Newfoundland & Labrador Launches Hydrogen Development to Lead Global Clean Energy Innovation

In a landmark announcement at the Energy NL Conference, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, launched the Hydrogen Development Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador. Aptly named “Green Hydrogen: An Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador,” this initiative marks a significant stride towards solidifying the province’s global reputation as a leader in clean energy innovation.

Building upon the foundation laid by the Renewable Energy Plan of 2021 and the Climate Change Action Plan, this new roadmap charts a course for leveraging Newfoundland and Labrador’s abundant renewable resources, particularly its robust wind energy potential, to drive the development of a vibrant green hydrogen and ammonia production industry.

The Hydrogen Development Action Plan introduces a focused policy framework that will guide the province’s engagement in ongoing and forthcoming hydrogen initiatives. Organized around four strategic pillars—Export and Domestic Markets, Partnership, Innovation and Industry Support, Training and Jobs, and Regulatory Framework—the plan aims to foster a sustainable and competitive hydrogen sector.

The unveiling of this plan comes on the heels of significant initiatives already underway to bolster the hydrogen sector. These include the lifting of the wind energy moratorium and a competitive call for bids on Crown lands for wind energy projects. Notably, this effort has resulted in the approval of four major projects expected to inject over $200 billion into the province’s GDP and contribute more than $11 billion to its treasury.

In parallel, Newfoundland and Labrador is forging strategic alliances with key European partners, such as the City of Hamburg in Germany and the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. These partnerships are pivotal in fostering knowledge exchange and expanding market opportunities for green hydrogen on a global scale.

Minister Parsons underscored the strategic importance of the Hydrogen Development Action Plan, stating, “Our plan provides a focused approach to hydrogen development, sending a clear message to residents, businesses, and investors alike. This initiative will enhance our competitiveness, spur economic diversification, and create jobs, particularly in rural areas.”

Charlene Johnson, CEO of Energy NL, praised the government’s proactive stance, emphasizing its role in positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a leading provider of green hydrogen worldwide. “The implementation of this action plan underscores our commitment to advancing the hydrogen sector swiftly and effectively,” she affirmed.

With strong industry support and ongoing collaboration, the Hydrogen Development Action Plan is poised to accelerate Newfoundland and Labrador’s transition to a low-carbon economy. It is set to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, ensure environmental sustainability, and reinforce the province’s status as a Clean Energy Centre of Excellence.