Project Nujio’qonik

The evaluation of this potential project is well advanced in terms of planning and funding. The project has progressed in areas including stakeholder engagement, feasibility studies, and high-level technical surveys, and the team is facilitating dialogue with partners and local stakeholders.

Project Nujio’qonik was registered with the province in June 2022. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was requested by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on Aug. 5, 2022. Draft guidelines were issued in Sept. 2022, and final guidelines were issued in Dec. 2022. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was submitted in August 2023 and is currently under review.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s west coast is one of the world’s best wind resource regions. The west coast has the following features which combine to make it the ideal location for the project:

• Sturdy wind resource onshore
• Deep-water marine facilities in the region uniquely suited to hydrogen/ammonia production and exporting
• Available harbour facilities to support import and export
• Access to industrial water for hydrogen production
• Existing 230 KV grid connection

There are also strong community commitments and support for the project.

The project could be Canada’s first large-scale commercial green hydrogen/ammonia producer created through onshore wind projects. Should the project proceed, there would be substantial local economic benefits, long-term employment, supply chain benefits, world-class training opportunities, and green energy leadership.

A strong team is in place for the initial project phases, comprised of global experts, local investors and local companies. Should the project proceed, there will be many opportunities for local employment.

We aim to be a leader in this industry. We need to lead the way so we can procure the right materials at the right price. By being first, we can sign a long-term supply agreement which is key to securing financing for the project. We also need a multi-year market offtake agreement, so the most important piece is the time-to-market.

We are following the applicable provincial environmental assessment process. This process was initiated with submission of the project registration in June 2022.

No, World Energy GH2 is not a publicly traded company.

We will design, construct, and operate the project following applicable environmental regulations and guidance. There are thousands of wind turbines operating around the world. This global experience has helped the wind energy industry learn and evolve, developing approaches to reduce effects on wildlife and birds that have become standard practice and are required by regulators. These include turbine siting and design.

We know that the project areas support wildlife and bird populations, and are home to several species of rare plants. Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) has been engaged to support the environmental planning and permitting for the project. Stantec has conducted environmental studies throughout North America for wind energy projects. A wide range of environmental studies have been, and will continue to be, conducted to determine the potential ways the project might interact with the local environment. Stantec is also supporting the preparation of environmental management plans which include mitigation for potential effects on wildlife and birds. These plans will also incorporate guidance and requirements gained through the environmental assessment process and our ongoing conversations with government regulators.

We have consulted with our partners who have a long history in the construction and operation of wind farms. In their experience, they have not encountered a situation in which a wind turbine has had any impact on domestic groundwater qualities or quantities.

Before construction, we will conduct a baseline sampling study of the wells and domestic water supplies close to proposed turbine locations. We will then monitor those water supplies during and after construction and make such data available to local homeowners. We will take responsibility for any adverse effects on such water supplies as a result of the construction or operation of our wind farms.

Effects on species diversity, including species at risk, will be managed by impact avoidance, where possible, and by the Species at Risk Impact Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (SARIMMP) which will be agreed upon in consultation with the province’s Wildlife Division prior to construction. Mitigation measures will follow a basic approach of: avoid; reduce; restore; and offset.

There were concerns regarding wind farms and resident health in the past and, because of these concerns, numerous studies have been completed around the world to determine the connection between wind turbines and the health of nearby residents. This is a very well-researched topic with many peer-reviewed, scientific articles and government reports.

A study published in Environmental Health in 2014 found that there is nothing unique to wind farms with respect to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. The study found that magnetic field levels in the vicinity of wind turbines were “lower than those produced by many common household electrical devices and were well below any existing regulatory guidelines with respect to human health” (McCallum et al, 2014).

The maximum measurements for turbines used in this project are expected to be:

Maximum measurements are:

• 120m hub height
• 80m blade
• 200m high (including the pole, hub and blade)

Turbines are not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ piece of equipment. Turbine options are currently being reviewed and compared to data on wind speeds and the physical features of the project areas. The project may require a variety of turbine models and heights depending on the specific conditions of each turbine site, but will not exceed 200m in total height (pole + blade). We aim to use turbines that will work best for the project and the sites, and balance energy production with environmental interactions.

Turbines would not work if there is vibration. The bases are pre-engineered or they will be anchored into rock.

Most of the proposed turbine locations are at least one kilometre from residences. The closest structure on the preliminary site plan is a barn/machinery shed which is approximately 600 metres from a turbine.

Currently, the project has an estimated life of 35 years, but this may be expanded as turbine technology and maintenance processes evolve.

Decommissioning a turbine involves removing the entire structure, including the turbine and turbine base. Some components are recycled as standard practice, and we will follow this standard practice and applicable regulations and guidance from regulators at the time of decommissioning. For components that do not currently have a recycling method, it will be determined whether they can be resold entirely or in part.

We will work with communities to develop common use agreements so areas are still accessible. During construction, access to active construction areas will need to be restricted to protect public safety. When construction is over, restrictions will be removed around turbines. Hunting regulations regarding proximity to industrial installations will be in effect. There will be fences where required for public safety such as at electrical substations, but will not be in place around turbines or access roads.

If this project proceeds, there will be economic benefits for the region. Services and amenities in the communities will be more in demand. The project will result in better roads and better infrastructure for the overall region.

We are committed to providing economic benefits to the local communities. We have a policy of working with local, qualified suppliers and service providers, and will develop contracting strategies to reflect this commitment.

Our estimates for job creation are conservative:

• 2,200 direct construction
• 300 operations
• 4,200 indirect

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will come home to work on this project, and young people will be encouraged to stay in the province and work here. We are committed to developing an inclusive workplace and will develop inclusion and diversity plans and policies in support of women, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Road conditions will be improved in order to support construction and maintenance activity.

A traffic assessment has been conducted to reduce the impacts to local infrastructure from transportation of project infrastructure to the project sites, and to identify appropriate mitigation measures that are protective of public health and safety.

World Energy GH2 will coordinate and consult with local municipalities, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders to help keep the public informed of increases in traffic, road closures and potential delays. The communication protocols will be outlined in a project-specific Traffic Management Plan to be developed prior to construction. This plan will also include sharing information on the proposed transportation schedule and routes to be avoided.

In addition, World Energy GH2 will conduct a pre- and post-construction inspection and condition assessment of the transportation route to identify requirements for repair, including paving/resurfacing. Supplementing traffic management strategy, there will be a transportation assessment which will include a load-rating assessment of relevant bridge structures and large diameter culverts to identify potential challenges with respect to the load ratings and capacity of these structures.

World Energy GH2 will continue to consult with local communities to further understand these specific concerns.

We expect that property values will increase as more people move to the area and housing demand, both for new and existing properties, will increase. Increased demand leads to higher property values.

We would not anticipate that the project would have any negative impact on tourism. If the project proceeds, the area will become known as the home of one of the world’s leading green energy projects and a proud symbol of the fight against climate change.

The project will generate demand for a variety of local goods and services. The project will have a significant, positive economic impact on the area and on local businesses.