July 22, 2025

To identify opportunities to benefit more from local economic development, lower energy costs, a clean environment, and improved community resilience, the Town of Marystown will be working with econext as part of QUEST Canada’s Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) program.

“This program will include an analysis of how Marystown uses energy – from electricity to fuels,” says Sara Jafari, econext’s Community Sustainability Lead. “That information will help us to investigate opportunities for the town to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in ways that support its economic development priorities.”

Jafari says the project partners are looking for win-win initiatives that benefit both the economy and the environment.

“We are excited to work with the Town of Marystown,” says Jafari. “The environmental challenges and local economic opportunities that communities face are unique to each municipality,” she said. “Participation in the NCA program will provide a series of recommendations that are very specific to the town.”

econext is working with six (6) municipalities across the province in the delivery of QUEST Canada’s NCA program.

“Marystown is excited to partner with econext and QUEST Canada on this important initiative. By exploring opportunities for net zero economic development, we’re taking a proactive approach to reducing our environmental footprint while supporting local economic growth and resilience. This project aligns with our vision for a sustainable future and we’re looking forward to seeing the recommendations that come out of it.”
Mayor Brian Keating, Town of Marystown

“Despite the uncertain times we now face across Canada, a clean environment is still key to the future of Canada’s economy. What the NCA program focuses on is the building of the necessary community foundations that ensure emissions reduction plans get implemented, over the short and long-term, by ensuring all relevant energy transition stakeholders are included throughout the process.”
Seth Leon – Manager, Community Energy & Projects, QUEST Canada

About the Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) Program

The NCA program leverages proven tools and services, equipping participating communities with the net-zero knowledge needed to develop and continuously implement an energy and emissions plan (CEEP). The program provides a robust suite of resources and guidance, enabling communities to attain the economic, environmental, and social benefits associated with the implementation of their CEEP.

About QUEST Canada

QUEST Canada supports communities in Canada on their pathway to net zero. Since 2007, facilitating connections, empowering community champions and advising decision-makers to implement energy use and emissions reduction solutions that best meet community needs, and maximize local economic opportunities. QUEST develops tools and resources, convenes stakeholders, and advises decision-makers – to encourage, assist and enable communities to contribute to and reach Canada’s net-zero goals. Visit: https://questcanada.org/.

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. Visit: https://econext.ca/.

Media Contacts:

econext
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca

QUEST Canada
Donald Wiedman, Senior Lead, Communications
647 669 0461, dwiedman@questcanada.org

For Immediate Release
July 16 , 2025

econext has announced the formation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydrogen Innovation Partnership – HyIP.

The collaboration – featuring econext, College of the North Atlantic, Memorial University, Fisheries and Marine Institute, Miawpukek First Nation, and Qalipu First Nation – centralizes efforts to help econext advance strategic clean energy research and investment attraction for the province.

“We believe that Canada is primed to be a global leader in hydrogen production, and Newfoundland and Labrador is going to be central to transatlantic hydrogen trade with Europe,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s CEO. “The purpose of our collaboration is to highlight the advantages that our province has in this regard, and to attract interest and investment to support targeted international research, development, and innovation.”

Hanley notes that HyIP is a unique collaboration between research institutions, industry, and Indigenous groups. Given the export-focused nature of the emerging industry, he says that a focus on innovation will help maximize local benefits.

“Central to our partnership is a commitment to do what we can together to ensure communities within our province contribute to – and benefit from – clean energy developments in our province,” he said.

The collaborators have launched a website (https://hy-ip.ca/) that describes the growing clean energy industry in Canada’s most eastern province and outlines its relevant R&D capabilities and assets.

HyIP will be hosting a hydrogen research and innovation conference on October 10, 2025 in St. John’s, NL directly following the econext annual conference on October 9.

“Our event will focus on the use of hydrogen and other clean fuels for the decarbonization of the marine transportation sector,” said Hanley, noting the importance of the sector in supporting the province’s oceans-based industries and transatlantic trade.

More information on the conference will be available soon on the HyIP website.

Media Contact:

Kieran Hanley

kieran@econext.ca

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities.

econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

In tandem with the release of its climate change action plans on June 30, 2025 the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has also published the final report of its Net Zero Advisory Council (NZAC).

The eight member Council had a three year mandate focused identifying for the Provincial Government near term and foundational actions that it (and others) can take to set Newfoundland and Labrador on a strong path to achieve net-zero that would grow the green economy, while considering a just transition and affordability.

econext CEO Kieran Hanley was the Chair of the Council from 2021 until the end of 2024.

Click to Download the Report

For Immediate Release
June 30, 2025

econext sees many of its environmental/economic priorities reflected in the climate change actions plans released by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today.

“We are pleased to see the action plans presented through a lens of opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “Some of the biggest economic opportunities that we have in this province – whether it’s new clean electricity generation, hydrogen production, or critical minerals – when realized will also help the province to address sectors of our economy like transportation and heavy industry that are the most difficult to decarbonize.”

Last July econext submitted a series of recommendations to the provincial government in the development of its new climate change action plans. econext presented 19 recommendations across 7 themes ranging from ensuring long-term access to clean electricity to maximizing domestic clean fuels opportunities.

“The climate action plans published today echo many of the same priorities that we had identified,” said Hanley, “in fact, we have seen progress on some of them even since last year.” Hanley noted that the mitigation plan establishes a 2040 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target and reiterates the provincial government’s commitment to net zero GHGs by the year 2050. “These are important indicators that create certainty for all stakeholders in the direction Newfoundland and Labrador is moving in.”

Hanley says that econext looks forward to continuing to help the province establish links between economic opportunity and environmental sustainability. “We recently published two discussion papers – one on domestic clean fuels use, and other focused on biomass energy – which present important findings as they relate to the province’s green economy and its pursuit of net zero.”

Hanley also noted that econext is currently working with six municipalities across the province to help them develop net zero plans, has had programming since 2021 to help communities and industries across the province adapt to the impacts that climate change is already having, has developed programming to help businesses across their province assess their environmental impacts, and has launched a circular economy incubator.

“econext and its members are hard at work to solve the environmental challenges identified in the climate change action plans, and we look forward to partnering with the provincial government where appropriate to advance these initiatives while growing Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy in the process.”

Net Zero Advisory Council final report released

As part of the announcement today, the provincial government publicly released the final recommendations of the Net Zero Advisory Council (NZAC). econext CEO Kieran Hanley served as the Chair of the NZAC from 2021-24.

“From a personal perspective, I’m excited to see the the document published and am proud of the recommendations that the Council put forward to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Hanley. “I am happy that many of our findings are reflected in the climate change action plan, and am thankful to the members of the council for their commitment – each of whom volunteered a lot of time over three years to the effort.”

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. For more information, visit https://econext.ca/.

For Immediate Release
June 11, 2025

econext has published a discussion paper exploring opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador for biomass energy.

“Organic waste makes up over 30% of the material that ends up in our landfills,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO, noting that there is also significant organic waste that does not make it to landfills. Hanley said that when organic waste breaks down it creates very harmful greenhouse gas emissions. “This amounts to at least 7% of our province’s total emissions – but there is value in this waste that is otherwise just decomposing.”

“Technologies to turn this waste into forms of low-carbon energy are quickly advancing,” said Hanley. “We have come to believe that there is an opportunity for our province to address its biggest waste management challenge – while simultaneously decarbonizing other parts of our economy – through biomass energy.”

Download Discussion Paper

The intent of the discussion paper, said Hanley, is to add new life to that discussion in Newfoundland and Labrador. “In this paper we have done our best to identify organic waste streams, explore relevant technologies and energy outputs, define domestic end uses, and present information that may inform future innovative business models; we hope this inspires others to take a serious look at the opportunity.”

The discussion paper complements a recently-published discussion paper which defines end uses for clean fuels in the province.

Hanley said the paper is intended to be evergreen and that the organization will look to econext‘s members and partners help to improve upon it. “If you can help us improve our assumptions and rationale, please get in touch – this is just our first step.”

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. For more information, visit https://econext.ca/.

May 26, 2025 | St. John’s, NL — Foresight Canada and econext are excited to announce Angler Solutions as the winner of the Clean Energy Optimization Innovation Challenge, funded in part by RBC. Angler Solutions has developed MESO (Model for Energy Systems Optimization), a proprietary software tool that integrates advanced geographic information system (GIS) mapping, environmental data, and scenario modelling to support informed decision making when implementing renewable energy projects.

As the Challenge winners, Angler Solutions will receive a $50,000 CAD cash prize to advance their technology, connect with industry partners exploring cleantech adoption, and collaborate with econext to support the growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy. The Challenge received numerous strong applications, including from runner-up Copsys, all with innovative solutions to optimize clean energy production in remote areas.

Newfoundland and Labrador is rapidly emerging as a global hub for clean energy production, thanks to its nearly 100% renewable electricity grid, significant energy storage potential, untapped clean energy resources, existing port infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. As Canada’s East Coast continues to scale its renewable energy output, this Challenge will help reduce the costs and improve the performance and reliability of clean energy infrastructure across remote regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. This is essential for the long-term success of future projects in the province, improving financial viability and minimizing environmental impacts.

Quotes

“Congratulations to Angler Solutions! Newfoundland and Labrador is already excelling in renewable energy adoption, with a strong foundation in hydroelectric power, and a growing focus on new opportunities like wind and green hydrogen. We can’t wait to see how your solution accelerates progress in building a sustainable and resilient energy sector in the region, contributing to both our environmental and economic goals.” — Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight

“We’re honoured to be recognized as the winner of the econext Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge. This achievement validates the hard work of our team at Angler Solutions and the impact of our novel software platform, MESO, or Model for Energy Systems Optimization. MESO enables smarter planning and decision-making for renewable energy projects, optimizing early-stage design and long-term reliability in remote and complex environments. We are deeply grateful for the support from econext, Foresight, ACOA, RBC, and our industry partners. Their backing accelerates MESO’s development as we prepare for full commercialization in early 2026, bringing resilient, low-carbon energy solutions to market where they are needed most.” — Chad LaFitte, Manager of Innovation, Angler Solutions Inc.

“This challenge showcased the depth of clean energy innovation across Canada. Angler Solutions stood out with a technically advanced solution tailored to the infrastructure needs and opportunities here in Newfoundland and Labrador. We’re proud to support their journey with Foresight Canada and our industry partners.” — Colin Corbett, Director, Clean Energy Innovation, econext 

Addressing the Adoption Gap

While North America is home to many accelerators, a significant gap remains in supporting the adoption of cleantech solutions. Recognizing the need to bridge innovators with industry leaders, Foresight introduced the Innovation Challenge program. To date, Foresight has conducted over 65 challenges, establishing itself as the only North American accelerator linking cleantech ventures with end users. These targeted challenges aim to connect national and international buyers with innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, profitability, and environmental sustainability, thereby addressing the adoption gap for innovators.

Learn more about Foresight’s Innovation Challenges.

Angler Solutions

Angler Solutions is an innovation-driven consulting firm with international experience providing strategic advisory and project delivery services across the evolving energy and ocean technology sectors.

Angler’s experience and knowledge built up in the oil & gas arena provides a unique set of transferable skills applicable to the energy transition taking place globally. Angler has specialist expertise in R&D, technological innovation, techno-economic analysis, and a broad range of skill sets in support of early-stage project development and execution in pursuit of solving some of the most challenging energy problems.

Angler has a strong network of established relationships with industry, funding institutions, government agencies, academia, and the overall innovation ecosystem.

About econext 

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities.

econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

About Foresight Canada

Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they connect public and private sectors to the world’s best clean technologies, de-risking and simplifying the adoption of innovative solutions that improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing today’s most urgent climate challenges.

Media contacts:

Heather Kingdon

Manager, Communications, Foresight Canada

hkingdon@foresightcac.com 

Chelsie Cake

Marketing and Communications Lead, econext

cake@econext.ca

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2025

econext is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) during the week of May 1-7, 2025. The AGM featured the election of its Board of Directors.

Newly elected members of the Board of Directors include:

• Joshua Barrett (Stantec)
• Laurie Coady (North Atlantic)
• Kristina Kearney (Waterford Energy Services)
• Heather Murphy (SEM Ltd.)
• Dave Pinsent (World Energy GH2)

These Directors join:

• Alex Templeton (Chair – McInnes Cooper)
• Jennifer Crane (Corner Brook Port Corporation)
• Shem Evans (Hatch)
• Krista Langthorne (Newfoundland Power)

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. For more information, visit https://econext.ca/.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca

Chief Executive Officer, econext

St. John’s, NL

econext is seeking a dynamic, people-focused Chief Executive Officer to build on its legacy of fostering sustainable economic development. This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven, relationship-oriented leader to influence meaningful change while leading a mission-driven team in a modern, collaborative work environment.

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 30 years, the organization has advanced environmentally sustainable economic development by stimulating innovation, preparing the workforce for a green economy, and catalyzing climate action across industries and communities.

As a trusted voice on green growth, econext supports a membership that spans energy, waste, natural resources, research, and innovation sectors. Its downtown St. John’s headquarters offers a flexible, co-working environment that fosters connection and creativity. More information can be found at https://econext.ca/.

The Role

The province is at a pivotal moment for clean growth and the new CEO will play a central role in shaping the future of the province’s green economy. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will champion a bold vision that supports innovation, sustainability, and economic development across sectors. They are responsible for the overall success of the organization by providing strategic leadership, planning oversight and stewardship for all aspects of the organization’s finances and operations. They oversee all operations, functions, and activities of the organization and are responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization, according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

They work collaboratively with the Board and staff team to navigate ongoing planning and development, member relations, and partnerships, positioning the econext and the NL sustainable economy for long-term success and stability. The CEO acts as the figurehead of the organization and works closely with government, local businesses, and other industry stakeholders, acting as an advocate for sustainability and the environment.

Key Areas of Oversight

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Stewardship
Provides strategic and operational leadership of the organization with oversight from the Board of Directors. Ensures the alignment of programs and initiatives with econext’s vision and mandate and cultivates a strong and collaborative organizational culture.

External & Government Relations
Builds and maintains trusted relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including government officials, industry leaders, members, and community partners. Serves as a proactive and credible spokesperson, able to advocate for policy solutions, funding, and strategic alignment that support clean growth.

Public Profile & Communications
Leads proactive and responsive media engagement, speaking to the successes, challenges, and priorities of the organization. Uses storytelling and communications strategy to amplify econext’s profile provincially, nationally, and internationally.

Team & Culture Development
Leads and empowers a team of 13 staff in a flexible, collaborative, and modern workplace culture. Creates a sense of shared ownership, trust, and motivation while supporting professional development, autonomy, and high retention.

Programming & Core Operation
Oversees annual programming including major events (conference, AGM, industry awards), board relations, HR, finance, and operational processes. Pursues emerging opportunities for impact, while maintaining a member-focused approach to service delivery.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a high-integrity, community-oriented leader with the ability to connect, communicate, and inspire. Known for your authenticity, energy, and ability to build relationships, you thrive in public and professional settings—from networking events and media interviews to team meetings and strategic planning sessions. You bring a strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a preference for proactive leadership, not politics. You have demonstrated your ability to lead people, navigate complexity, and deliver results in your past work. You are highly organized and adaptable, and you thrive in modern, flexible work environments. While experience in the green economy or economic development is not required, a passion for sustainable progress is essential.

Qualifications and Experience

While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.

• A university degree and at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, relationship-building, and strategic communications.
• Experience engaging with government, media, and other public-facing stakeholders.
• A collaborative leadership style, grounded in transparency, humility, and vision.

Skills and Attributes

• A purpose-driven leader who is energized by networking and engaging with people at meetings and events.
• Exceptional communication and relational skills, able to quickly build trusting relationships.
• Decisiveness combined with a facilitative style, leading with integrity and creativity, and sound judgment.
• Superior skill in strategic financial and organizational management.
• Excellent communication skills – able to seamlessly translate complex information for different audiences.
• A “pitch in” kind of leader who supports and empowers their team.

Why Join econext?

• Competitive salary
• Employer-matched RSP (up to 6% of salary)
• Benefits and insurance package, including flexible options
• Cell phone and expense allowances
• Paid vacation (20 days), personal leave (7 days), holidays (15+), and extended year-end break
• Flexible, modern co-working office in downtown St. John’s

econext is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities/racialized people; and people with disabilities.

We will provide support and accommodations to applicants with disabilities, upon request. If you need accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online by clicking the button below.

Learn More & Apply