Category: News

econext Hosts Successful Greening Business Workshop in Corner Brook, Expanding to More Communities Across the Province

Posted on by Chelsie Cake

For Immediate Release

March 14, 2025

Corner Brook, NL  – econext is pleased to announce the success of its first Greening Business Workshop, held in Corner Brook on March 7, 2025. The event provided local businesses with valuable insights on reducing their environmental impact and how improving efficiency and sustainability can result in direct benefits.

With the support of our event partners – the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade – as well as our program partners, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, the workshop equipped attendees with practical insights for integrating sustainable practices into their operations.

Business Sustainability Lead Alex Rumbolt presents to workshop attendees.

“This workshop showcased the growing commitment among Newfoundland and Labrador businesses to sustainability,” said Alex Rumbolt, Business Sustainability Lead at econext. “By providing practical solutions and connecting businesses with key resources, we’re helping to drive real change in the province’s green economy.”

Matthew Hatcher of takeCHARGE presents on energy efficiency to workshop attendees.

Following this successful event, econext is excited to bring the Greening Business Workshop series to more communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. These future workshops will continue to support businesses in adopting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.

For more information on upcoming workshops and sustainability initiatives, visit 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.

Call for Interest in econext’s Board of Directors

Posted on by kieran

In April econext will elect its Board of Directors for 2025/26.

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 five (5) 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 11, 2025. Voting for director positions shall take place online April 21 – 25, 2025. Nominees will have an opportunity to speak directly to members at econext‘s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception taking place on April 16. Click here for more information on this event.

econext publishes discussion paper exploring opportunities for digital, remote, and autonomous operations in clean energy

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
February 26, 2025

econext has published a discussion paper which explores the potential for the application and development of digital, remote, and autonomous operations technologies within Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry.

“The objective of this discussion paper is to advance a conversation locally on the potential for innovation in these subject areas,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. Hanley says that the province has strong expertise in the development of these types of technologies, but much of that expertise is ocean-based. “We believe there is an exciting opportunity to understand how Newfoundland and Labrador’s technology strengths can be applied within the growing clean energy industry – a lot of which will be terrestrial.”

Download the Report

Hanley says that digital, remote, and autonomous operations can help industry improve its productivity and reduce operating costs – both of which will be important for the future of clean energy in the province. “We think there are all sorts of interesting applications for these types of technologies as they can relate to wind turbines, transmission lines, storage systems, both small- and large-scale generation facilities, and other infrastructure.”

The report was completed in partnership with SEM Ltd., and is intended as a first step for econext to define more concretely the opportunities that exist and inform its future efforts to help innovators pursue them. “There’s a lot different ideas presented in this discussion paper – and that’s the point,” said Hanley. “Over time we will work with industry, businesses, entrepreneurs and others to narrow in on some more specific areas of opportunity.”

Hanley said that econext is planning an event in the near future for businesses to engage in a discussion on the topic – and workshop ideas together. “We will have more information soon on this event!”

Innovation challenge underway

The release of the discussion paper is also meant to help businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador generate ideas that might be suitable for the Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge, said Hanley.


“Earlier this month we launched a competition in partnership with Foresight Canada for innovative ideas that our emerging industry can embrace to reduce operational costs, and we are hoping that this document is a bit of a catalyst to stimulate local submissions.”

More information on the challenge can be found here.

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.

CEO’s Message – Electricity grid is key to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economic development and diversification

Posted on by kieran

In our travels to different parts of the world, leading trade missions and helping to facilitate international partnerships for our members, those that we meet are very interested to hear that Newfoundland and Labrador’s electricity grid is derived from 90+% renewable sources.

This is not just a fortuitous circumstance for our province from an environmental perspective, it is a powerful investment attraction asset that is leading to all sorts of economic development opportunities and inquiries from businesses and industries interested in the low-carbon production of goods and services.

The thing is, though, that there is not a whole lot of extra electricity that we can provide. The demand for electricity in NL has been steadily increasing – driven in no small part by efforts to electrify heating, transportation, and other aspects of our economy to reduce GHGs (and in many cases – save money). The myth that we will have oodles of extra energy thanks to Muskrat Falls has been busted. These trends aren’t going anywhere, and are expected to continue to drive increased electricity demand for many years to come.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s 2024 Reliability and Resource Adequacy Study Review concludes that – at minimum – the province needs at least 385MW of additional capacity and 1.4TWh of new energy by 2034 to address load growth and reliability needs. While 2034 sounds like a long ways away, it’s less than ten years from today. This is a blink of an eye when it comes to electricity planning.

For our part, econext‘s assessment is that the demand forecast used in this analysis is conservative; based on the level of interest that we see in NL’s clean electricity, we believe that there is the potential for much greater demand to materialize. The wrench in those economic development opportunities is that electricity utilities will typically not build generation infrastructure that is over and above what has been determined to be absolutely necessary. There’s good reasons for this – namely ensuring that ratepayers aren’t on the hook for investment into assets that are not immediately necessary. That’s risky! Therefore, electricity utilities won’t build in anticipation of growth that could happen, they will build for growth that they are certain will happen.

From an economic development and diversification perspective, therein lies the chicken-and-the-egg scenario. A utility won’t build capacity for an industrial customer until it can guarantee offtake. But an industrial customer will struggle to obtain financing or make final investment decisions for its proposed activities until it can guarantee access to the clean electricity it needs. As it stands, one party would need to make an unreasonable leap of faith to crack the egg.

So… if clean electricity is a powerful investment attraction asset, how does NL deal with the increased interest in its electricity when it doesn’t have a lot to currently give?

I don’t have a clear answer to that question, but believe that how we make decisions about electricity infrastructure in this province is going to be a key part of it.

In my recent experience as Chair of NL’s Net Zero Advisory Council, I had the opportunity to learn quite a bit about how electricity projects come to be. The reality is that it takes a long time for them to be conceived, analyzed, proposed, scrutinized, built, and operational. I can say that if we need at least 385MW of additional capacity by 2034, we are going to have to be swift in our decision making in order to make that happen.

And that’s just to meet our minimum needs in a business-as-usual scenario. The reality is that in the years ahead our regulators are going to be entertaining all sorts of different projects that are going to be ‘new’ to them from a decision-making perspective. I anticipate that regulators will be considering more interconnectivity with other major clean energy projects (i.e., large wind-to-hydrogen projects); various energy storage technologies (i.e., via compressed air in salt domes); and proposed projects that test the value of environmental sustainability versus mandates and directives to choose the ‘lowest cost’ options.

These are all very complex discussions, but we won’t have the luxury of a whole lot of time to consider them. On the one hand, the global push towards net zero GHGs is accelerating clean energy demands and also economic development opportunities for NL to an unprecedented level. On the other hand, the threat of disruption due to the actions of the United States are creating an urgent need to diversify our economy.

Our clean electricity is a solution to both of these pressures. To meet the moment, we need to be open to new ideas. Regulators need to adequately resourced to deal with what is going to be coming. And it will be important for our decision-making to be nimble and flexible. Analysis, engagement, and decision-making need not be lengthy to be robust.

NL’s electricity clean grid is key to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economic development and diversification. Whether or not we can capitalize on this will depend on our ability to see the forest from the trees and make sure our processes are fit for purpose in a world that is changing at great speed.

// Kieran Hanley

The Art of Going Green: A Mural for Newfoundland and Labrador’s Green Economy

Posted on by Chelsie Cake

Mural artist Molly Margaret stands next to her work.

There’s something new on the walls at No Picnik Co-Working—a mural that tells the story of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy—from its roots in the fishery to its future in the clean energy industry. The piece captures the province’s natural beauty, its evolving industries, and the people driving the growth of a vibrant and environmentally sustainable economic future.

An image depicting the full mural.

“This artwork will serve to be an important reminder – each and every day for our staff and the many visitors we see at our office – of the purpose and importance of econext’s work and existence,” said econext’s CEO Kieran Hanley. “We have a 40-foot hallway which is traveled dozens of times everyday by our employees, others at No Picnik, and all of our visitors,” he said, “and we saw this as an opportunity to tell the important story of our association and its members.”

The mural is filled with symbols and depictions of Newfoundland and Labrador’s past, present, and future economies— from the fisheries, to the offshore, to wind and hydro power. It reflects the work that econext’s members are doing every day, moving industries forward while staying connected to the land and ocean that defines us.

The mural was designed and painted by well-known local artist Molly Margaret. “Molly worked closely with us to bring this vision to life,” said Hanley. “We were lucky that she was able and willing, and her work has already made for a brighter and more inspiring workspace.”

The mural depicts many different scenes, such as a teaching environment.

“Creating this mural for econext was an incredibly enjoyable experience! Collaborating to create a concept that blended the province’s imagery with achievements in the evolving green economy was a unique opportunity,” said artist Molly Margaret. “It was exciting to dive into their core values and mission, weaving them into a vibrant and meaningful illustration. Painting in the workspace was a true highlight, allowing me to bring the piece to life with bright saturated colors and energy. I’m very proud of this piece and I hope it brings some joy to everyone who steps into the office!”

Now a permanent fixture at No Picnik, the mural will reinforce with visitors Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and the bright green future that it has in front of it. “We all have a role to play in helping the province to realize this future,” said Hanley. “This artwork will be a continuous reminder of econext’s mission and the important work our staff are doing each and every day to contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador’s future.”

Margaret outlines the mural details.

About No Picnik

No Picnik is a co-working space on the second floor of 235 Water Street in the heart of Downtown St. John’s. The space includes private offices, workstations, access to meetings rooms, and a wide variety of shared amenities. More information can be found at https://nopicnik.ca/.

About Molly Margaret

Molly is an Illustrator and Muralist from St. John’s, Newfoundland. She received her Bachelor of Design in Illustration at OCAD University in Toronto, Canada in 2018. Her work is largely inspired by plants and botanicals, East Coast imagery and culture, as well as architecture and people. She prioritizes creating joyous, colourful, and whimsical work for everyone to enjoy. More information can be found on her website https://mollymargaretart.com/.

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.

 

Innovators Compete for $50K Prize, Empowering Clean Energy Solutions in Newfoundland & Labrador

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
February 4, 2025

St. John’s, NL — Foresight Canada and econext have launched the new Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Innovation Challenge, inviting Canadian innovators to present advanced technology solutions that reduce maintenance costs and improve operational performance of remote clean energy infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). This includes wind turbines, transmission lines, storage systems, and both small- and large-scale generation facilities.

NL is emerging as a strategic leader in clean energy development, including green hydrogen, with key advantages that position the province for global competitiveness:

  • A clean electricity grid powered by nearly 100% renewable energy
  • Significant energy storage potential to support long-term grid stability
  • Abundant natural resources and access to land and freshwater for further development
  • Established port infrastructure with proximity to major export markets and global shipping routes
  • A skilled workforce and deep supply chain expertise in large-scale energy projects

Advanced technologies and innovative solutions are key to unlocking this potential and maintaining the province’s leadership position. By focusing on operational efficiency and cost reduction, NL can maximize productivity and profitability while aligning with national net zero objectives.

More information on NL’s clean energy industry can be found here.

Innovators competing in this challenge have the opportunity to win up to CAD $50,000 in cash prizes and access tailored support to accelerate their proposed solutions. Winners will also gain valuable exposure to the energy industry and its stakeholders, providing a springboard for further development and commercialization.

Click To View the Challenge!

Industry Leaders Supporting the Challenge

The Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge is backed by key Industry partners including ABO Energy, EverWind Fuels, North Atlantic, Pattern Energy, World Energy GH2, Newfoundland Power, and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Their support underscores the importance of addressing operational challenges while fostering sustainable growth and innovation.

Driving Economic Growth Through Innovation

In today’s rapidly evolving market, maintaining a competitive edge requires continuous improvement in cost management, productivity, and operational excellence. It’s also key to meeting net zero targets. Foresight’s Innovation Challenge program connects industries with practical, de-risked cleantech solutions designed to address real-world challenges. By facilitating the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies, Foresight supports industries in achieving measurable results, driving sustainable growth, and enhancing overall efficiency.

“We are honoured to collaborate with econext on this Challenge, deepening our connection with the Atlantic provinces. Clean energy infrastructure is a critical gateway to decarbonization, and by linking the right innovations, we can deliver turn-key, high-impact solutions that can be deployed swiftly—driving sustainability and economic growth across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.
Jeanette Jackson CEO, Foresight Canada

“The clean energy opportunity in front of Newfoundland and Labrador is tremendous. From major wind-to-hydrogen projects to large hydroelectric developments, we are on the verge of significant green economic growth in our province. We are excited to be working with Foresight Canada on this challenge to help draw attention to what is happening here – while exploring the application of new and innovative clean technologies.
Kieran Hanley CEO, econext

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.

This Challenge is made possible through support from RBC and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Click here to view the official challenge website.

Media Contacts
Heather Kingdon
Communications Manager
Foresight Canada
hkingdon@foresightcac.com

Kieran Hanley
CEO
econext
kieran@econext.ca

CEO Message – January 29, 2025

Posted on by kieran

In the face of extreme tariffs, we need to consider alternatives to the US products and services that we are purchasing.

There are many developments and opportunities to be excited about in 2025, but with the seeming probability of the Americans applying a 25% tariff to its Canadian imports in the days ahead – it is not lost on us that many of econext‘s members are going to be directly and potentially severely impacted. Indeed, many of Newfoundland and Labrador’s industries will be challenged – along with the entirety of Canada’s economy.

Businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador are going to need our help. And while we are confident that our Provincial and Federal governments will do everything in their power to help businesses and their workers through this turbulence, there are decisions that we all make on a daily basis that can be helpful too.

We should be doing our best to buy as local as we possibly can.

Are there products and services that you are sourcing from the United States that can be displaced by Newfoundland and Labrador alternatives? If you cannot source what you need within the province, can you get them from somewhere else in Canada? And if not Canada, what about from nations more friendly to Canada?

These are questions that every business can ask itself and act upon. The bottom line is that Canadians need to strongly reconsider spending money on products and services from a country that seems intent on causing harm to our own. The irony is not lost on me that this message will be spread on social media platforms owned by those who are indifferent or highly supportive of the punitive trade action being pursued. This is a problem.

And so it is incumbent on all of us think through what we have the means to do in our own work. This week econext will be reviewing the products and services that it procures to see where it can shift. If many Canadian organizations, corporations, and individuals do the same – we can mitigate some of the damage that is to come and also strengthen our domestic economy long-term.

A call to action: take some time this week to think about where you are buying from. The added benefit of buying more local? You will reduce the environmental footprint of your business.

// Kieran Hanley
CEO

Opportunities to learn more about the Churchill Falls MOU

Posted on by kieran

econext members should be aware of a number of opportunities in the coming weeks to learn more about the Memorandum of Understanding between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec.

‘Extraordinary Sitting’ of the House of Assembly

The Speaker has advised Members that the House of Assembly will reconvene on Monday, January 6 at 10:00 a.m. Proceedings will be broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and streamed via the House of Assembly website and social media channels (Facebook, X and YouTube). The public galleries will be open throughout the sitting. Information and protocols for visiting the public galleries are available on the House of Assembly website.

Webinars

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are invited to join Jennifer Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, and members of the negotiating team, for one of four online sessions to learn more about the details of the Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 12, 2024. Four 90-minute community webinars will be held from January 12-14. Sessions will include a presentation from Ms. Williams, as well as a moderated question and answer session. Individuals can submit their questions within the webinar platform during the session. Those who are unable to stream the sessions via the Internet may register for a telephone only option.

Webinar times are:

  • Sunday, January 12: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Monday, January 13: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Monday, January 13: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, January 14: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

To register, please visit www.ourchapter.ca.

SAVE THE DATE: econext 2025 Conference

Posted on by kieran

Save the Date!

econext‘s 2025 Conference will be taking place October 9, 2025 at the Delta Hotel St. John’s. Stay tuned for more information.

Partnership

Are you interested in partnering with us on our conference? Click here for details and contact Colin Heffernan at heffernan@econext.ca with your interest.

econext celebrates historic Churchill Falls agreement between Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
December 13, 2024

econext is congratulating the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and its negotiating team on the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed yesterday with Quebec to chart the future for Churchill Falls.

“The Churchill Falls hydroelectric resources are world class and are admired by all those econext and its members engage with nationally and internationally,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s CEO. “We commend both provincial governments for seeing the importance and value of this enormous clean energy asset, and are excited and ready to contribute to its future development.”

The MOU signed between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec includes an agreement to terminate and replace the 1969 Upper Churchill Contract, expand the capacity of the existing Churchill Falls plant, develop Gull Island, and build important new transmission infrastructure.

“Gull Island is well known across the continent as being one of the most attractive undeveloped hydroelectricity projects in North America,” said Hanley. “All told, this agreement will increase clean energy generation capacity in Labrador by almost 4GW, with the province maintaining majority ownership of the generation assets and having access to almost 2GW.”

Hanley said that the agreement will mean a number of things from a clean energy perspective. “First, this expanded access to clean energy will allow the province to attract new investment and new low-carbon industrial activity,” noting that it has the potential to enable new critical minerals activity in Labrador. “Second, this will mean many green jobs and business opportunities for people in our province over a sustained period of time.”

Also significant, said Hanley, is the involvement of the Innu Nation in the negotiations and the announcement of the MOU. “We are seeing a trend here in Newfoundland and Labrador where Indigenous groups are becoming directly involved in clean energy project development, and this is a very positive thing.”

Hanley observed that the MOU is the result of the hard work and determination of many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. “This MOU is a win for all parties to the agreement; econext would like to extend a congratulations to all of those involved.”

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.