econext has launched Newfoundland and Labrador’s green jobs bank.
“We are very excited to bring this service to employers and job-seekers in the province,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO.
Hanley said that a number of factors led to econext deciding to create the job bank. “We are seeing unprecedented growth in Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy – a trend that we expect to continue and intensify for some time to come,” he noted. “Employers are going to need help finding talent, and we feel we can play an important role in that regard.”
The second driver for the initiative was a growing interest in green jobs by students and job-seekers. “We are finding that more and more people in the province are becoming interested in working in fields that have positive environmental impacts,” said Hanley, “and they are gravitating towards econext to help them find their way.” Through its workforce development initiatives, econext is cultivating a strong network of professionals and job-seekers.
Hanley said that these two factors position econext well to match-make between employers and green job-seekers. “We view this as being an important service for our members and the industry at-large.”
The Green Jobs Bank can be accessed here, while employers can add their available jobs 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.
On behalf of econext, I would like to wish our members and partners a Happy New Year.
Our team is already off to the races on what is sure to be a big year for the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. I’d like to highlight a few of the things that we will be up to in Q1 of this year.
On the policy front we will busy putting our best foot forward in providing ideas for the provincial government’s development of new climate change action plans, and responding to the federal government’s planned emissions cap for the oil and gas industry (which, among other things, we believe has the potential to create new carbon offsets opportunities for our province). We are also in the beginning stages of exploring innovative approaches to regulatory frameworks to help enable efficient processes that are also highly effective in protecting the environment.
We have two ideathons in the works for the Winter across the province, and will be helping SMEs to understand why they should be thinking about ESG and how they can get started developing strategies through a new course that we have developed. We have two exciting webinars within the next two weeks – one on the 11th about Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean technology tax credit, and another on the 16th highlighting clean technologies coming from Iceland.
We are on the heels of facilitating a series of technology demonstrations of our members’ capabilities at The Launch, and will as a result have some exciting footage to share with the world about the cleantech expertise that Newfoundland and Labrador has as it relates to the ocean. Related to all of that, we are helping students explore careers in the green and blue economies and facilitating internships and co-op placements… contact us if you’re interested in hosting!
Meanwhile we are doing some exciting work related to skills and training for the clean energy industry, and finishing our work developing net zero pathways for our offshore oil and gas industry.
This is just the tip of iceberg of what we expect will be a banner year for econext; we have an incredible team in place which I know is going to have a very tangible impact on accelerating clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2024.
These folks are going to be busy and through 2023 we planted many seeds that we expect to sprout in the months ahead. Stay tuned.
Indeed, Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean growth future really began to take shape in 2023. Even since my last note in July, there has been a long list of developments that will help shape activity in the province 2024 and long after. From the release of critical minerals plans provincially and programming nationally, to the advancement of wind-to-hydrogen projects through the province’s crown lands process and the introduction federally of draft legislation for clean hydrogen tax credits, to the launch of a new provincial CCUS Innovation Challenge, to new bilateral energy agreements with other provinces and the federal government… Newfoundland and Labrador is not just well positioned to be a green leader – the train has left the station.
And this is just a sample of some of the developments this past Fall. The speed at which these things is happening can be difficult to keep track of – not to mention to understand how they may create opportunities for your business! econext is here to help. Are you a member and would like to meet with our team to help you explore or identify opportunities? Please get in touch. Whether you want to explore international markets, identify better uses for your waste streams, understand how you should be adapting to climate change, or see how you can become more productive and innovative – we’ve got someone on the team here who can help.
Lastly, but no less important, this year econext is committed to doing a better job of highlighting the successes of our members – either from a business or environmental perspective. So when you’ve accomplished something that you want to share, please send along your good news to us and we will do our part.
Through 2023 econext has released a series of webinars available via its Online & On-Demand platform focused on ocean-based clean technologies.
In the series, three markets with strengths related to clean ocean technologies are explored – Germany, Ireland, and the UK – with a focus on existing clusters and networks, key organizations, and research groups that are leading innovation in the blue/green economies.
Content is available for free in multiple formats; users can choose whether they wish to learn vie video, audio, and/or text.
SMEs in Atlantic Canada wishing to learn more about potential partners identified are encouraged to contacteconext staff who can work on your behalf to facilitate an introduction.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change is seeking input on the development for its new Climate Change Action Plans. Details can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2023/ecc/1101n03/
econext will provide detailed input from its membership. If you have ideas on how Newfoundland and Labrador can tackle Climate Adaption and/or Climate Change Mitigation that you would like to share with us, please feel free to send your comments directly to Sara Jafari, (sara@econext.ca).
Deadlines
The deadline to have your feedback into econext is December 7, 2023. Additionally, we encourage you to also fill out the provincial government questionnaire. The deadline to provide direct provincial deadline is December 13, 2023.
econext is calling for expressions from SMEs with an innovative idea, product, service, or technology that they would like to present to the attendees of econext’s 2023 Conference, to take place on Thursday October 26, 2023 at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre in St. John’s, NL.
The ‘rapid-fire’ presentations at the conference are intended to be concise and 5 minutes in length. Presentations must demonstrate either
How the innovative idea, product, service or technology can have an impact in areas of clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador; or
How the idea, product, service or technology relates to any of the 2023 Conference themes which include:
Clean Energy – What’s Next
Leading Green Economy Innovation
Continuing Environment Challenges
Achieving Net-Zero by 2050
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSIONS
Please include with your submission:
Title and type of presentation proposed
250-word (approx.) summary of presentation proposed
Presenter’s name, affiliation, and brief biographical statement
Please submit by email to Colin Heffernan, Manager of Industry and Community Engagement with econext, at heffernan@econext.ca.
DEADLINE
The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is Wednesday October 4, 2023 @ 5:00 PM. Submissions will be reviewed on the basis of relevance to the conference themes and the significance of the content to the 2023 Conference audience. Submissions may be considered for presentation at future econext events.
econext may have an opportunity to work with local SMEs to support them in the development of their clean technologies.
Key criteria would include:
The solution must have the potential for new intellectual property to be developed
The solution must have the potential for clear environmental benefits when applied
The business must have raised private equity of at least $100,000 within the last 12 months (e.g., not government funding)
The solution must be innovative
If you feel that your business meets the above criteria, please contact econext‘s Manager of Industry and Community Engagement Colin Heffernan at heffernan@econext.ca.
Are you a job seeker or looking to learn more about careers in ocean clean technology?
Join us at Marine Institute’s The Launch in the Town of Holyrood to learn about companies right here in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide exciting technologies and services related to the ocean and the environment.
Tides of Opportunity allows individuals interested in or curious about oceans careers to navigate their future in the clean ocean industry through real-time demonstrations. Participants will have the opportunity to see world-leading technologies operating up close, learn about the SMEs, their technologies, and the potential career opportunities associated with them, and meet with potential future employers and colleagues.
Demonstrations will be taking place throughout the Fall – so stay tuned to this website for more information. A shuttle bus (leaving from St. John’s) will be provided for those requiring transportation to and from Holyrood. Details will be provided upon registration. Food and refreshments will also be provided, including snacks and a lunch.
Upcoming Demonstrations:
October 24 – Fugro, Kraken, and Ocean Startup Project
This event will take place 10:00 am – 3:45 pm. Doors open at The Launch at 9:30 a.m. Light snacks and lunch will be provided. Shuttle bus (leaving from St. John’s) to and from the event will be available. The bus will be leaving the MUN Core Science Facility at 8:30 a.m. and stopping at the Marine Institute at 8:45 a.m. It will then depart from the Launch in Holyrood at 3:45 p.m. returning to Marine Institute around 4:30 p.m. and MUN at 4:45 p.m. More information on transportation is available upon registration.
September 20 – eDNAtec & GRI Simulations – Complete
This event will take place 10:00am – 3:45pm. Doors open at The Launch at 9:30am. Light snacks and lunch provided. Shuttle bus (leaving from St. John’s) to and from the event will be available. The bus will be leaving MUN Core Science Facility at 8:30am and stopping at Marine Institute at 8:45am. It will then depart from the Launch in Holyrood at 3:45pm returning to Marine Institute around 4:30pm and MUN at 4:45pm.
This event will take place 10:00am – 3:45pm. Doors open at The Launch at 9:30am. Light snacks and lunch provided. Shuttle bus (leaving from St. John’s) to and from the event will be available. The bus will be leaving MUN Core Science Facility at 8:30am and stopping at Marine Institute at 8:45am. It will then depart from the Launch in Holyrood at 3:45pm returning to Marine Institute around 4:30pm and MUN at 4:45pm. More information on transportation available upon registration.
This event will take place 10:00am – 3:45pm. Doors open at The Launch at 9:30am. Light snacks and lunch provided. Shuttle bus (leaving from St. John’s) to and from the event will be available. The bus will be leaving MUN Core Science Facility at 8:30am and stopping at Marine Institute at 8:45am. It will then depart from the Launch in Holyrood at 3:45pm returning to Marine Institute around 4:30pm and MUN at 4:45pm. More information on transportation available upon registration.
This event will take place 1:00pm – 3:45pm. Doors open at 12:30pm. Lunch provided. Shuttle bus (leaving from St. John’s) to and from the event will be available. The bus will be leaving MUN Core Science Facility at 11:30am and stopping at Marine Institute at 11:45am. It will then depart from the Launch in Holyrood at 3:45pm returning to Marine Institute around 4:30pm and MUN at 4:45pm. More information on transportation available upon registration.
This event will take place from 10:00 am – 4:45 pm. Doors open at The Launch at 9:30 a.m. Light snacks and lunch will be provided. Shuttle bus (leaving from St. John’s) to and from the event will be available. The bus will be leaving the MUN Core Science Facility at 8:30 a.m. and stopping at the Marine Institute at 8:45 a.m. At 2:15 pm, it’ll depart the Launch to the Town of Holyrood building in Holyrood for a presentation and tour. It will then depart at 4:45 pm returning to the Marine Institute around 5:30 pm and MUN at 5:45 pm. More information on transportation is available upon registration.
Don’t miss out on this incredible event series! Mark your calendars and come prepared to ride the tides of opportunity. We look forward to welcoming you!
This project has been made possible by funding from the Government of Canada through the Community Workforce Development Program, a partnership between econext and the Marine Institute, The Launch, and the Town of Holyrood. Planning support for the project has been provided by Angler Solutions.
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 26, 2023 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.
As we enter into the thick of Summer, it is worthwhile reflecting on the enormous activity that we have seen in Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry over the past month and a half.
There is a competitive process underway to access crown land for the purpose of wind energy development, and some of the interested players have recently made some big moves.
On June 1st, World Energy GH2 announced that it had successfully closed the acquisition of the Port of Stephenville. Managing Director and CEO Sean Leet said that “the Port of Stephenville is the cornerstone of our project and will position the Bay St. George area as a green energy hub.” This announcement was just days after the company announced a large investment from SK ecoplant into their Project Nujio’qonik which aims to produce green hydrogen in 2025.
On June 5th, the Port of Argentia, Pattern Energy, & Argentia Capital announced that they have reached an agreement on a planned renewable energy to green fuels project at the port. The port’s CEO Scott Penney said that “Pattern Energy is taking a Lease Option on some 6,000 acres of industrial and forest lands owned by the Port. Should it exercise its Option and proceed with the Project, it will construct a 300-megawatt wind energy facility designed to power the production of Green Ammonia for export to global markets.”
These are just two of the bids received by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador from 19 companies on March 23. Exciting weeks and months are ahead for the clean energy industry as we learn which projects will have the opportunity to advance. And the world is watching. Proof of global interest on what is happening here in this province was evident again with a recent agreement signed between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands to cooperate on green hydrogen opportunities.
Update: The first phase of the competition was announced as complete shortly after this piece was published, with the process now expected to be finished by August.
While much of the focus has been on land, not to be forgotten is the wealth of wind resources available for development in Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore. Amendments were moved forward in Canada’s House of Commons to put important enabling conditions in place to allow for investment into offshore wind in the province.
And flying under the radar were important changes introduced to the province’s Electricity Power Control Act (EPCA) which will allow for utilities and the regulator to consider the environment as a factor in their decision-making. This will mean that decisions are not made solely based on cost and reliability – important because the most environmentally sound solutions are not always the cheapest ones. Our grid is inching close to being 100% clean, and we need to protect and capitalize on this great advantage.
Oh yes, and the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology announced the launch of its $100 million Green Transition Fund. Learn about it in our webinar next week.
This list barely scratches the surface of the activity underway, and this is only within the past couple of months! econext has been busy working on workforce development, R&D and innovation, and economic development initiatives related to clean energy in the province, and we’ll have a lot more to say about that in the coming months.
… and clean energy is just one of our key priority areas. Luckily our team is growing to meet the demands and help NL seize its green economy opportunities, and if you follow us on LinkedIn you’ll get to know them all in the days ahead.
Suffice it to say that there’s lots to chat about, and we hope you’ll join us at our Summer Social next week to do just that!
On behalf of econext, I would like to wish our members and partners a Happy New Year.
