To further advance the Provincial Government's plans to develop a hydrogen economy, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Acting Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced an investment of $315,000 from the Innovation and Business Development Fund on May 7 to support College of the North Atlantic's hydrogen training program.
This investment will allow the college to implement specialized education courses in its hydrogen training program to prepare graduates to work in the renewable energy sector. Project activities will include purchase of state-of-the-art hydrogen and ammonia lab equipment, advanced software to create realistic training scenarios, and safety equipment to ensure that students learn to handle hydrogen safely.
This project will directly address the well-understood workforce needs and skill gaps in the province related to the sector, while also increasing enrolment from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples and international students. Through this program, CNA aims to solidify its position as a leader in renewable energy education.
Provincial Government funding will leverage $315,000 from other sources and a $70,000 investment from CNA for a total project investment of $700,000.
This support aligns with the Provincial Government's three-year Hydrogen Development Action Plan released in 2024. The plan prioritizes collaborating with industry partners and other stakeholders to encourage innovation, leverage funding opportunities, and support hydrogen workforce development.
The Innovation and Business Development Fund is focused on investments to grow Newfoundland and Labrador's oil and gas supply and service capabilities, including opportunities to diversify capacities in other energy sectors. The program is a key mechanism to facilitate the necessary collaboration, investment and industry growth required to position Newfoundland and Labrador globally as a preferred location for energy development.
Quotes
"Newfoundland and Labrador is positioned to become a significant player in the green hydrogen energy sector due to its abundant renewable energy resources and strategic location. Through its hydrogen training program, College of the North Atlantic continues to be a great provincial partner in helping prepare our workforce with the skills to work in the renewable energy sector."
Honourable Steve Crocker, Acting Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
"College of the North Atlantic has continuously responded to the needs of industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and around the world. Our government's continued support for the college's hydrogen training program is helping to train the workforce of tomorrow. This investment ensures our province can meet the growing opportunities within the renewable energy sector."
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education
"This investment is a critical step in building the skilled workforce needed to support Newfoundland and Labrador's growing hydrogen sector. By integrating cutting-edge technology and safety training into our Hydrogen Technician program, we are preparing our graduates to lead in the renewable energy industry both here at home and on the global stage. Our partnership with the provincial government is instrumental in aligning post-secondary education with emerging industry needs, contributing to long-term economic growth and energy innovation."
Dr. Gary Thompson, Dean, School of Sustainable Development, College of the North Atlantic
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For more information
Prince Phillip Drive
St. John's Newfoundland
Canada A1B 4J6
www.gov.nl.ca
