For Immediate Release
June 11, 2025
econext has published a discussion paper exploring opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador for biomass energy.
“Organic waste makes up over 30% of the material that ends up in our landfills,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO, noting that there is also significant organic waste that does not make it to landfills. Hanley said that when organic waste breaks down it creates very harmful greenhouse gas emissions. “This amounts to at least 7% of our province’s total emissions – but there is value in this waste that is otherwise just decomposing.”
“Technologies to turn this waste into forms of low-carbon energy are quickly advancing,” said Hanley. “We have come to believe that there is an opportunity for our province to address its biggest waste management challenge – while simultaneously decarbonizing other parts of our economy – through biomass energy.”
The intent of the discussion paper, said Hanley, is to add new life to that discussion in Newfoundland and Labrador. “In this paper we have done our best to identify organic waste streams, explore relevant technologies and energy outputs, define domestic end uses, and present information that may inform future innovative business models; we hope this inspires others to take a serious look at the opportunity.”
The discussion paper complements a recently-published discussion paper which defines end uses for clean fuels in the province.
Hanley said the paper is intended to be evergreen and that the organization will look to econext‘s members and partners help to improve upon it. “If you can help us improve our assumptions and rationale, please get in touch – this is just our first step.”
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. For more information, visit https://econext.ca/.
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