Via Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador at:
https://energyresearchinnovation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ERI-release_Feb-21-22-EN-003.pdf

For Immediate Release:
February 21, 2022

St. John’s, NL – Newfoundland and Labrador’s environmental and oil and gas industries are collaborating to examine options to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the province’s offshore oil and gas industry.

Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador (ERI) is providing $440,070 of a total project value of $723,820 to econext and Noia (Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association) to conduct a project titled Net Zero Pathways and the Feasibility of Blue Hydrogen Production in Canada’s Offshore Oil and Gas Industry. The funding comes from Natural Resources Canada’s Emissions Reduction Fund, Offshore RD&D program, which is managed and administered by Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador. OilCo is contributing $137,500 to the overall project. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is making a non-repayable contribution of $146,250 to econext to support the Net Zero Pathways.

The study will provide detailed pathways for Canada’s offshore oil and gas industry to achieve net zero GHG emissions targets in offshore oil and gas production by 2050, while maintaining economic development and industry growth. Through the project, econext and Noia will:

• compile available data and fill information gaps;
• evaluate known emissions reduction technologies and processes for their financial feasibility, net environmental impact, and local economic development contribution;
• formulate options for achieving net zero by 2050; and
• study the feasibility of generating blue hydrogen offshore, including determining opportunities and interdependencies with carbon capture and storage, electrification, additional gas development, and other technologies.

Another project, Terra Nova Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Flare Reduction Study, is investigating installing a closed flare system on the vessel to reduce GHG emissions. Suncor will complete front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies to determine the feasibility of installing a closed flare system on the vessel to improve gas compression train-related flaring. Suncor is receiving $678,762 from the Emissions Reduction Fund to complete the study.

“These projects will fill important information gaps for the local energy industry. ERI is able to facilitate collaboration across companies, organizations and industries to develop solutions to reduce GHGs from offshore operations, while still ensuring the future of our industry and the important role it plays to our province,” said Dave Finn, CEO, Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador.

“Through the Offshore Research, Development and Demonstration stream of the Emissions Reduction Fund, the Government of Canada is supporting innovative research and development to decarbonize offshore operations. These projects will help advance clean technology in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry and help Canada reach net-zero emissions by 2050,” said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources.

“We need to lower emissions and build up renewables in Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore. Investors are choosing jurisdictions that take climate change seriously, and our industry is taking the initiative. We believe in our workers, in this industry, and in their future. We’re continuing to invest in them, and in the research and development that will get us to net zero by 2050,” said the Honorable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl.

“The Government of Canada has made a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. ACOA’s contribution to the econext project is an important step in that direction. We know that protecting the environment and growing the economy go hand in hand. This investment is helping us do just that,” said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

About Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador
Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador (ERI) advances research, development and demonstration (RD&D) and innovation projects in the offshore oil and gas industry, with a focus on health, safety and the environment. ERI is a federally incorporated, not-for-profit organization whose members include Chevron Canada Resources, Equinor Canada, ExxonMobil Canada, Cenovus, Oil and Gas Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador and Suncor Energy. www.erinl.ca

PROJECTS BACKGROUNDER

Recipient: econext, Noia
Project Title: Net Zero Pathways and the Feasibility of Blue Hydrogen Production in Canada’s Offshore Oil and Gas Industry
Emissions Reduction Fund Support: $440,070

The objective of this project is to outline detailed pathways for Canada’s offshore oil and gas industry to achieve both net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets by 2050 and economic development and industry growth. There are many technologies and processes that can be deployed in the pursuit of emissions reductions. This project will narrow the possibilities to a manageable number of pathways or scenarios that can be continuously refined and updated when technical or financial circumstances change. This work will incorporate an assessment of the feasibility of the production of hydrogen in Canada’s offshore industry. Hydrogen is increasingly being viewed nationally and internationally as being an important fuel in the fight against climate change. Clearly understanding its potential role in Canada’s offshore oil and gas industry is an important information gap that must be addressed as part of the development of net zero pathways. www.netzeroproject.ca/

Recipient: Suncor Energy Inc. (NL)
Project Title: Terra Nova FPSO Flare Reduction Study
Emissions Reduction Fund Support: $678,762
On average, daily background flaring results in approximately 25-30% of Terra Nova’s current greenhouse gas emissions. Flare gas is a by-product of oil production and processing during normal operations that is released from different sources in the process system. This gas is sent to flare to be burned off, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of this project is to complete front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies focusing on reducing flaring on the FPSO (floating production, storage and offloading vessel). The study will assess the technical feasibility of installing a closed flare system on the Terra Nova FPSO and reducing gas compression train-related flaring. www.suncor.com/

Media contact:
Lynn Evans
lynn.evans@erinl.ca
709-738-7916

For Immediate Release
December 16, 2021

econext is commending the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology on the publication today of Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable energy plan.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has what the world needs,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s Executive Director. “This province has a wealth of yet-to-be-developed renewable energy resources that can help sectors and nations meet their environmental objectives and commitments.”

• Click here to download Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable energy plan.

Hanley notes that the challenge has always been around getting these resources to those that need and want them. “New markets, increased environmental pressures on industry, and the emergence of clean fuels are presenting us with new opportunities for the export of our clean energy,” said Hanley. “There are enormous opportunities here for us to grow and diversify our economy – and it’s important that we now have a plan in place to achieve our potential.”

Throughout the Fall, econext engaged within its membership and network – meeting with developers, suppliers, utilities, and subject matter experts – to submit a series of comprehensive recommendations to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in the development of its plan.

• Click here to download econext‘s recommendations to government towards the development of its plan.

“We were very pleased to see that much of what our membership had to say was ultimately reflected in the plan,” said Hanley. “This is an important step forward for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

“We commend Minister Parsons and his team for their work this Fall, and look forward to working in partnership towards an economically-sound future for our province and the environment. ”

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. econext works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley, Executive Director, econext
kieran@econext.ca

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2021

econext has submitted a series of 36 recommendations for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to consider in the development of a new renewable energy plan.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has what the world needs,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s Executive Director. “We have a wealth of undeveloped renewable energy resources that can help sectors and nations meet their environmental objectives and commitments.”

Hanley said that up until now the options for development within the province have been limited, but the increasing demand for clean energy in both electricity grids and industrial activity – along with the prospect of using renewables for the production and export of clean fuels – “opens new doors for us”.

“Discussions around concepts like net zero, energy transition, decarbonization, green jobs, and so on… are intensifying and accelerating rapidly worldwide,” said Hanley. “From hydro, to wind, to wave – we have excellent resources to offer, and so the simple question becomes: how do we get what we have to the people that need it?”

Hanley said that the economic growth and diversification potential for Newfoundland and Labrador associated with the growth of the renewable energy sector could not be understated. “We have before us an enormous opportunity to fundamentally change our economy,” said Hanley.

Following a series of meetings and engagements with renewable energy developers, suppliers, providers, and other stakeholders throughout October and November, one theme consistently emerged. “In order for Newfoundland and Labrador to meet its potential, we have to find ways for industry to get more involved in the planning and development of renewable energy” said Hanley, noting that how the province regulates the sector will need to change.

“Should we seize the moment, econext believes that the future is bright for Newfoundland and Labrador – but it will require vision and bold steps forward.” Hanley said he hopes that econext’s recommendations are valuable in helping the provincial government create that vision.

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. econext works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley, Executive Director, econext
kieran@econext.ca

For Immediate Release:
November 3, 2021

(ST. JOHN’S, NL) – econext is extending a congratulations to one of its members this morning following a major investment announcement.

Mysa announced today the closing of a $20.3 million Series B equity funding round which will help the company develop new products and services and expand its international marketing and distribution channels.

Related:

• Mysa Announces $20.3 Million in Series B Fundraising

“We are very proud of what Mysa has been able to accomplish,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s Executive Director. “The fact that this company, in a relatively short period of time, has grown from its two co-founders to employing a diverse team of 96 and growing… is nothing short of inspiring.”

Hanley said that Mysa is helping to show entrepreneurs and startups in Newfoundland and Labrador that there is no limit to what they can achieve. “This province’s technology sector is thriving, and as we move towards a cleaner economy the opportunities in front of cleantech developers will be substantial.”

Hanley noted that Mysa has helped to give back to the community even during times of accelerated growth – becoming the first business in Newfoundland and Labrador to achieve carbon neutrality and representing the cleantech sector at-large through support of econext.

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. econext works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley, Executive Director, econext
kieran@econext.ca

For Immediate Release
October 26, 2021

The Provincial Government is inviting input from stakeholders and the public on the development of a renewable energy plan to provide a sustainable long-term vision for Newfoundland and Labrador to maximize its renewable energy future.

econext is encouraging its members to participate in the stakeholder engagement. “Newfoundland and Labrador has an abundance of clean energy resources that, if developed, would do much to grow and diversify this province’s economy,” says Kieran Hanley, econext‘s Executive Director. “Now is the time to develop our priorities and make the necessary changes that are required to unlock this province’s potential.”

Hanley says that econext members should ‘think big’ with their ideas and feedback. “The resulting renewable energy plan will only be as good as the input provided to decision-makers during the stakeholder engagement,” noted Hanley, “and so it is very important that the private sector put its best food forward over the course of the next 10 days.”

Hanley said that members should consider how government can help enable private sector led renewable energy projects (e.g. supporting policies, removal of regulatory barriers, etc.) – with the understanding that domestic electricity needs are already largely met through clean energy sources. “Let’s think big, but let’s also focus on the clear and present opportunities.”

The stakeholder engagement continues until Thursday, November 4, 2021. Feedback can be provided via engageNL.ca, which includes an online questionnaire and the option of providing a written submission.

Resources:

• NL Government News Release
• Consultation website

Hanley notes that econext will be submitting a series of recommendations to government on behalf of its membership, and asks that members participating in the stakeholder engagement also send their feedback to kieran@econext.ca.

“The emerging importance of clean fuels like hydrogen in the global fight against climate change, and increasing regional electricity demands and cooperation, are opening new doors for the development of renewable energy resources,” says Hanley. “Newfoundland and Labrador is in an excellent position to give the world what it needs – it’s time to take concrete action to seize these opportunities.”

econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. econext works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley, Executive Director, econext
kieran@econext.ca