There has been significant interest shown for the Newfoundland and Labrador Government’s Green Transition Fund. This has resulted in the launch of the second call for expressions of interest for the fund, as well as details of a number of approved projects.
“I am encouraged to see the interest being shown in the green transition in this province,” said Andrew Parsons, KC, NL’s Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology. “We are all working towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050, fighting climate change, advancing environmental stewardship and clean economic growth and will continue to support programs that help us achieve those goals.”
To date, throughout the province there have been 11 projects approved and 18 are currently under assessment by the department. For the 29 proposals received, the total project value was $28.2 million with a Green Transition Fund request totaling $9.8 million. This funding has leveraged significant investment from the federal government and private sources.
The Green Transition Fund aims to propel forward the development of renewable energy and clean technologies in the province and position Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in the global green transition. This fund supports the greening of commercial operations, research and development, manufacturing and extractive resource development, and other areas that help transition to a greener economy. An Expression of Interest launched on June 21, 2023 led to 107 applications for funding being received, including six Indigenous-led projects and 24 rural projects.
Following this success, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is announcing the second expression of interest for the program. This funding will be for projects for businesses, business development organizations, post-secondary institutions and industry associations, as well as other collaborative efforts to assist with the province’s transition to a green economy.
“The green economy opportunity that is before Newfoundland and Labrador is truly enormous. Our province has the potential to make a substantive contribution to the world’s fight against climate change,” said Kieran Hanley, chief executive officer of econext, one of the successful companies approved for funding. “The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s creation of the Green Transition Fund – and investments being made through it into projects like those announced today – will help us to seize these opportunities and reach our potential.”
For details on submitting an application, please visit the Green Transition Fund Program webpage.
Projects approved to receive funding from the Green Transition Fund
ASL Energy
ASL Energy is receiving $161,404 in funding for a 10-month recycling pilot project to prove the technology in the Newfoundland environment to recycle and add value to waste High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) from the aquaculture industry. The proposed project aims to collect, clean, and process the waste HDPE products, diverting them from landfills and redirecting them to HDPE manufacturers in Canada and globally. ASL Energy’s new technology will reduce the number of trucks required to transport the materials substantially, and will repurpose HDPE materials as a usable product, diverting waste from landfills.
Big River Camps (2012) Inc.
Big River Camps, situated on the banks of Big River in Labrador is receiving $335,590 in funding to reduce their carbon footprint. is an exclusive wilderness retreat accessible only by float plane or helicopter. The camp caters to anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts and offers all modern conveniences which requires large amounts of energy through a diesel generator system. Big River Camps is proposing to install a custom three phase solar inverter system to operate the facility which is located in an unserviceable area. Big River Camps plans to replace fossil fuel usage with a renewable energy source, decrease energy costs and alleviate the risks associated with the transportation of fossil fuels across ecological sensitive areas. In addition, it lessens air and noise pollution, opens new revenue streams with environmentally conscience visitors and advances the sustainable tourism product offerings in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Brenton Investment Limited
Brenton Investments Limited, who operates the only concrete manufacturing plant located on the Burin Peninsula, is receiving $252,000 in funding. This will assist in expanding operations to include a new split silo to store other types of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs). The use of the SCMs will allow them to produce 30 per cent less CO2 in their concrete operation. In the present to near-term, the cement and concrete sector is focused on optimizing clinker substitutes, reducing reliance on fossil fuels by switching to lower-carbon alternative, increasing the use of recycled materials contributing to the circular economy, promoting market uptake of low-carbon cements and concretes, and maximizing efficiency in concrete design and construction.
econext
econext is receiving $249,550 for their “Greening Business in Newfoundland and Labrador” project, which will focus on three main areas: the development of six educational modules for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) around Green Transition activities, the delivery of these modules both in-person and through online courses, and 25 firm-level SME energy and waste assessments across a variety of industry sectors. The overall goal is to increase awareness of environmental issues/opportunities from a commercial context and to evaluated current companies to determine firm-level opportunities for the 25 participating companies and broad level themes that can be applied province wide.
Energy NL
Energy NL is receiving $270,000 to establish The Energy NL Collective, with plans for it to be a focal point of the sector and foster collaboration within the broader energy sector. Through this collaboration, the unique capabilities and skills of the Newfoundland and Labrador supply and service sector will be enhanced, will lower carbon and waste, and become globally competitive from an environmental perspective. The Energy NL Collective will lead engagement with industry stakeholders and the wider public and seek to broaden the understanding of the province’s energy sector, including investment, supply chain, and the labour force issues and opportunities. The Energy NL Collective will also support members of the province’s energy sector as they progress through their journey in the energy transition, through a pilot program with 20 companies in the Newfoundland and Labrador energy supply chain to participate in a detailed environmental assessment. The target audience for this project is offshore operators, renewable energy companies.
Igloo Lake Lodge
Igloo Lake Lodge, a premier trout fishing lodge located southeast of Goose Bay, Labrador, is receiving $112,611 in funding for the installation of a solar system at the lodge to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and the current need of a diesel generator. With the installation of the solar system, the environmental and cost savings over the future seasons of Igloo Lake will be significant. With the installation of the solar system, the environmental and cost savings over the future seasons of Igloo Lake will be significant.
Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services Ltd.
Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services Ltd. is receiving $300,000 from the Green Transition Fund to enable a project to introduce the novel C-Bud Robotics harvesting technology to Canada and to establish Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador (Miawpukek), as the technical and operating hub for marine robotics for fisheries. The project will see the training and capacity development of Miawpukek First Nation members to lead this emerging market and export technology and services across Canada from Conne River. The new technology presents an environmentally preferable solution to shellfish harvesting and meets the objectives that the world is moving towards related to climate and ecological protection. The technology reduces the carbon footprint of the harvest by approximately 50% while preserving the delicate ocean floor and biodiversity and harvesting a higher quality product, maximizing value, compared to traditional methods.
Rob Clarke Motorsports Inc.
Rob Clarke Motorsports, an adventure tourism and hospitality company servicing the North-Central and Western portion of the island, is receiving $40,931 in funding to minimize the ecological footprint of Silver Mountain Lodge and Rob Clarke Motorsports while maximizing environmental, economic and operational benefits. The project aims to reduce waste, become energy efficient, comply with international standards for environmental management, and eliminate two major sources of fuel consumption -generators and vehicles – by embracing renewable energy sources. The environmental benefits are multi-faceted, encompassing a substantial reduction in solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The funding will be used for technical assistance/environmental consultation and a comprehensive off-grid solar energy system.
The OldMill 4-Seasons RV Campground & Lodge Ltd.
The OldMill 4-Seasons R.V. Campground & Lodge Limited, located outside the Town of Avondale is receiving $14,000 in funding for the installation of solar panels to improve operations and become more environmentally friendly. By embracing solar energy, the RV park not only reduces its reliance on traditional energy sources but also sets an example for rural, sustainable living in Newfoundland and Labrador and contributes to the broader adoption of green energy solutions in the tourism industry. The park’s commitment to solar energy will also be an educational tool for guests.
Featured image credit: Getty Images
