Understand the Power of Newfoundland and Labrador-Premier Kathy Dunderdale Reveals the Energy Vision for the Future.

Kathy Dunderdale was sworn in as the 10th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador on December 3, 2010. Premier Dunderdale’s first cabinet appointment was as Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat. In October 2008, just over two years ago, Kathy Dunderdale was appointed as Deputy Premier, as well as Minister of Natural Resources, Agency, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. Today, Kathy Dunderdale has soared to new heights in her career and is the first female Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

People of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, are grateful to have such an experienced woman managing our energy resources. Her work as Minister of Natural Resources has given Premier Dunderdale a powerful oil and gas perspective, as her portfolio included managing mega-offshore oil projects such as Hibernia, Terra Nova, White Rose, Hebron, Hibernia South Extension and White Rose Expansion. These multi-billion dollar oil and gas projects are paving the way for a sustainable and lucrative future for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Premier Dunderdale having recently taken on the task of governing the entire province, graciously took the time to speak with us at The Oil and Gas Magazine (The OGM) and share her leadership wisdom with our readers. Here’s what she had to say:

The OGM: How does it feel to be the first female premier in the province? How does being a woman benefit your position, our people and our province?
Premier Dunderdale: It truly feels wonderful to be the 10th and first-ever female premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the 21st century, the sky is the limit for what women can achieve and accomplish, with women now well represented in non-traditional careers from trades to medicine, business to science, and beyond. Equality is no longer a buzz word, but something that is acknowledged and respected in modern-day society.

When I was sworn in as premier, I stated publicly that I wished my grandmother was alive to witness that monumental moment, to experience the real progress women have made in politics and society in general. Back in 1925, when my grandmother was a little girl, women in Newfoundland and Labrador weren’t even eligible to vote. She never would have dreamed a woman would be sworn in as premier, let alone her very own granddaughter. I believe women can bring an assortment of unique attributes and qualities to leadership positions and can add tremendous value, offering a different perspective and view to any organization.

The OGM: What do you have to say to other business women considering the energy industry and political aspirations?
Premier Dunderdale: Women have an invaluable contribution to make as business and community leaders, strengthening services and programs throughout our province. A highly-skilled, diverse and readily-available workforce is an important component to the success of our resource developments. A capable workforce will support the continued growth of our provincial economy, and women have significant contributions to make.

Both the energy sector and politics are interesting and exciting arenas and require individuals who have the ability to think big, work hard and be innovative. There are terrific opportunities, and important work to be done on issues of critical importance to the province.

The OGM: What’s next for oil and gas in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador?
Premier Dunderdale:  Newfoundland and Labrador hold tremendous opportunity for the international oil and gas industry, and our undiscovered potential keeps our government optimistic for future discoveries and development. The Hibernia Southern Extension and North Amethyst, the first White Rose satellite development, speaks volumes to the potential for further growth in our already-producing mature fields. Work also progresses on Hebron, the province’s fifth oil development, with construction of the gravity-based structure set to begin in 2012. First oil is expected by 2017 with peak production of approximately 150,000 barrels a day within two years from startup.

Industry confidence in the prospect of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore basins remains high with three 2010 Call for Bids by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, resulting in more than $110 million in new work commitments.

The OGM: What do you feel are the most important agenda’s for the current energy portfolio of the province?
Premier Dunderdale: We have taken significant steps to ensure that we receive a greater share of benefits from our non-renewable resources, which will help secure a bright, prosperous future for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our position as equity partners in our large-scale resource developments supports our vision of self- reliance, prosperity, and a clean, green energy future. We will continue to work to secure an environmentally- friendly source of power and stabilize our energy source for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The development of Muskrat Falls, Phase One of the Lower Churchill Project, will deliver clean, renewable hydro power to the province and provide sustainable energy for future generations.

The Gender Equity and Diversity Program is the first of its kind in offshore petroleum developments for Newfoundland and Labrador. Both the Hebron and Hibernia Southern Extension Benefits Agreements include a Women’s Employment Plan and Business Access Strategy. Not only is it important for society that all sectors of our populations enjoy active participation, but also that we meet the needs of our workforce demands.

The OGM: How do you see Newfoundland and Labrador playing a role in the development of oil and gas in regions such as Greenland?
Premier Dunderdale: Future petroleum development in Greenland will closely resemble our own offshore environment, and as a result, significant opportunities are presented to our service and supply sector, research institutions and local companies.

Our provincial workforce has developed tremendous expertise in this industry, due to participation in projects such as Hibernia, Terra Nova and White Rose. We possess the technical know-how that can easily be shared with Greenland, and have the opportunity to share information on the challenges and successes we have faced as an oil-producing province. Our similar history and geographic proximity optimally position us to work together.

The OGM: What is your vision for traditional energy and new energy of the future?
Premier Dunderdale: We have seen tremendous impact from oil and gas, and anticipate that we will continue to use our resources in a responsible, sustainable manner. There is much exploration work yet to come, and we look forward to working with companies that we have established relationships with, to continue to built upon mutual respect and understanding for the projects ahead.

These companies are committed to our province and to working with us to develop these resources.We are positioned to be a leader in global energy solutions. Our Energy Plan will help ensure that our legacy as a province is a sustainable economy built upon renewable clean energy. Our people will have reliable, competitively-priced, green energy.

By 2020, we envision Newfoundland and Labrador to be a highly efficient consumer and net producer of clean energy. Development of our renewable energy resources in an environmentally sustainable manner will bring lasting benefits to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and contribute to a healthier environment.

The OGM: Where do you see the green energy warehouse coming into play and how will that impact us in the short and long term?
Premier Dunderdale: Newfoundland and Labrador have tremendous resources, assets and experience to bring to the energy industry, and we are continually building our energy warehouse and infrastructure for the benefit of our province, the Atlantic region and potential export markets in the United States.

The development of Muskrat Falls, Phase One of the Lower Churchill Project, will help contribute to the global reduction of greenhouse gases and has the potential to assist many jurisdictions in meeting their own climate change targets.

In addition, the Atlantic Energy Gateway concept will ensure the receipt of numerous benefits, including increased supply diversification, operation reliability, rate predictability, hydro/wind integration and an improved environmental footprint.

The OGM: How is Newfoundland and Labrador enticing new exploration?
Premier Dunderdale: Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas industry continues to demonstrate a high level of confidence in our prospective basins. The attractiveness of these basins is capturing the attention and interest of existing and new players in the industry. As a result of the 2010 Call for Bids, we have over $110 million in new-work commitments in the offshore.

These commitments are the highest we have seen in a number of years, and combined with the fact that new participants, including Statoil and Repsol have become involved in our industry, constitute a strong indication of the overwhelming potential we have. Another advance that bodes well for the offshore is the recent signing of rig-sharing agreements among major operators in the offshore. Rig-sharing agreements support further exploration activity, which we recognize as crucial to the pursuit of new petroleum resources.

The OGM: What is the potential of new oil projects on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador?
Premier Dunderdale: We strongly believe in the potential of new oil development on the west coast. Since coming to office, our government has made strategic investments to pursue sustainable development of our onshore oil and gas resources. We see a future for the development of an oil and gas sector on the West Coast, which will benefit the residents and businesses in the area, and ultimately, the entire province.

Exploration on the West Coast is certainly alive, with industry interest at an all-time high. The province has issued a call for postings, and approximately seven million acres of land, totaling 28,000 square kilometers, will be open for nomination. Areas include the Bay St. George, Anticosti and the Deer Lake Basins, where exploration is already underway. Unexplored basins such as the Howley Basin and the onshore part of the St. Anthony Basin will also be included. The ongoing work of Nalcor Energy–Oil and Gas and several private companies gives us great confidence in the future of this industry.

The OGM: Congratulations Premier Kathy Dunderdale on not only being a savvy business-minded leader, but for paving the way for women in new roles, for our provinces’ success today and the future, and for taking on the responsibility of leading the incredible teams that will make it all happen. We appreciate your contribution and are truly thankful!