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.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
CEO
kieran@econext.ca