Here's where experts say the jobs in the 'just transition' to green energy will be found
World Energy GH2 CEO Sean Leet says the company has a 'massive opportunity' in the global market. (Patrick Butler/Radio-Canada)
Employment is already changing as Newfoundland and Labrador moves toward non-carbon-based energy production and as the economy transforms, the focus is on the jobs of the future.
Green energy resources — like wind, solar and hydro — are critical components in addressing the threats of climate change, and the green energy sector is growing rapidly.
CBC Radio's The Signal, which has been exploring these issues, recently brought together people with expertise on employment and the changing economy.
World Energy GH2's Project Nujio'qonik plans to build more than 300 wind turbines on the Port au Port Peninsula and in the Codroy Valley, as well as a hydrogen-ammonia plant in Stephenville.
Sean Leet, World Energy GH2's managing director and CEO, says the company has a "massive opportunity" in the global market.
"I'm not sure if it's really set in yet how well positioned we are with proximity to market and uniqueness of the locations we have to build these projects from the resource, through to the freshwater, through to various other advantages, including a extremely supportive stakeholder base."
Karen Perry of Hatch — a global consulting firm that provides project and construction engineering, business consultation and operational services to the metals, energy, infrastructure and investments industries — says the transition will be a "massive challenge" but there will be benefits for Newofundland and Labrador.
"The opportunity is in N.L., and we can take this transformation and transition," she said.
WATCH | Adam Walsh leads a discussion on the greening of the job market:
As the demand for green energy technologies grows, there will also be an increasing demand for workers with the knowledge and skills needed in the sector.
The College of the North Atlantic recently established a school of sustainable development, with programs designed to support employment opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador students, whether they're in the province, in Canada, or around the world.
Gary Thompson, the CNA's dean of sustainable development says people in the province need jobs, and not just on the energy front, but in a range of industries. "The mines of the future need workers as well. Everyone has to be involved," he said. "There is light at the end of the tunnel that we're going to move away from this carbon economy and into a better world."
About The Signal
Join The Signal host Adam Walsh every weekday at noon NT for an hour of informed debate, conversation and stories about the key issues in Newfoundland and Labrador — as well as celebrations of the best things in life.
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