Minister Parsons Launches Renewable Energy Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland is setting ambitious goals for tackling climate change

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today launched the province’s Renewable Energy Plan. The plan, titled ‘Maximizing Our Renewable Future’, was developed with considerable input from the public, Indigenous governments and organizations, industry and stakeholders.

Newfoundland and Labrador has an abundance of renewable energy resources which positions the province well to meet its net-zero commitments, fight climate change, and to grow clean energy jobs and economic development. The Renewable Energy Plan provides a sustainable long-term vision for Newfoundland and Labrador to maximize its renewable energy future.

The five-year plan has four specific focus areas, all with short-term (within one year), medium-term (within two years) and long-term (two to five years) actions for each, which will support planning and delivery on a range of activities:

• Energy Uses and Markets
• Regulatory Framework
• Partnerships, Innovation and Industry Support
• Training and Jobs

A copy of the Renewable Energy Plan can be found here. Information on the various action items can be found in the backgrounder below.

Together, with the ongoing support and participation of industry and stakeholders, this plan will support Newfoundland and Labrador’s transition to a low-carbon economy, create employment opportunities for residents, and further position Newfoundland and Labrador as a Clean Energy Centre of Excellence.

“I committed to having this plan released by the end of this year and I am pleased to meet this commitment. Our abundant renewable energy resources present significant opportunities within and outside the province. Newfoundland and Labrador is delivering affordable and reliable renewable energy to the people of the province and beyond while developing and using its renewable energy resources in a way that protects the environment and grows jobs and the industry.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Climate challenges are not disappearing and we need to prepare and protect our environment for many generations to come. Finding new ways to use renewable energy is a key component as we move toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The recently established Net-Zero Advisory Council will also identify immediate and foundational actions that government and others can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grow the green economy, with a just transition to a renewable future.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Newfoundland and Labrador has what the world needs. We have a wealth of yet-to-be-developed renewable energy resources that can help sectors and nations meet their environmental objectives and commitments. The question has always been; how can we get these resources to those that can use them? New markets, increased environmental pressures on industry, and the emergence of clean fuels are presenting us with numerous opportunities. The renewable energy plan put forward by the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology represents an important step forward for Newfoundland and Labrador. We commend Minister Parsons and his team for their work this fall, and look forward to working in partnership towards an economically-sound future for our province and the environment.”
Ashley Noseworthy
Chair
econext

To ensure transparency and accountability of the plan, the Provincial Government will report on progress in one year.