporating the company’s existing expertise into the new strategy
Considerations for geography, scaling, workforce development, and more
A final write-up summarizing recommendations
Follow-up introductions to 3 local contacts (developers, partners, state agencies, etc.)
Program Eligibility:
Companies that have a product/service for the offshore wind market with a high potential for growth
Companies that are interested in refining their strategy and marketing for the U.S. offshore Wind market.
Companies that are interested in connecting with U.S. developers, partners, regulators, etc.
Click Here to Apply DEADLINE: Completed applications must be received by March 16th 2023
For more information, please contact Erin Donahue, Trade Commissioner, Consulate of Canada in Boston, at erin.donahue@international.gc.ca.
In partnership with the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE), econext is helping to facilitate the placement of entrepreneurial work term students within SMEs in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) that have clean energy interests.
The entrepreneurial work term sees students from Memorial University complete a placement which allows them to explore new business ideas and work on their own startup enterprise. This joint MCE-econext initiative will encourage students to pursue clean energy-focused ideas while embedded within a local SME that has the expertise and interest in assisting them with their ideas.
Throughout the placement, the student will be provided entrepreneurial guidance from the MCE. Students can come from faculties with established co-operative education programming (e.g., business, engineering) or from any other discipline even if there is no formal work term programming or requirements in place. The first work terms will take place between May – August.
The objective of this initiative are to (1) help build the talent pipeline in NL to succeed in the emerging clean energy industry; (2) build interest and capacity in clean energy innovation and startups; (3) provide meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities for students and their hosts.
econext is seeking the participation of five (5) of its members to help pilot this initiative. If you are interested in hosting an clean energy entrepreneurial work term student, please contact Kieran Hanley at kieran@econext.ca.
The objective of this Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) is for econext to assess capabilities and interest from firms in the provision of graphic design services to create a series of infographics that demonstrate climate change / clean growth concepts in Newfoundland and Labrador.
These infographics will be used to educate stakeholders and inspire action towards mitigating the effects of climate change and growing the green economy.
econext is asking interested parties to consider the following factors with respect to one infographic in their response to this EOI:
Firms will be provided with all information required for the infographic;
Firms will be relied upon to provide guidance on how information should be presented in an infographic based on best practices and the target audience;
Infographics should be designed to be 8.5 x 11 in size (plus bleeding and crop markings) as to allow for printing;
Infographics should be delivered in PDF format (vector-based); and
Firms will provide the source design files for the infographic created.
econext will draw from the pool of designers submitting responses to this EOI for future work.
Reponses to this EOI should include the following information:
Cost per infographic designed and delivered;
Estimate of timeline associated with infographic delivery, assuming you have been provided with all required information; and
Examples of relevant design work.
The electronic copy of your submissions should be in a single PDF document and sent to Kieran Hanley at kieran@econext.ca. Questions from interested respondents can be sent to the same address. The deadline for EOI responses is March 22, 2023.
