Province to provides update on wind-hydrogen development
Lloyd Parrott, Minister of Energy and Mines, has provided an update on wind-hydrogen development in the province. The province has extended the Crown lands wind reserve for Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (EVREC) to Feb. 28, 2027.
Minister Parrott will address media in an hour today to discuss the decision.
Ending these reserves reduces the overall wind‑reserve area from 381,676 hectares to 30,712 hectares, returning a significant amount of Crown lands for other potential uses. The Wind Energy Land Reserve Order has been extended three times since the conclusion of the Call for Bids in August 2023 to allow proponents to assess market conditions, advance project work, and pursue offtake agreements.
As part of the wind‑hydrogen framework, companies must pay a Crown lands reserve fee equal to 3.5 per cent of the land’s market value, billed every quarter.
“We recognize the potential of wind-hydrogen to strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s position as a North American leader in green energy production, and we are pleased to extend the Crown lands reserve for EVREC as it advances its project,” says Parrott. “We will continue to maintain vigilant oversight of the remaining projects and will ensure that the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are the primary beneficiaries of our resources. Reducing the reserve area will return significant land to the province for other potential uses.”