The New Energy Mix: Why Newfoundland’s Future Depends on It

By Tina Olivero

As we stand at the crossroads of energy transition, the choices we make today will define the future of our province and the generations to come. Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in energy potential, yet a few loud voices are stalling the progress we need to secure a prosperous, sustainable future for our children. The debate around wind energy is just one example of how the naysayers, though small in number, are threatening to derail advancements that could benefit us all. It’s time to embrace a new energy mix that includes both traditional and renewable sources and to recognize how critical this is for our future.

The Critical Role of Wind Energy

Wind energy is more than just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer for our province. However, the opposition to wind farms, often driven by misconceptions or reluctance to embrace change, harms not only the potential for economic growth but also our ability to protect the environment.

Here are ten solid reasons why wind energy must be a cornerstone of Newfoundland’s energy future:

1. Abundant Resource: Newfoundland has one of the strongest wind resources in the world. Ignoring this would be akin to turning away from the ocean that has sustained us for centuries.
2. Job Creation: Wind energy projects—both offshore and onshore—bring high-paying jobs in construction, maintenance, and engineering. For a province struggling with an aging population, this could attract young, skilled professionals to stay and thrive here.
3. Economic Growth: Developing our wind resources would create a new revenue stream for Newfoundland and Labrador, reducing reliance on fluctuating oil prices and stabilizing our economy.
4. Energy Security: A diversified energy mix, incorporating wind alongside hydro and other renewables, ensures we aren’t vulnerable to market volatility. It also allows us to meet future energy demands both locally and globally.
5. Hydrogen Production: Wind power can fuel the production of green hydrogen—a clean, versatile energy source. Newfoundland’s surplus renewable energy from projects like Muskrat Falls can support this, making us a leader in the clean energy revolution.
6. Environmental Stewardship: By investing in wind, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Canada’s net-zero targets and protecting the pristine environment that we cherish.
7. Global Competitiveness: Countries like Norway are already showing how combining offshore oil expertise with renewable energy projects can drive innovation. We have the same potential, but only if we act now.
8. Community Benefits: Wind energy projects can be tailored to benefit local communities, from infrastructure investments to community ownership models that ensure profits stay within Newfoundland.
9. Offshore Wind Synergy: Our existing offshore oil and gas expertise can seamlessly pivot into offshore wind energy. The infrastructure is already in place; it’s a natural evolution.
10. Future-Proofing: Fossil fuels are finite, and their dominance is waning. By embracing wind, we ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for our children.

Overcoming the Naysayers

The reluctance to embrace wind energy is, in part, due to myths and misconceptions. Some argue that wind farms are an eyesore, that they harm wildlife, or that they won’t deliver the economic benefits promised. However, studies worldwide show that wind farms can coexist with nature when managed responsibly, and they provide long-term economic gains far outweighing initial costs. The Europeans have been doing it for centuries. Between the years of 1887 and 1891, people from the USA, Scotland, and Denmark all designed and built the first electricity-producing turbines. Most notable in the group is Poul la Cour, a Danish scientist, inventor, and educationalist, who built the first wind turbine in Denmark. It’s safe to say, wind energy is a sure bet and the voices of the few should not drown out the needs of the many. The future of our province is too important to let fear of change hold us back.

Balancing the Energy Mix

While we move toward wind and other renewables, it’s important to recognize the continued role of oil and gas in the global energy mix. Newfoundland’s offshore oil and gas resources remain valuable, particularly natural gas, which can serve as a bridge fuel as we transition to renewables. However, these resources won’t last forever, and we need to act quickly to capitalize on them before they are stranded assets.

Offshore wind farms provide a perfect complement to offshore oil and gas operations. Companies already operating in our waters can use their expertise to pivot toward wind energy, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce costs and streamline development. By doing so, we can create an energy mix that supports global consumption while maintaining harmony with nature.

A Call to Action

We can no longer afford to wait. The race for renewable energy is already well underway, and if we don’t act now, Newfoundland will be left behind. We have the resources, the expertise, and the opportunity to become a green energy powerhouse, but it requires political will and community support.

It’s time to stop listening to the naysayers and start investing in the future. Let’s develop the offshore wind projects that will create jobs, generate revenue, and protect our environment. Let’s leverage the energy potential of Muskrat Falls and wind to produce green hydrogen and build a new, sustainable economy. Most importantly, let’s create a future where our children can thrive, knowing that the choices we made today put their well-being first.

The future of Newfoundland’s energy mix is not just a technical question—it’s a moral imperative. The time to act is now.