The government of Newfoundland and Labrador has made steps towards speeding up offshore wind energy development in the province, but some have called for more consultation before the projects get underway.
Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enable the development of offshore wind projects in the province. According to the N.L. government, this MOU will allow the province to administer land tenure and life-cycle regulation and dictate the speed and pace of new development of offshore wind farms.
“Newfoundland and Labrador has incredible offshore wind potential, and Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are seizing this economic opportunity,” said Wilkinson. “Today’s agreement with the province furthers our ability to attract investments and create good-paying jobs in Newfoundland’s offshore by establishing a framework to enable the province to move ahead with its ambitious renewable energy development plans. Combined with significant federal investments in renewable energy and our work to strengthen the Accord Acts, we are furthering Canada’s commitment to build a strong and attractive renewable energy sector in Newfoundland and Labrador for decades to come.”
The MOU came about partly because of Bill C-49, which amended the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act. The amendments have established a legislative framework for offshore wind in joint-management areas, such as between N.L. and N.S. According to a press release by the N.L. government, this framework will aid the province in developing a net-zero electricity system by 2035 and a net-zero economy by 2050.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in renewable energy resources that make us well positioned to meet our net-zero targets, mitigate the impacts of climate change and grow clean energy jobs and economic development,” said Furey. “Our government will continue to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are the principal beneficiaries of our valuable resources. This MOU recognizes waters within provincial bays and will expedite the development of renewable energy in our province.”
This news, however, has left the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) feeling “dismayed.” The union claimed the MOU failed to clarify the government’s intent to consult with industries that may be affected by offshore wind farms, such as the fishing industry.
“Commercial fish harvesters, and lobster harvesters in particular for proposed nearshore and onshore developments, could be significantly impacted by future developments of wind energy farms,” said FFAW President Greg Pretty. “These industrial projects have the potential to not just take away prized square footage of ocean area, they also have impacts through dredging, refuse run-off and underwater sound disturbance. All of this has the potential to negatively influence the long-term health of valuable commercial species such lobster, snow crab, halibut, cod, capelin and more.”
Pretty showed concern that the established framework could see the government “rush through regulatory processes.” He said that the union remains committed to engaging companies in all future offshore wind endeavors to ensure the concerns of fish harvesters are brought to the table.
“Our Union is certainly not against new industries, or against the development of renewable energies, but we will continue to make the voices of our members heard loud and clear when any new development results in losses for FFAW members,” said Pretty. “We hope that Premier Furey would agree that new industries cannot come at the expense of another.”
