Category: News

Request for Expressions of Interest: Hosting a Clean Energy Entrepreneurial Work Term Student

Posted on by kieran

In partnership with the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE), econext is helping to facilitate the placement of entrepreneurial work term students within SMEs in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) that have clean energy interests.

The entrepreneurial work term sees students from Memorial University complete a placement which allows them to explore new business ideas and work on their own startup enterprise. This joint MCE-econext initiative will encourage students to pursue clean energy-focused ideas while embedded within a local SME that has the expertise and interest in assisting them with their ideas.

Throughout the placement, the student will be provided entrepreneurial guidance from the MCE. Students can come from faculties with established co-operative education programming (e.g., business, engineering) or from any other discipline even if there is no formal work term programming or requirements in place. The first work terms will take place between May – August.

The objective of this initiative are to (1) help build the talent pipeline in NL to succeed in the emerging clean energy industry; (2) build interest and capacity in clean energy innovation and startups; (3) provide meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities for students and their hosts.

econext is seeking the participation of five (5) of its members to help pilot this initiative. If you are interested in hosting an clean energy entrepreneurial work term student, please contact Kieran Hanley at kieran@econext.ca.

White Paper – Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Offshore Newfoundland and Labrador

Posted on by kieran

Building on discussions held at the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Workshop in September, this white paper explores technical, economic, and policy considerations related to advancing the technology and its application in the Newfoundland and Labrador context.

This white paper is a product of The Net Zero Project. 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.

Download White Paper

Call for Interest in econext’s Board of Directors

Posted on by kieran

In April econext will elect its Board of Directors for 2023/24.

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 March 28, 2023. Voting for director positions shall take place online March 31 – April 7, 2023.

econext is growing, and we need you to join our team!

Posted on by kieran

We are at a special moment in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history. This province has before it the resources, expertise, and opportunities to make a global impact in the global fight against climate change.

We are at a special moment in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history. This province has before it the resources, expertise, and opportunities to make a global impact in the fight against climate change.

econext – an association of businesses working together to drive clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador – has a number of exciting projects and initiatives on the horizon to help the province take steps to realize those opportunities.

And we need your help!

From clean energy to clean technology, our work is going to require skills in project management, events coordination, community engagement, marketing and communications, and more. Our team needs to grow to meet the task at hand.

We are advertising for a number of open positions (see below), and anticipate more to come!

econext offers a hybrid working model to help its staff achieve the right work/life balance. When its staff are in the office, econext works out of a dynamic new co-working space in downtown St. John’s called NoPicnik. Here you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside not just the econext team, but a host of other businesses and organizations too!

Want to help build something special?

econext presents you with a unique opportunity to grow Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy and make a lasting difference for our province.

Get on our radar by applying for one of the positions above!

– Kieran

econext asking members to help inform long-term clean fuels strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
February 9, 2023

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.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
CEO
kieran@econext.ca

Webinar – CCUS in Offshore Newfoundland and Labrador – A Net Zero Project White Paper

Posted on by kieran

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.

Date: February 15, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (NST)
Location: Online

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.

Click Here to Register

Cleantech Firm-Level International Business Development Supports

Posted on by kieran

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.

CEO Message – January 11, 2023

Posted on by kieran

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.

Sincerely,

// Kieran Hanley
CEO

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 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.

Click for More Info

econext celebrates launch of competitive bids process for wind projects in Newfoundland and Labrador

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
December 14, 2022

econext is marking the launch of the competitive process for access to Crown land for wind and hydrogen projects as an important day for Newfoundland and Labrador – and Canada.

“Newfoundland and Labrador can play an important role, on a global scale, in the fight against climate change,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s CEO. “Harnessing our vast renewable wind resources will allow us to help the world decarbonize, while creating excellent jobs and business opportunities here at home.”

The competitive bid process was announced this morning by Hon. Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology. The deadline for bids is March 3, 2023. More information on the process can be found at https://www.gov.nl.ca/iet/bidding-on-crown-land-for-wind-energy-projects/.

“econext has been working very hard over the past two years to bring attention to the opportunities that this industry can provide for our province,” said Hanley, noting that Newfoundland and Labrador has all of the pieces in place to make it highly attractive for development: untapped renewable energy resources, a clean electricity grid, deep water and ice-free ports, existing infrastructure and a capable workforce, proximity to key markets, and abundance of land and water.

“Our provincial government should be commended for the work that it has done through 2022 to bring us to this point,” said Hanley. “It has worked efficiently to get the necessary processes and policies in place, putting the province in a position to attract investment and become a world leader in hydrogen production.”

While much work and many steps remain before any projects are considered for approval, Hanley says it is important to celebrate the milestones when they are achieved. “We wish all parties the best of luck in this competitive process and look forward to continuing our work in 2023 to support the growth of this industry in our province.”

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.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
CEO
kieran@econext.ca