Minister Parsons issues letter of recommendation regarding wind-hydrogen hub application

In keeping with the provincial government’s commitment to work with businesses interested in wind and hydrogen development, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced that a 10,316-hectare wind and hydrogen hub land bank has been established for North Atlantic Refining Limited (NARL) and that the provincial government has issued a Wind and Hydrogen Hub Application Recommendation Letter to NARL.

North Atlantic Refining, one of the province’s oldest and largest industrial companies, owns and operates the province’s largest bulk liquids storage terminal, with a storage capacity of over seven million barrels. The terminal is supported by a 100-foot deep-water wharf, two tugs, a marine agency and bunkering capacity. Based in Come By Chance, it is strategically located to support the supply of fuel to local and international markets and plays a critical role in the province’s fuel security.

North Atlantic Refining is pursuing a project to modernize, expand and leverage its existing infrastructure and operations as a green energy hub capable of serving and supporting the growing 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 letter of recommendation grants the company the exclusive right to pursue development of its project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Crown land application and approval process, which includes a referral to an environmental assessment (EA).

These lands represent less than 2% 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 applies to the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture for the lands required for the project, whichever comes first.

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 land 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 provincial requirements and must be approved before construction of the project begins. The company's project will be subject to the provincial wind and hydrogen fiscal framework, which was announced in February 2023.

Quotes
The allocation of a Crown land reserve for wind energy to NARL continues to strengthen the province’s position as a more attractive energy hub for business. This project supports the use of existing infrastructure, potentially reducing capital and operating costs, as well as wind development timelines.
The Honorable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

We appreciate the provincial government’s decision to set aside Crown land for the North Atlantics Wind-to-Hydrogen Project in the Placentia Bay and Trinity Bay area. Our project aligns with the province’s Hydrogen Action Plan and its vision for a more sustainable green future. This decision allows us to build on our existing infrastructure and facilitates the growth of a regional hub, which will create significant jobs and economic benefits for the province.
Ted Lomond, CEO
North Atlantic Refining Limited

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2024 07 23
11:20 a.m.