econext leading Newfoundland and Labrador business delegation to German wind energy conference

ST. JOHN’S, NL – With support from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology (IET), econext is facilitating the participation of businesses from Newfoundland and Labrador in the WindEnergy Hamburg conference and exhibition.

“There is over 23GW of wind-to-hydrogen production being pursued in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Abbie Hodder, econext‘s Chief Operating Officer and Director for International Business. “This is attracting significant global interest to our province and presents enormous opportunity for our businesses to build new international partnerships.”

Many of the participating businesses are availing of matchmaking services which help them find those opportunities through a schedule of pre-qualified meetings.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is on the front lines of the world’s emerging hydrogen industry,” says Hodder. “Our clean electricity grid, availability of land and water, proximity to Europe, existing port infrastructure, and a ready supply chain and workforce that is accustomed to supporting mega projects – collectively have positioned us to be an international leader in this space.” This is the reason, said Hodder, behind close collaboration with countries like Germany whereas a Declaration of Intent was signed between Newfoundland and Labrador and the City of Hamburg in 2022 which shortly followed a visit from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Stephenville in 2022.

econext is partnering with Marine Renewables Canada on the trade mission. WindEnergy Hamburg is also an event which presents opportunities for SMEs in Atlantic Canada with oceans-based expertise to explore applications in the international offshore wind energy industry.

“Canadian businesses have strong capabilities in offshore wind, after decades of experience working in oil and gas and marine sectors that translate well to directly support offshore wind energy development,” said Amanda White, Operations Director at Marine Renewables Canada. “While Canada is in the early stages of establishing an offshore wind market, attending WindEnergy Hamburg presents an invaluable opportunity for Marine Renewables Canada and econext, along with our trade mission delegates, to gather information, make connections and hear lessons learned that can help accelerate the development of Canada’s clean energy sector.”

WindEnergy Hamburg is a world-class global trade fair dedicated to the growing wind energy sector. The event attracts more than 1,400 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements and innovations in the wind energy industry. It also draws a diverse and international audience, with more than 35,000 attendees from over 100 countries. WindEnergy Hamburg is an optimal event for networking, getting market intelligence on the global wind sector, and identifying new business opportunities.

IET contributed $44,250 to support econext’s trade mission to WindEnergy Hamburg. More details about WindEnergy Hamburg can be found here.

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in NL. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. econext is a driver for clean growth innovation in the province, a coordinator of green workforce development, and a catalyst for net zero by 2050 planning within NL’s communities and industries. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca

econext Successfully Diverts 750 kg of End-of-Life Electronics at Recycling Event

econext staff Alex Rumbolt, Colin Heffernan, Audrey Parnell and Chelsea Linfield pictured from left to right with collected electronics.

September 4, 2024

In an effort to reduce waste, econext hosted an Electronics Recycling Day event in partnership with the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) and Computers for Schools (CFS) on August 29, 2024. The event, which saw active participation from econext members and the local community, culminated in the collection and proper disposal of 750 kilograms of end-of-life electronics. econext is thankful for the support of EPRA, Sobeys, Scotia Recycling and Computers in Schools in helping this event succeed.

This initiative underscores econext‘s commitment to environmental sustainability by tackling the growing issue of end-of-life electronics, which poses significant environmental hazards when not disposed of correctly. econext‘s members, who enthusiastically supported the event, brought in a wide array of obsolete electronics, from outdated monitors to old mobile devices, ensuring that these items did not end up in landfills.

A bin full of collected end-of-life electronics.

A Community Effort

“The goal of this event for econext is to divert end-of-life electronics from our landfills here in the province,” said Colin Heffernan, manager of Industry and Community Engagement at econext. “There is a wide range of electronics – Laptops, computers, TV’s, monitors, cords, and more – that can be collected, processed, and deconstructed so that useful components can be reused, or repurposed.”

The event highlighted the importance of responsible waste management, providing a convenient opportunity for individuals to dispose of their unwanted electronics. By properly recycling these materials, harmful substances are kept out of the environment, and valuable materials such as copper and gold can be reclaimed and reused.

As part of the partnership, and in recognition of econext‘s efforts in putting off this event, EPRA has committed to making a donation of $1000 to the Single Parents Association of NL on behalf of econext, Sobeys and Computers for Schools.

econext staff Colin Heffernan helping to collect end of life electronics.

What Can You Do With Your End-of-Life Electronics?

For those who missed the event, there are still plenty of ways to responsibly dispose of your electronics. Organizations like econext member Electronic Products Recycling Association offer drop-off locations across the country, ensuring that end-of-life electronics are handled in a safe, secure and environmentally responsible manner.

Additionally, initiatives such as Computers for Schools allow for the donation of old, but still functional, computers and peripherals. These items are refurbished and distributed to schools, libraries, and non-profits, extending their lifespan and reducing the amount of computers headed to landfills.

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.

Electronic Products Recycling Association

Computers For Schools NL

 

 

 

 

econext Member Survey: Environmental Assessment Processes in Newfoundland and Labrador

econext is seeking input from its membership and practitioners in NL on their environmental assessment (EA) experiences.

If you have recently been involved in EA processes in the province we are hoping you will be willing to fill out a short survey.

Click Here to Take Survey

Responses from this survey will help inform econext‘s engagement with decision-makers on this important subject.

If you would like to discuss your feedback in greater detail, please contact Kieran Hanley at kieran@econext.ca.

EOI: Trade Mission to WindEnergy Hamburg

econext is gauging interest from SMEs on attending the WindEnergy Hamburg event in Hamburg, Germany from September 24-27, 2024.

SMEs can indicate their interest using the form below. More information on the event can be found on its website here.

Call for Interest in econext’s Board of Directors

In April econext will elect its Board of Directors for 2024/25.

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. There are a total of four (4) positions to be filled.

Interested individuals can contact econext’s CEO, Kieran Hanley, at kieran@econext.ca for more information about the nomination process. Nominees will be asked to provide (1) a photo, (2) a biography – 500 words or less, and (3) a statement as to their objectives for serving as a member of econext‘s Board of Directors – 250 words of less.

econext Directors must represent a voting member of the organization’s membership in good standing.

The deadline for nominations is April 22, 2024. Voting for director positions shall take place online April 24 – 29, 2024. Nominees will have an opportunity to speak directly to members at econext‘s 2024 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception taking place on April 26. Click here for more information on this event.

econext 2024 AGM and Industry Awards Reception

econext‘s 2024 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception is taking place on April 26, 2024.

Date: Friday, April 26, 2024
Location: Delta Hotel and Conference Centre – St. John’s

Annual General Meeting

The AGM portion of the meeting will take place at 2:00 and will feature a 2023-24 Year in Review, a look ahead to 2024-25, and an opportunity for members to ask questions and engage in discussion. Voting matters will occur online as to allow for maximum participation from members across the province, and will take place between April 25-30. For members interested in Board of Directors nominations, click here. This portion of the event is for members only.

Industry Awards Reception

econext will recognize and celebrate the winner of its 2024 Industry Awards in the following categories: Cleantech Innovation, Business Excellence, International Business, and Industry Champion. Awards nominations are due by March 29, 2024. To make a nomination, click here.

Registration

Tickets for this event are $22.63 for members and $38.61 for non-members. Click the button below to complete your registration.

Register Now

Online Voting

Members will be provided a personalized access code (distributed on April 25) which will be used for the casting of votes through to 17h00 NST on April 30, 2024.

Resources

Green Economy: Highlights from 2024-25 Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Budget

Below are some highlights from the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial budget, delivered on March 21, 2024, relevant to green economy stakeholders. Click here to view the budget materials.

Tax Credits

Two provincial tax credits that can support cleantech adoption and production will continue, including:

  • The 20% ‘Green Technology’ tax credit (to help businesses with specific capital costs for green activities, such as equipment for energy conservation and clean energy generation and the efficient use of fossil fuels).
  • The 10% manufacturing and processing investment tax credit.

Green Transition and Innovation

Financing to assist businesses and research institutions pursue green economy opportunities will be funded again in 2024-25, including:

  • $13.7 million in funding for the Innovation and Business Development Fund.
  • $11.5 million for the Green Transition Fund.
  • $35 million to support economic development, with a focus on research and development, commercialization, investment attraction, and regional development – not specifically tied to ‘green’ but green activities eligible.

Net Zero

Investments to help decarbonize and reduce GHGs in the province, including:

  • $81.9 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while addressing energy affordability including support to transition homes from oil to electric heat.
  • $1.1 million for electrical vehicle infrastructure.

Climate Change Adaptation

Contributions to help acquire vital information for municipalities and planners:

  • $1.5 million for flood risk mapping.

Wastewater

Dedicated funds to assist in tackling wastewater challenges in NL, including:

  • $50 million over five years to support water and wastewater projects.
  • $650,000 for a permanent wastewater surveillance program.

Mining

Plus, investments to help the province continue to position itself as a leader in critical minerals:

  • $2.6 million to support implementation of the Critical Minerals Strategy to enhance the province’s competitiveness and attract private investment.
  • $1.7 million for the Mineral Incentive Program, including $1.3 million for Junior Exploration Assistance.
  • $1.6 million annually for a Labrador-specific geoscience program that supports exploration in frontier regions.

Also of note, a $72.4 million contribution is being made to the Newfoundland and Labrador Future Fund (revenues from one-time sources and non-renewables resources) bringing the total contributions to $358.8 million.

Nominations are now open for econext’s Industry Awards!

Do you know of an econext member that should be recognized for their successes?

econext is launching its industry awards program, celebrating the businesses, researchers, and professionals building the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador over the past year.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Awards categories include:

  • Cleantech Innovation
  • Business Excellence
  • International Business
  • Industry Champion

To see the awards categories and make your nomination, click the link below.

Make a Nomination!

econext seeking NL companies interested in collaborative R&D with German partners

econext is encouraging businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador with an interest in pursuing collaborative research and development projects with German partners to get in touch.

A near-term opportunity to obtain funding for joint innovation is available through the “Canada-Germany 2024 to 2025 collaborative industrial research and development call for proposals”.

Working together, the Government of Canada and the Government of Germany aim to foster and support collaborative industrial research and development (R&D) projects with high potential for commercialization. This call for proposals is open to companies from Canada and Germany who wish to perform joint R&D leading to technology commercialization focused on developing innovative products, processes, or technology-based services in all technological and application areas which have strong market potential.

The deadline to register interest with the NRC-IRAP program is March 20, 2024 with a deadline for the submission of EOIs on April 3, 2024. More on this program can be found on its website at: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/irap/about/international/?action=view&id=176.

econext is looking to assist interested NL companies explore this program. In addition, econext is anticipating other opportunities for collaboration between NL and Germany and is keen to hear from businesses in NL with an interest. Please contact econext CEO Kieran Hanley with your interest at kieran@econext.ca.

R&D Opportunity: Reality Capture and Digitization in Wind/Hydrogen

Do you have an innovative idea that you would like to explore that combines reality capture and/or digitization with the wind / hydrogen industry?

Get in touch with CNA’s Reality Capture and Digitization Technology Access Centre (TAC), which can provide:

  • Expertise to determine the technical and economic feasibility of new products, processes, and services
  • Short-term R&D and prototype development assistance
  • Access to cutting-edge technology
  • Impartial scientific, technical, and business guidance

Don’t miss out on the upcoming funding opportunity for Interactive Visits with the TAC network! For just $250, you can access 20 hours of innovation support!

Reach out to our Applied Research team (ar@cna.nl.ca) for assistance with the application process and to explore solutions tailored to your business needs.

Click for More Info