Category: News

econext helping NL Film and TV Productions Go Green

Posted on by Colin Heffernan

econext COO Abbie Hodder, Green Transition Fund Rep Bradley Throne, TakeChargeNL’s Peter Upshall, and econext Manager of Circular Economy Audrey Parnell in conversation.

For Immediate Release
April 18, 2024

On Friday April 12th, econext supported the first ever workshop for the film and television industry that outlined opportunities, skills and knowledge for a greener sector in Newfoundland and Labrador

“The local film and television production industry is growing in our province”, said Manager of Industry and Community Engagement Colin Heffernan. “econext is eager to support its continued greening because environmental performance is going to be key to market competitiveness for these local companies.”

The workshop was organized by PictureNL, the provincial film commission, and held at the College of the North Atlantic Film and Television Campus in St. John’s. econext staff moderated and participated in a panel that examined funding opportunities for green initiatives in the film and TV sector, along with partners at TakechargeNL and the Green Transition Fund.

CEO of Picture NL Laura Churchill states “At PictureNL, we envision a future where sustainability and decarbonization in the film and television industry in this province thrives. The Bottom Line Impact – Financial Assistance for Greening Business and Sectors panel provided local production companies the information and connections they need to empower our industry and embrace greener practices.”

Panelists joined by (L – R) PictureNL CEO Laura Churchill, Greenspark Group’s Zena Harris, and presenters Mark Rabin and Alex Onwudiwe

The remainder of the workshop, curated by the Sustainable Entertainment Society, a green motion picture production consultancy, included hands-on skills development for production crew featuring new tech that replaces fuel-burning generators, and business development sessions focused on the downstream savings from switching to cleaner tech.

Laura with PictureNL sums it up, saying “It is evident that econext is an essential partner that can build relationships across industries to help achieve decarbonization and clean energy goals in our industry.”

PictureNL (formerly Newfoundland & Labrador Film Development Corporation – NLFDC) was established in 1997 as a Crown corporation of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. PictureNL was  created to grow the local screen industries of the province, both through the creation of local film and television productions for national and international markets, and as a destination for service productions to shoot in Newfoundland and Labrador locations.

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

econext congratulates World Energy GH2 on advancement of Project Nujio’qonik

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
April 9, 2024

This afternoon the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador released World Energy GH2’s Project Nujio’qonik from environmental assessment.

“This is a landmark moment for Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “This project puts our province on the frontier of green hydrogen production internationally, and we congratulate World Energy GH2 and their partners in this extraordinary achievement.”

Project Nujio’qonik will be Canada’s first commercial green hydrogen/ammonia producer created from 3+ GW of renewable electricity through wind projects in one of the world’s best wind resource regions.

Hanley said econext expects the milestone to be one among many in the years ahead for Newfoundland and Labrador. “There are several projects being explored within the province that would be internationally significant in terms of their impact in the fight against climate change,” he said. “These types of projects not only allow for Newfoundland and Labrador to make an important contribution to the world’s pursuit of net zero GHGs, but also create good jobs, business opportunities, and community investment here at home.”

“We would also like to reflect on the hard work of our colleagues in the provincial government,” said Hanley, noting that the global energy transition is happening quickly and until recent years a wind-to-hydrogen project in Newfoundland and Labrador would have been inconceivable. “Our government had to build regulations and processes from the ground up to respond to the world’s increasing demand for clean energy; this has been no small feat but it has helped position the province for success while maintaining the highest of environmental standards.”

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

econext’s Industry Awards to be presented on April 26

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
March 28, 2024

econext will recognize and celebrate the winners of its 2024 Industry Awards on April 26 at an event at the Delta St. John’s.

“Internationally there is a growing focus on the environmental performance of economies, industries, and communities,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “Organizations and individuals are doing some world class things here in Newfoundland and Labrador that deserve to be recognized and be part of that story.”

Awards will be distributed in the following categories:

  • Cleantech Innovation
  • Business Excellence
  • International Business
  • Industry Champion

econext‘s Industry Awards are being presented this year in partnership with TD. TD provides a wide range of banking services and access to instruments for lending, equipment and asset financing, and integrated, customized solutions for their clients. “TD has been a supporter of econext and its work to grow Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy, and we are happy to have them be part of our awards ceremony this year.”

Hanley noted that nominations are still being accepted for the awards until April 9. Nominations can be made here.

Tickets for the awards ceremony are available here.

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

Media Contact:
Colin Heffernan
heffernan@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 2024/25.

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 four (4) 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 22, 2024. Voting for director positions shall take place online April 24 – 29, 2024. Nominees will have an opportunity to speak directly to members at econext‘s 2024 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception taking place on April 26. Click here for more information on this event.

econext 2024 AGM and Industry Awards Reception

Posted on by kieran

econext‘s 2024 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception is taking place on April 26, 2024.

Date: Friday, April 26, 2024
Location: Delta Hotel and Conference Centre – St. John’s

Annual General Meeting

The AGM portion of the meeting will take place at 2:00 and will feature a 2023-24 Year in Review, a look ahead to 2024-25, and an opportunity for members to ask questions and engage in discussion. Voting matters will occur online as to allow for maximum participation from members across the province, and will take place between April 25-30. For members interested in Board of Directors nominations, click here. This portion of the event is for members only.

Industry Awards Reception

econext will recognize and celebrate the winner of its 2024 Industry Awards in the following categories: Cleantech Innovation, Business Excellence, International Business, and Industry Champion. Awards nominations are due by March 29, 2024. To make a nomination, click here.

Registration

Tickets for this event are $22.63 for members and $38.61 for non-members. Click the button below to complete your registration.

Register Now

Online Voting

Members will be provided a personalized access code (distributed on April 25) which will be used for the casting of votes through to 17h00 NST on April 30, 2024.

Resources

Green Economy: Highlights from 2024-25 Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Budget

Posted on by kieran

Below are some highlights from the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial budget, delivered on March 21, 2024, relevant to green economy stakeholders. Click here to view the budget materials.

Tax Credits

Two provincial tax credits that can support cleantech adoption and production will continue, including:

  • The 20% ‘Green Technology’ tax credit (to help businesses with specific capital costs for green activities, such as equipment for energy conservation and clean energy generation and the efficient use of fossil fuels).
  • The 10% manufacturing and processing investment tax credit.

Green Transition and Innovation

Financing to assist businesses and research institutions pursue green economy opportunities will be funded again in 2024-25, including:

  • $13.7 million in funding for the Innovation and Business Development Fund.
  • $11.5 million for the Green Transition Fund.
  • $35 million to support economic development, with a focus on research and development, commercialization, investment attraction, and regional development – not specifically tied to ‘green’ but green activities eligible.

Net Zero

Investments to help decarbonize and reduce GHGs in the province, including:

  • $81.9 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while addressing energy affordability including support to transition homes from oil to electric heat.
  • $1.1 million for electrical vehicle infrastructure.

Climate Change Adaptation

Contributions to help acquire vital information for municipalities and planners:

  • $1.5 million for flood risk mapping.

Wastewater

Dedicated funds to assist in tackling wastewater challenges in NL, including:

  • $50 million over five years to support water and wastewater projects.
  • $650,000 for a permanent wastewater surveillance program.

Mining

Plus, investments to help the province continue to position itself as a leader in critical minerals:

  • $2.6 million to support implementation of the Critical Minerals Strategy to enhance the province’s competitiveness and attract private investment.
  • $1.7 million for the Mineral Incentive Program, including $1.3 million for Junior Exploration Assistance.
  • $1.6 million annually for a Labrador-specific geoscience program that supports exploration in frontier regions.

Also of note, a $72.4 million contribution is being made to the Newfoundland and Labrador Future Fund (revenues from one-time sources and non-renewables resources) bringing the total contributions to $358.8 million.

Nominations are now open for econext’s Industry Awards!

Posted on by kieran

Do you know of an econext member that should be recognized for their successes?

econext is launching its 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 Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Awards categories include:

  • Cleantech Innovation
  • Business Excellence
  • International Business
  • Industry Champion

To see the awards categories and make your nomination, click the link below.

Make a Nomination!

Eight teams compete for grand prize at econext clean growth Ideathon in Corner Brook

Posted on by kieran


For Immediate Release
March 13, 2024

Between March 1-3, 2024, the second econext clean growth Ideathon took place in partnership with Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre and Memorial University’s Centre for Social Enterprise.

Taking place in Corner Brook, the event saw 36 post-secondary students from Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus and the College of the North Atlantic compete to come up with solutions for reducing and/or repurposing waste material in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).

The students, from many different disciplines, formed 8 teams. Each team worked together to develop their ideas which they pitched to a panel of expert judges. The students received mentorship and participated in workshops and networking throughout the weekend to help build their ideas. The top three teams walked away with prizes totalling $6,000. A Social Impact Award of $1,000, sponsored by the Centre for Social Enterprise, was also awarded to one team.

First-Place Winners


The first-place prize, sponsored by Hatch, was awarded to Team Waste Watchers (Dan Langdon, Riley Lockyer, and Ryan Whalen) who pitched a coordinated collection and processing of organic matter , and the sale of resulting fertilizing compost soil to suit agricultural demands.

Second-Place Winners


The second-place prize went to Team Green Revive (Andy Guilhem Awongue Nkada, Jemy Sara Joy, Soham Savant, Madison Organ, and Muhammad Zeeshan Siddiqui) who presented “Salt-ernative” – a de-icer alternative made from forestry and fisheries waste to reduce salt and its harmful effects. Green Revive were also the winners of the Social Impact Award.

Third-Place Winners


The third-place prize, sponsored by TD Bank, was presented to Team Eco Souls (Bhashitha Konara, Marie Lopez Cruz, Poornima Wijerathna) who introduced “Eco-Rewards” – a gamified approach to recycling with tangible rewards for participants.

In addition to the prize sponsors, econext would like to thank its opening ceremonies sponsor, NL Workforce Innovation Centre; event sponsor, Fuel 4 the Future; and meal sponsors, Electronic Products Recycling Association and Memorial University’s Cenovus Centre of Excellence in Sales and Supply Chain Management.


The econext Ideathon was made possible through partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable, and with support from the Government of Canada.

More events will be taking place in 2024-25. If you are interested in partnering on a future event, please contact Chelsea Linfield at chelsea@econext.ca or Alex Rumbolt at alex@econext.ca.

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

Navigate is a champion of entrepreneurship in western Newfoundland, providing business coaching and support to the local entrepreneurial community and to students, faculty, staff, and alumni of MUN Grenfell Campus and CNA Corner Brook Campus. Learn more at https://navigatesmallbusiness.ca.

Since its official launch in 2017, the Centre for Social Enterprise has established itself as a hub of social enterprise expertise and activity with a wide network of collaborators and partners both within the province and beyond. Learn more at https://www.mun.ca/social-enterprise.

The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization bringing together some of Canada’s largest companies and leading post-secondary institutions. Since 2015, BHER has worked to harness the strengths of Canada’s business and post-secondary education sectors to build opportunities for young Canadians, boost innovation and drive collaboration. Learn more at www.bher.ca. Visit our WIL Hub for ways to explore, invest in and create quality WIL opportunities.

New approach to funding program will advance circular economy innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
March 7, 2024

econext is congratulating the Multi Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) on the re-launch of its Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund (SWMIF).

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s geography and demographics creates challenges for the management of waste,” said Kieran Hanley, CEO of econext. “Innovation is required to find new ways to address these challenges in effective and economical ways.”

The SWMIF offers financial support to innovators who are advancing sustainable waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This year the program was increased from $15,000 to $50,000 in non-repayable funding for successful applicants. “This adjustment to the program will help to inspire and support bigger ideas,” said Hanley, noting that the innovative solutions developed in NL can be exportable to other jurisdictions facing similar challenges.

“It is important to look at these challenges as being green economy growth opportunities for our province,” said Hanley. “What’s good for the environment can also be good for business.”

More information on the SWMIF can be found at https://mmsb.nl.ca/funding-programs/swmif/.

econext is currently surveying commercial and industrial operators across to the province to understand how it can help them pursue innovative circular economy opportunities. “We are encouraging businesses in NL to tell us about their waste streams so that we can do better to help,” said Hanley. Business can fill out the short survey at https://econext.ca/econext-asking-nl-businesses-to-reach-out-about-their-solid-waste-streams/.

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

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca

Clean energy industry momentum building in NL with World Energy GH2 and Government of Canada agreement

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
March 6, 2024

econext is highlighting a recent agreement between World Energy GH2 and the Government of Canada as an important step in the growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry.

“World Energy GH2’s Project Nujio’qonik aims to be Canada’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen facility,” said Kieran Hanley, CEO of econext. “This agreement helps to cement confidence in the extraordinary opportunity this province has around clean energy.”

Last week Export Development Canada (EDC), on behalf of the Government of Canada, and World Energy GH2 signed definitive agreements in connection with a CA$128M credit facility to support the development of of the project through to its financial close of its long-term financing.

“We applaud EDC for using the tools that it has at its disposal to support clean energy development in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Hanley. “With supports like these, our province will solidify Canada’s position as a leading supplier of clean energy and technology to the world.”

The Government of Canada’s news release can be found here. World Energy GH2’s news release can be found here.

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

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca