Press Release
From: Natural Resources Canada
November 6, 2024
The Government of Canada is supporting Canadian utilities and system operators that are integrating clean energy solutions to meet the demands of increased electrification at the least cost to ratepayers. These measures are enabling economically and environmentally sustainable energy growth
Today, while attending the Minerals Resources Review 2024 conference in St. John’s, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced an investment of over $660,000 through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) to support the Labrador West Transmission Study, which will help expand transmission infrastructure to support mining in Labrador West.
The funding announced today will:
Minister Wilkinson also took the opportunity to highlight $1 million in funding that has been provided through the Critical Minerals Geoscience Data (CMGD) initiative to the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding will:
These investments are a direct result of the collaborative work between the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Energy and Resource Table, which released a joint Collaboration Framework on March 20, 2024, to advance the top economic priorities for a low-carbon future in the province’s energy and resource sectors.
Quotes
“By making historic investments in clean electricity, we are positioning Canadians to take advantage of the economic opportunities presented by the clean economy, now and into the future. The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program is already providing Canadian communities across the country with affordable and clean power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and our work to expand the exploration of critical minerals across Canada is key to advancing green technologies. I am pleased to highlight three initiatives that will help advance this work in Newfoundland and Labrador, and I look forward to collaborating further with our provincial partners to secure a low-carbon future.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Critical minerals are a generational economic opportunity for Canada. Through funding under the Critical Minerals Geoscience Data (CMGD) initiative, the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador is paving the way for the responsible growth of industries that rely on these minerals, such as clean technology and energy.”
Yvonne Jones
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and to the Minister of National Defence (Northern Defence) and Member of Parliament for Labrador
“Labrador West has significant critical mineral potential that can support the Canadian and global transition to a green economy. The region’s high-purity iron ore resources are supporting developing green-steel supply chains as well as lower emissions in current steel manufacturing. Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada understand the importance of high-purity iron ore and have designated it as a critical mineral. Advancing the Labrador West transmission study is a strategic step in unlocking our critical mineral potential and in the decarbonization of the province’s iron ore industry, and it aligns with the priorities identified in the provincial Critical Minerals Plan.”
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“In 2023, 92 percent of the electricity generated for use in Newfoundland and Labrador was from renewable, net-zero sources, providing the foundation for green industrial processes. Ensuring NL Hydro’s industrial customers in Labrador West have access to this clean electricity will further reduce carbon intensity, support Canada’s climate policy and green global supply chains. The expansion of transmission in the area will eliminate current constraints while also helping to increase reliability in the region, creating significant benefits to the region, the province and Canada.”
Jennifer Williams
President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
Quick facts
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6096
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Cindy Caturao
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Lesley Clarke
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 709-699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca
ILR5