Minister Parsons Issues Wind-Hydrogen Hub Application Recommendation Letter
August 1, 2024
In keeping with the Provincial Government’s commitment to work with companies interested in wind-hydrogen development, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, recently announced that a 10,316-hectare Wind Hydrogen Hub Land Reserve has been established for North Atlantic Refining Limited (NARL) and that the Provincial Government has issued a Wind Hydrogen Hub Application Recommendation Letter to NARL.
North Atlantic Refining, one of the province’s oldest and largest existing industrial companies, owns and operates the largest bulk liquid storage terminal with over seven million barrels of storage capacity. The Terminal is supported by a deep-water dock with a depth of 100 feet, two tugs, a ship agency business and has bunkering capability. Based in Come By Chance, it is strategically located to support fuel supply for local and international markets and plays a critical role in the fuel security of the province.
North Atlantic Refining is pursuing a project to upgrade, expand and leverage its existing infrastructure and operations as a Green Energy Hub capable of servicing and supporting the developing wind-hydrogen sector while establishing a wind energy project to power the production, storage and export of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers.
The issuance of the recommendation letter grants the company the exclusive right to pursue the development of their project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Crown land application and approval process, which includes a referral to Environmental Assessment (EA).
These lands represent less than two per cent of the lands included in the five wind energy reserves established for existing wind hydrogen projects. They will be held in reserve for the company for a period of 18 months or until the company makes an application to the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture for the lands required for the project, whichever occurs earlier.
The potential project remains subject to the province’s legislative and regulatory framework. The issuance of a Wind Hydrogen Hub Application Recommendation Letter is distinct and separate from the Crown lands application and approval process, as well as the Environmental Assessment process.
The company will be required to submit a Benefits Plan and a Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan for the project that meets the approval of the province and must be approved prior to the commencement of project construction. The company’s project will be subject to the Province’s Wind-Hydrogen Fiscal Framework, which was announced in February 2023.
Quotes
“Issuing a Crown Lands wind reserve for NARL continues to strengthen the province’s position as a more attractive place to do business as an energy hub. This project supports use of existing infrastructure, potentially lowering capital and operating costs, and timelines for wind development.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“We appreciate the Provincial Government’s decision to reserve Crown Lands for North Atlantic’s wind-to-hydrogen project in the Placentia Bay and Trinity Bay region. Our project aligns with the province’s Hydrogen Development Action Plan and vision for a more sustainable green future. This decision enables us to build on our existing infrastructure and facilitates the growth of a regional hub, which will create significant employment and economic benefits for the province.”
Ted Lomond, CEO
North Atlantic Refining Limited
