This June econext, in partnership with Memorial University’s Research Innovation Office (RIO), held an event that explored opportunities to connect industry needs with research expertise.
“One of econext‘s primary objectives is to stimulate clean growth innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “One of the ways that we do this is by working with our members to understand their challenges and opportunities, and then engaging with local research institutions to see if we can find a match.”
The event featured a number of econext members presenting on their challenge or opportunity to an audience of pre-identified researchers at Memorial University. Researchers then presented on their areas of expertise and interest. “The next step is for us to do what we can to match-make and encourage collaborative research projects between industry and academia.”
Last week’s event had a thematic focus on ‘batteries’ – for storage, EV charging and even recycling. “Electrification and energy storage are concepts that are both key to our province’s net zero objectives and clean energy growth,” said Hanley. “This is an area where econext will be very active in acting as a catalyst for innovation in the province.”
“The team at RIO works to bring industry partners and Memorial researchers together to help solve real challenges in today’s world,” said Dr. Paula Mendonça, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Memorial University. “Through our ongoing partnership with econext, we are able to enhance awareness about the world-class expertise and facilities available at Memorial. We look forward to future conversations and support clean energy solutions in the region.”
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.
RIO helps identify resources and facilitate connections to move ideas towards opportunities via industry connection, funding, IP support and programming. More information can be found at mun.ca/RIO.
econext COO Abbie Hodder with His Excellency Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
For Immediate Release June 28, 2023
Atlantic Canada and the Caribbean have a significant history of interregional trade and partnership in sectors spanning cable and telecommunications, banking and finance, energy, and education.
In May, as part of its twelfth trade mission to the Caribbean region since 2015, econextformalized a partnership for the mutual benefit of the two regions.
“We are excited to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as part of our trade mission,” said Abbie Hodder, econext’s COO and Director of International Business. “There is ample potential for collaboration between the four provinces of Atlantic Canada and the 11 OECS countries, and we look forward to putting this MOU into action.”
Atlantic Canada and the OECS have common regional strategic objectives. Beyond the promotion of trade and partnerships, the regions can exchange valuable information and experiences in areas of common interest including the support of local economies to becomes globally competitive, resilient, inclusive, and increasingly green.
The May 2023 trade mission consisted of eleven delegate organizations from Atlantic Canada engaging in over 150 meetings across four countries in the Caribbean region – Barbados, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. econext’s missions are multi-sector, but there is a strategic focus on green economy, blue economy, infrastructure, and education and training.
Firms in Atlantic Canada have many synergies with their counterparts in Caribbean markets. Hodder stated, “The products and services developed in Atlantic Canada can work well in other island and rural coastal environments, such as those found in the Caribbean.”
Hodder notes the region faces similar challenges such as the impacts of climate change, coastal zone erosion, distance from markets, and economies that are resource dependent. “We have a long history of trade with the Caribbean, and our commitment is to sustain and enhance this bond through meaningful reciprocal engagement.”
econext’s next Caribbean Trade Mission is set for November 2023. For information on how you can participate, please contact Abbie Hodder at abbie@econext.ca.
About OECS
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an international organisation dedicated to economic harmonisation and integration, protection of human and legal rights, and the encouragement of good governance among independent and non-independent countries in the Eastern Caribbean comprising Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Martinique and Guadeloupe.
About econext econext is a not-for-profit association that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, working on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. A priority for econext is helping its members engage internationally; the association has helped develop relationships between Atlantic Canada and Caribbean markets since 2014 .
econext has released a discussion paper which explores the economic development opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador that are associated with the emerging clean fuels industry.
“We believe that clean fuels production presents an enormous opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador, its economy, and its communities,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO – referring to the wind energy to hydrogen projects being proposed within the province.
Hanley said it is important to view the potential benefits of the emerging industry beyond just those that come with construction and operations and the export of a commodity. “Newfoundland and Labrador has the potential to be among the first in the world to produce clean fuels at this scale, and with that comes a series of time-sensitive opportunities to position ourselves as leaders in innovation and training and attract more green industry.”
“The purpose of this discussion paper is twofold,” said Hanley. “First, we want to create a greater awareness of the opportunities that are before the province, and second we want to get decison-makers and stakeholders thinking about how we go about pursuing those opportunities.” Hanley said that the discussion paper is intended to be the start of the conversation, and is not a definitive or conclusive report. “We welcome any and all feedback that can help us better understand these opportunities.”
“I would like to thank all of the econext members who provided their time and many of the ideas that are represented in the paper,” said Hanley. “econext looks forward to doing its best to advance many of the opportunities identified on your behalf.”
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 3-7, 2023. The AGM featured the election of its Board of Directors.
Newly elected members of the Board of Directors include:
Laurie Coady (North Atlantic)
Kris Costello (OilCo)
Don Drew (Newco Metals & Auto Recycling – Treasurer)
Heather Murphy (SEM)
David Pinsent (World Energy GH2)
These Directors join:
Chad Butler (Growler Energy)
Nola Sharpe (Mysa)
Brian Taite (HMDC)
Alex Templeton (McInnes Cooper)
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 is celebrating the achievements of its members in balancing economy and environment today at its Industry Awards ceremony.
“Actions in the fight against climate change continue to accelerate and intensify globally,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “Our members are doing some world class things here in Newfoundland and Labrador that deserve to be recognized and be part of that story.”
Hon. Bernard Davis, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, addressing econext’s members.
The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, was on hand today to announce the winners of econext‘s industry awards:
Cleantech Innovation Award – C-CORE
Business Excellence Award – PARDY’S Waste Management and Industrial Services
International Business Award – Port of Argentia
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.
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 C-CORE.
Hon. Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change presenting the Cleantech Innovation Award to C-CORE, represented by President and CEO Paul Griffin
C-CORE is an internationally recognized institution in earth observation, remote sensing, and oceans and energy innovation. C-CORE has been a key driver of and contributor to Newfoundland and Labrador’s innovation ecosystem, and that work continued this past year.
C-CORE has developed what it calls a Rapid High-capacity Test Apparatus, or RHITA, a technology that is becoming an important component of C-CORE’s research and development work. RHITA is helping to understand and mitigate the negative effects of icebergs impacting subsea ocean based assets. The saying “tip of the iceberg”, afterall, comes from the fact that we really only can see the tip of an iceberg and the much larger portion is under the water. What is subsurface is unknown, and presents risks for important infrastructure, present or future. This includes offshore platforms, pipes or pipelines, flexible flow lines, moorings, or cables on the seabed.
When icebergs make contact with such infrastructure, it can push or drag important components along the ocean floor. This is harmful not only to the function of the assets and the operations that they support, but also to the environment around it as well. To measure the effect of this interaction on the pipe or cable, C-CORE is utilizing RHITA. RHITA uses a cylindrical steel indenter representing a pipe, flexible flow line, or cable and pushes it into a large ice sample.
What happens next provides important evidence from which risk mitigation decisions can be made. C-CORE is able to provide guidance on how such interactions can be avoided, how assets can be designed or reinforced to better withstand such interactions, or even lower the risk factors associated with occurrences if the outcomes are not as damaging as expected.
Part of C-CORE’s larger Subsea Ice Interaction Barriers to Energy Development (SIIBED) project, this work is representative of the world-leading cluster of excellence that is present in Newfoundland and Labrador related to the environmental sensing, characterization, and monitoring of the environment. econext is pleased to award this year’s Cleantech Innovation Award to C-CORE.
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.
The winner of this year’s Business Excellence Award is PARDY’S Waste Management and Industrial Services.
Hon. Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change presenting the Business Excellence Award to PARDY’S Waste Management and Industrial Services, represented by General Manager Steve Moores
PARDY’S have been leaders in growing the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador for decades. Its services are broad and include industrial cleaning, vacuum services, liquid waste transport, waste oil recycling, industrial water treatment, waste disposal brokerage, and bulk liquid organic organic waste treatment and industrial composting. The company is active not just in this province, but throughout Atlantic Canada and into other parts of the country as well.
PARDY’S has completed a number of recent projects which have helped open it up to new lines of business and new customers. In Pickering Ontario the company piloted the application of technology to address non-treatable water that was being shipping out of country for disposal. The pilot proved successful and demonstrated potential cost savings to the customer of $16 million per year. In Saint John New Brunswick PARDY’S worked under emergency conditions requiring rapid response in winter climate conditions to treat 63 million litres of ammonia and MEA impacted water for a customer. Right here in Newfoundland and Labrador PARDY’S facilitated the safe collection of 13 million litres of wastewater from the offshore, marking the first time in history that this waste was received and treated within the province. Moreover, a pilot project was recently completed which validated conventional phase separation technologies as an effective primary treatment method for spent drilling mud.
These projects, all executed successfully, have opened new doors for PARDY’S to provide services that up until this point had not been available. In the process, PARDY’S has made great strides to enhance its technological capabilities this past year. The company is capturing more work in the aquaculture and mining industries, has made recent acquisitions to expand its presence in Atlantic Canada – while simultaneously working towards advancing Newfoundland and Labrador’s composting industry.
PARDY’S mission is to be a premium Newfoundland and Labrador waste management corporation that delivers responsible, efficient, and sustainable waste management solutions to customers throughout Canada. It has been doing so for 30 years and continues to strive to do more. Congratulations to PARDY’S Waste Management and Industrial Services on being recognized with the Business Excellence Award.
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 Port of Argentia.
Hon. Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change presenting the International Business Award to Port of Argentia, represented by Chair Wayne Power
It has been a landmark year for Port of Argentia. Guided by global trends in the energy transition, Port of Argentia embarked on an aggressive marketing and promotional campaign to attract renewable energy companies.
Highlighting key strategic advantages of its location and promoting Argentia as a viable location for onshore wind energy development and support to Northeastern US offshore wind energy, the Port strategically placed advertisements in regional, national, and international industry publications, attended key global sector tradeshows and conferences, and reached out to new international business prospects in the renewable energy space.
The Port’s efforts yielded results, delivering two significant contracts to become North America’s first monopile marshalling yard in support of emerging US offshore wind energy. In preparation for the arrival of monopiles, the port will see a total of $10 million in infrastructure improvements, including road widening, dock facility enhancements, and creation of more than 12 acres of laydown lands adjacent to docking facilities. These site improvements will position the port well for additional future investment attraction and generate significant economic spinoff benefits for the region, province, and country.
Port of Argentia also successfully attracted a partner for the development of Argentia Renewables, a proposed multi-phase wind energy-to-green fuels production facility to be constructed on Port lands. The Port’s team worked closely with Pattern Energy, a global leader in renewable energy development and operations, to create a mutually beneficial partnership to support the development and construction of the project over the next several years. The project is slated to begin on Port lands with a 300-Megawatt wind energy facility powering a green ammonia project (including hydrogen electrolyzers) for the purpose of export to global markets. Future possible phases include expansion of additional wind capacity on neighbouring Crown Lands, and expansion of hydrogen production facilities on Port lands.
Through its targeted international business efforts, Port of Argentia has transformed and positioned itself as a leading national hub for clean energy activity that all in Newfoundland and Labrador should be proud of. Congratulations to Port of Argentia on being recognized with econext’s international business award.
Newfoundland and Labrador is well positioned to become a global leader in clean fuels production:
NL has some of the best onshore and offshore wind resources in North America
NL has an abundance of hydroelectricity (developed and undeveloped) for base load and backup
NL has significant available and accessible crown land and fresh water
NL has a series of established industrial-focused ice-free deep seaports with land access to support development
NL is the closest point in North America to Europe and is on major shipping routes
NL has a robust energy sector supply chain with specialized expertise in areas such as: engineering; fabrication; marine transportation; logistics; safety; environmental monitoring; etc.
NL has a workforce with transferable skills and experience in large scale construction and energy projects.
A land nomination process in the Fall of 2022 resulted in 31 submissions from prospective onshore wind development projects within the province, many of which were focused on hydrogen production. A competition is currently underway for access to crown land for development in Newfoundland and Labrador, with proposals due March 3, 2023. Meanwhile, a clean diesel facility is under construction and the province has underutilized biomass resources available for development.
With a bright future for clean fuels production ahead for Newfoundland and Labrador, it is an ideal time to explore opportunities associated with clean fuels production that will emerge (beyond production). econext intends on developing a series of specific recommendations for decision makers, and is asking its members to help inform a discussion paper.
What are the medium to long-term opportunities that Newfoundland and Labrador can seize that relate to its emerging clean fuels industries?
Given domestic access to locally produced clean fuels, production infrastructure, supply chains and workforce, what additional opportunities exist in the medium to long-term for the province to expand the economic opportunity? This could include secondary processing, adjacent industrial development, value chain expansion, decarbonization initiatives, research and development activities, etc.
Members interested in sharing their ideas can contact econext CEO Kieran Hanley at kieran@econext.ca. In the coming weeks econext will produce a draft discussion paper which it will share with its members for review and feedback.
econext is a not-for-profit association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, working on behalf of over 200 members to envision, support, and drive environmentally sustainable economic development within the province. More information about econext can be found at https://econext.ca.
The Net Zero Project was formed by Energy NL, econext and OilCo in early 2022 with a primary objective to ensure the long-term sustainable future of the Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil and gas industry by embracing and analyzing lower-emission pathways in line with broader provincial and national objectives of achieving net zero by 2050.
Building on the success of the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Workshop in September 2022, the Net Zero Project is focusing on related action items and facilitating collaboration with various stakeholders in CCUS technology. Economic modeling, policy investigation, research into storage potential and technical feasibility analysis will help drive priorities in this regard. This area presents an opportunity for the development of, and investment attraction for, a major innovation project.
This webinar will focus on those priorities as it introduces the White Paper Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. Our Net Zero Project team will present key points within the paper and will take questions from the attendees following the online presentation. Following the webinar, the White Paper will be distributed to industry and interested stakeholders to encourage knowledge growth, industry awareness and to keep the momentum moving forward on this pathway to net zero.
econext is providing a limited number of opportunities for SMEs in Atlantic Canada to access customized firm-level international business development supports.
Eligible firms are those that (1) provide products and/or services that help understand or mitigate impacts to the environment, (2) are involved in activities related to the ocean or oceans-based industries, and (3) have international business development interests in Europe.
Selected SMEs will work with a pre-qualified consultant with an objective to provide advice that will help them define and advance international business development priorities.
This support provided by the consultant will involve:
Gaining an understanding of the firm’s current state of international business development activities.
Assisting the firm in prioritizing its international business development opportunities as they may relate to direct export, supply chain penetration, co-innovation, or partnerships
Outlining next steps for the firm in pursuit of its international business development priorities, including the identification of relevant programming and partners to assist in advancement. This will include specific recommendations on next steps that could include:
Defining detailed market and opportunity requirements
Outlining priorities for a future personalized strategic market entry workplan
Defining what marketing and regulatory compliance assistance is required
Specifying future international business development needs, e.g., connections to key decision makers, support from in-market professionals
Mapping for the SME relevant programs and services available to help them advance their international business development activities.
Businesses will receive $4,000 in consulting services. The cost for businesses to participate is $400.
Eligible SMEs can contact Abbie Hodder, econext’s COO and Manager of International Business via email at abbie@econext.ca to indicate their interest.
The deadline for applications is 12pm NST on February 16, 2023.
Happy new year, and I hope that your 2023 is off to a good start.
2023 is already at lightning speed for econext. We were thankful to have the opportunity to take some time over the holidays to refresh and prepare, and hope you were able to do the same.
To say that the past few years have been a whirlwind for econext would be an understatement. From the oil price crisis in early 2020, to the onset of the pandemic, to intensifying global action on net zero and emissions reductions, to the rapid emergence of a new renewable energy industry through to the end of 2022 – the challenges and opportunities related to clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador have come fast and furious.
I wanted to take a moment to thank our staff, our Board of Directors, our funders, and all of our members and partners who have supported us through this time of great change. I am very proud that econext didn’t merely just survive – it was able to make some very tangible contributions to both environment and economy during this time. From timely policy guidance, to strategic research, to investment attraction – we’ve played a role in helping the province navigate some of its most pressing economic challenges and opportunities.
econext has come through the other side of the pandemic with stronger and more meaningful partnerships with governments, industries, academia, and communities. This has already resulted in new growth and diversification opportunities for our members.
We know that the vast majority of our members have had a similarly disruptive three years, and we hope that we have helped meet some of your needs throughout it all.
In 2023 we are looking to return to a state of normalized operations. We are well positioned to continue to make a difference in Newfoundland and Labrador in the four areas we identified in our comprehensive strategic planning efforts: the pursuit of net zero in our industries and our communities, clean energy and fuels, value from waste, and our cluster of expertise in environmental sensing, characterization, and monitoring. We have some exciting initiatives on the horizon which will help move the needle in each of these areas this year that we can’t wait to share with you.
We are getting back to basics with the hiring of a new Membership and Events Coordinator who will engage with all of our members on a one-on-one basis to make sure that we are doing all that we can to help you succeed. We will be returning to our series of workshops and training activities that have been so important in building ‘green economy’ capacity in our province. And we’ll be finding new ways to tell more of your success stories.
In 1992 the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association was founded. Just over 30 years later, we believe that 2023 will be a banner year for the organization. The econext team looks forward to chatting with each and every one of you in the weeks and months ahead.
Do you know of an econext member that should be recognized for their successes in 2022?
econext is launching its 2022 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 Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
To see the awards categories and make your nomination, click the link below.
Happy new year, and I hope that your 2023 is off to a good start. 
