Category: News

CEO Message – January 5, 2024

Posted on by kieran

On behalf of econext, I would like to wish our members and partners a Happy New Year.

Our team is already off to the races on what is sure to be a big year for the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. I’d like to highlight a few of the things that we will be up to in Q1 of this year.

On the policy front we will busy putting our best foot forward in providing ideas for the provincial government’s development of new climate change action plans, and responding to the federal government’s planned emissions cap for the oil and gas industry (which, among other things, we believe has the potential to create new carbon offsets opportunities for our province). We are also in the beginning stages of exploring innovative approaches to regulatory frameworks to help enable efficient processes that are also highly effective in protecting the environment.

We have two ideathons in the works for the Winter across the province, and will be helping SMEs to understand why they should be thinking about ESG and how they can get started developing strategies through a new course that we have developed. We have two exciting webinars within the next two weeks – one on the 11th about Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean technology tax credit, and another on the 16th highlighting clean technologies coming from Iceland.

We are on the heels of facilitating a series of technology demonstrations of our members’ capabilities at The Launch, and will as a result have some exciting footage to share with the world about the cleantech expertise that Newfoundland and Labrador has as it relates to the ocean. Related to all of that, we are helping students explore careers in the green and blue economies and facilitating internships and co-op placements… contact us if you’re interested in hosting!

Meanwhile we are doing some exciting work related to skills and training for the clean energy industry, and finishing our work developing net zero pathways for our offshore oil and gas industry.

This is just the tip of iceberg of what we expect will be a banner year for econext; we have an incredible team in place which I know is going to have a very tangible impact on accelerating clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2024.

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These folks are going to be busy and through 2023 we planted many seeds that we expect to sprout in the months ahead. Stay tuned.

Indeed, Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean growth future really began to take shape in 2023. Even since my last note in July, there has been a long list of developments that will help shape activity in the province 2024 and long after. From the release of critical minerals plans provincially and programming nationally, to the advancement of wind-to-hydrogen projects through the province’s crown lands process and the introduction federally of draft legislation for clean hydrogen tax credits, to the launch of a new provincial CCUS Innovation Challenge, to new bilateral energy agreements with other provinces and the federal government… Newfoundland and Labrador is not just well positioned to be a green leader – the train has left the station.

And this is just a sample of some of the developments this past Fall. The speed at which these things is happening can be difficult to keep track of – not to mention to understand how they may create opportunities for your business! econext is here to help. Are you a member and would like to meet with our team to help you explore or identify opportunities? Please get in touch. Whether you want to explore international markets, identify better uses for your waste streams, understand how you should be adapting to climate change, or see how you can become more productive and innovative – we’ve got someone on the team here who can help.

Lastly, but no less important, this year econext is committed to doing a better job of highlighting the successes of our members – either from a business or environmental perspective. So when you’ve accomplished something that you want to share, please send along your good news to us and we will do our part.

Wishing you a successful 2024,

// Kieran Hanley
CEO

econext, Harris Centre, CLIMAtlantic partner on regional climate workshops throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
December 7, 2023

Throughout 2023, econext – in partnership with Memorial University’s Harris Centre and CLIMAtlantic – organized a series of regional climate workshops throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Climate change is impacting communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, but depending on where you live and how your area has evolved, we all see it affecting us in different ways,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s CEO. “These regional climate workshops are helping us to gain a better understanding of what is most important in specific areas of the province, which in turn will help us to do our work to advance adaptation efforts and grow Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy.”

Workshops took place in Grand Falls-Windsor, Port Rexton, Trinity, Port aux Basques, Codroy Valley, and Pasadena between April and November 2023.

NL Climate Services Specialist Sepehr Khosravi – Courtesy of The Gazette

“We have only scratched the surface in terms of our province’s geography,” recognized Hanley. “We are keen to explore opportunities to host workshops in other areas in 2024 and would be happy to explore ideas with any region or community that expresses interest.”

“econext regularly engages with municipalities and communities across the province to define climate change challenges and opportunities, helping in the pursuit of funding to address them,” said Hanley. The regional climate workshops will allow econext to identify specific initiatives that can be pursued on a regional basis and communicate them to other stakeholders who can help.

“We are grateful for our partnership with The Harris Centre and CLIMAtlantic for this initiative.”

econext approached the Harris Centre to organize, host and facilitate the workshops due to their long standing connections with communities and regions across the province. At each workshop CLIMAtlantic offered practical resources ranging from risk assessment to possible climate change adaptation options.

econext is an association of businesses that accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and work 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

econext releases ocean cleantech webinar series to help SMEs identify international innovation partners in Germany, Ireland, and the UK

Posted on by kieran

Through 2023 econext has released a series of webinars available via its Online & On-Demand platform focused on ocean-based clean technologies.

In the series, three markets with strengths related to clean ocean technologies are explored – Germany, Ireland, and the UK – with a focus on existing clusters and networks, key organizations, and research groups that are leading innovation in the blue/green economies.

Content is available for free in multiple formats; users can choose whether they wish to learn vie video, audio, and/or text.

SMEs in Atlantic Canada wishing to learn more about potential partners identified are encouraged to contact econext staff who can work on your behalf to facilitate an introduction.

Click Here to Access

econext seeking member feedback for new provincial Climate Action Plans

Posted on by kieran

The Department of Environment and Climate Change is seeking input on the development for its new Climate Change Action Plans. Details can be found at the following link:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2023/ecc/1101n03/

econext will provide detailed input from its membership. If you have ideas on how Newfoundland and Labrador can tackle Climate Adaption and/or Climate Change Mitigation that you would like to share with us, please feel free to send your comments directly to Sara Jafari, (sara@econext.ca).

Deadlines
The deadline to have your feedback into econext is December 7, 2023. Additionally, we encourage you to also fill out the provincial government questionnaire. The deadline to provide direct provincial deadline is December 13, 2023.

Growth of econext 2023 conference tied to green economy opportunity in Newfoundland and Labrador

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
November 6, 2023

On October 26, 2023 econext held its annual conference – the largest since the event’s inception in 2012.

“The growth of this event is indicative of the scale of the green economy opportunity that we have here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “It is clear that from wind, to hydrogen, to critical minerals, to energy storage – our province is on the leading edge of clean growth.”

The event, attended by over 300 participants, featured panel discussions focused on: next steps in the province’s emerging clean energy industry; challenges and opportunities in its pursuit of net zero; remaining environmental challenges its municipalities are facing; and green economy innovation.

“Three key themes emerged from the event,” said Hanley. “First – Newfoundland and Labrador is on the verge of a number of truly internationally significant developments. Second, our clean electricity grid is helping us to attract investment and decarbonize – but immediate action is needed to build out that system. And third – while we can make a global contribution in its fight against climate change, we have some work to do at the community level to improve environmental outcomes here at home.”

Hanley said that the event’s growth is also a reflection of the increased awareness of climate change and the importance of taking action. “There is great optimism that the realization of these significant clean energy opportunities can help us to address lingering issues related to waste, wastewater, and of course climate adaptation.”

econext Chair Alex Templeton, Natasha Reid (Transition Accelerator), Jennifer Williams (Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro), Mike McCann (IOC), and Hon. Bernard Davis (Minister of Environment and Climate Change).

The event was carbon neutral via carbon offsets purchased from Sharp Management.

“We would like to thank all of our panelists, moderators, partners, and attendees for contributing to such a special event”

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 celebrates launch of Newfoundland and Labrador’s CCUS Innovation Challenge

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
October 17, 2023

In an effort to maximize and accelerate the decarbonization of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore through the development of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a new CCUS Innovation Challenge.

Image courtesy of Energy NL

See the government news release here.

econext CEO Kieran Hanley participated in the launch of the CCUS Innovation Challenge, with his remarks captured below.

Thank you Minister Davis.

Good morning everyone. Thank you Premier Furey. Minister Parsons.

On behalf of econext, we are very pleased to be here today at the launch of the CCUS Innovation Challenge.

econext is an association that is working to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by supporting and driving environmentally sustainable economic development.

In recent years we have found ourselves increasingly busy in helping Newfoundland and Labrador explore how it can fight climate change in terms of both strategy and technology.

Our analysis, through our Net Zero Project tells us that net zero by 2050 is simply not achievable in Newfoundland and Labrador (or the world) without initiatives that result in negative greenhouse gas emissions – or, projects that take carbon out of the atmosphere.

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage is a promising technology that can help us get there. It’s a technology with which we have some expertise in this province, and there is great opportunity for green economic development by focusing our efforts on solving this global issue.

And therefore, econext is thrilled with the creation of the CCUS Innovation Challenge. Targeted investments in innovation like the one being made today will help put our province on the leading edge of cleantech development on an international basis.

These technologies need to be advanced in order for us to reach net zero… and as luck would have it, we have no shortage of creative minds in our private sector and have experts in our post-secondary institutions – like Dr. James – that can move the needle forward.

And while some of the focus, rightfully so, is on the development of CCUS as it relates to our offshore oil and gas industry, the long term opportunity here for our province extends beyond that into some exciting areas of technology and we can’t wait to see what comes from this Innovation challenge.

To say that the future is bright for climate action in our province is a bit of an understatement.

From the low-carbon oil that we export, to the future production of clean fuels like hydrogen, to energy storage interventions, to mining the critical minerals that are required for electric vehicles batteries and other clean technologies, to carbon capture utilization and storage… our tiny province of Newfoundland and Labrador is going to have a mighty impact in the world’s fight against climate change. This will be great for our province’s environment and economy.

And so, a congratulations is deserved for Premier Furey, Minister Davis, and Minister Parsons on the launch of the CCUS Innovation Challenge.

Newfoundland and Labrador is positioning itself as an international leader in the energy transition, and timely and aggressive investments like this one go a long way in supporting that.

Thank you,

Inaugural econext Ideathon sees over 50 students compete with their best cleantech ideas for the top prize

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
October 12, 2023

Between September 22-24, 2023, the inaugural econext Ideathon took place, seeing over 50 undergraduate students from Memorial University compete to come up with the best idea to solve energy efficiency challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).

“One of the biggest challenges the world will face in its pursuit of net zero will be how we manage our energy use and the same goes for NL,” said Kieran Hanley, CEO of econext. “What better way is there to come up with some new creative ideas than to engage with the talent in our university?”

Over the course of the weekend, 12 teams made up of undergraduate students across several disciplines developed their ideas and pitched their solutions to a panel of judges for the top prize of $3,000.

“Teams had access to subject matter experts from industry who volunteered their time as mentors,” said Hanley, “plus a series of workshops to help them refine their ideas and present their solutions.”

First Place Winner


The first-place prize, sponsored by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, went to Eco-Elect (Tyara Andhin, Hannah Doyle, Kamsi Ifeanyichukwu, and Saju Vijayakanthanwho) pitched an economic inverter battery service and solution to help balance electricity demand at the residential level.

Second Place Winner


The second-place prize, sponsored by Hatch, went to Gravity (Samuel Adeoye, William Church, Mathew Emshey, and Lumi Oyelowowho) pitched a community-scale gravity-based energy storage system using existing infrastructure.

Third Place Winner


The third-place prize, sponsored by Mysa, went to TBA (Draco Dunphy, Syed Anas Minhaj Kazmi, and Fahim Yasir) who pitched a product and program to have EV owners in the province install smart charging systems to help avoid all EVs being charged at the exact same time.

The event’s opening ceremonies were sponsored by Aker Solutions, with TakeCharge sponsoring and providing support throughout the event.

“The level of excitement we saw this weekend and the quality of the solutions presented was remarkable,” said Hanley. “Our clean energy future is bright. Congratulations to all of those who participated.”


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 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.

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.

econext, The Launch, and the Town of Holyrood partner to create awareness about opportunities in the green/blue economy

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
October 10, 2023

econext has formed a partnership with Marine Institute’s The Launch and the Town of Holyrood to inform job seekers on emerging opportunities in the green/blue economy.

“Our program has a number of components,” said Ogaga Johnson, econext‘s Director of Workforce Development. “The centerpiece of our work is the demonstration of the technologies and services of businesses that are active right here in Newfoundland and Labrador’s blue/green economy.”

Johnson said that the demonstration activities will give 180 job seekers, especially those from underrepresented groups, a chance to see firsthand the exciting and innovative work that companies are doing to understand and reduce environmental impacts on the environment.

Other program components will help meet emerging training needs by developing a plan for the Town of Holyrood to take advantage of evolving workforce needs and raise awareness about the job opportunities with the blue/green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has immense expertise providing ocean technology solutions,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “As the world pivots to the fight against climate change, these companies are well positioned to play a role in that. This program will allow the project partners to understand those green training needs and develop programs to apply them in the blue or ocean context,” said Hanley, noting that the project would benefit econext members, The Launch, the Town of Holyrood, and job seekers.

“We believe this initiative is a huge step in achieving our goal” said Mayor Gary Goobie “Our goal is to establish a cold ocean research and innovation hub, allowing companies and institutions to complete research, analyze data, and develop products to further enhance the global ocean industry while providing economic opportunities and growth in the region”.

The Town of Holyrood strategically established the Oceans Holyrood Initiative (OHI) to enable those engaged in ocean-related activities to have access to cold, clean water to develop technologies and techniques that positively affect the ocean sector.

Mayor Gary Goobie further said “Together with our partners econext and the Marine Institute, the Town of Holyrood is excited by the potential this project holds to bring our Town closer to realizing its goal of ensuring sustainability and growth for the future.”

“The Marine Institute is proud to collaborate with econext on this exciting project that will bring together NL’s Ocean tech community, training providers, and community organizations to create inclusive workforce development opportunities in the blue and green economies.” said Kelley Santos, Director of The Launch. Santos said that the Marine Institute’s Ocean innovation centre, The Launch, located in the Town of Holyrood, will provide access to workspaces, technology, vessels, and technical support for ten local oceans companies to “demonstrate their technology and provide training opportunities for their teams, collectively strengthening our capacity to sustainably manage our oceans from right here in NL.”

Matthew Grimes, Director of Business Development and Research at Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University said “econext’s mandate to support environmental technology and innovation is closely aligned with the Fisheries and Marine Institute’s work to foster economic development in ocean-related sectors. The Fisheries and Marine Institute has extensive experience in responding to industry needs and delivering community-based education and training. Through this partnership with econext, we can do even more to support Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing ocean and green economies.”

“The Government of Canada invests in economic diversification to help communities thrive and create new opportunities for people. This funding will help ensure that communities are driving their economic future while helping workers to develop the skills they need to get the jobs they want,” said Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault.

Information on upcoming events on October 12, 17, 19, and 24 can be found here. For partnership, inquiries, or more information about the program, please contact Ogaga Johnson at ogaga@econext.ca.

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.

About The Launch
The Launch is the Marine Institute’s and Memorial University’s Ocean Innovation Centre, a state-of-the-art living lab that provides access to the world’s harshest cold-ocean environments and supports the development of ocean technology through R&D, testing, and demonstration to prove its real-world readiness. Users can train for safety and survival and operate technologies in conditions that accurately reflect those faced in the field. Developed by world-leading experts at Memorial University’s Marine Institute, The Launch provides the ultimate “proving waters” to put equipment, people, and ideas to the ultimate test.

About the Town of Holyrood
The Town of Holyrood is located on Canada’s east coast, making it the ideal location for all ocean-related industries. With access to some of the coldest waters in the world, a pristine harbour with world-class research facilities, and ample land and real estate available for development, Holyrood is the place to be.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Community Workforce Development Program.

Call for Expressions of Interest – 2023 econext Conference Rapid-Fire Presentations

Posted on by kieran


econext is calling for expressions from SMEs with an innovative idea, product, service, or technology that they would like to present to the attendees of econext’s 2023 Conference, to take place on Thursday October 26, 2023 at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre in St. John’s, NL.

The ‘rapid-fire’ presentations at the conference are intended to be concise and 5 minutes in length. Presentations must demonstrate either

  • How the innovative idea, product, service or technology can have an impact in areas of clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador; or
  • How the idea, product, service or technology relates to any of the 2023 Conference themes which include:
    • Clean Energy – What’s Next
    • Leading Green Economy Innovation
    • Continuing Environment Challenges
    • Achieving Net-Zero by 2050

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSIONS

Please include with your submission:

  • Title and type of presentation proposed
  • 250-word (approx.) summary of presentation proposed
  • Presenter’s name, affiliation, and brief biographical statement

Please submit by email to Colin Heffernan, Manager of Industry and Community Engagement with econext, at heffernan@econext.ca.

DEADLINE

The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is Wednesday October 4, 2023 @ 5:00 PM. Submissions will be reviewed on the basis of relevance to the conference themes and the significance of the content to the 2023 Conference audience. Submissions may be considered for presentation at future econext events.

econext seeking Expressions of Interest from businesses in NL with innovative clean technologies in development

Posted on by kieran

econext may have an opportunity to work with local SMEs to support them in the development of their clean technologies.

Key criteria would include:

  • The solution must have the potential for new intellectual property to be developed
  • The solution must have the potential for clear environmental benefits when applied
  • The business must have raised private equity of at least $100,000 within the last 12 months (e.g., not government funding)
  • The solution must be innovative

If you feel that your business meets the above criteria, please contact econext‘s Manager of Industry and Community Engagement Colin Heffernan at heffernan@econext.ca.

Deadline: September 27, 2023