The Wind Hydrogen Hub Land Reserve Order (Regulation 47/24) was issued under the Lands Act by the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture on July 23, 2024, to establish a land reserve for developing wind hydrogen projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. This order serves several key functions. Formally known as the Wind Hydrogen Hub Land Reserve Order, it defines important terms critical to its implementation. The term “Act” refers to the Lands Act, which provides the legal framework for managing Crown lands, while “available Crown lands” are those not granted, leased, licensed, or otherwise alienated from the Crown. Additionally, the “Wind Hydrogen Hub Land Reserve” designates specific Crown lands set aside for establishing the wind hydrogen hub.

The primary objective of the Wind Hydrogen Hub Land Reserve is to ensure the availability of designated Crown lands for developing the wind hydrogen hub project, which aligns with the province’s broader goals of promoting renewable energy and sustainable practices. The land reserve is established with a validity period until January 23, 2026, indicating that the project is time-sensitive and may be subject to review or renewal after this date.

The order includes certain exceptions regarding the application and use of the lands within the reserve. For instance, the Minister may accept applications for Crown lands if the application demonstrates an urgent public need, such as for meteorological towers, infrastructure, or access/utilities related to developments existing before July 23, 2024. Furthermore, applications can be accepted from individuals who have already acquired an interest in the lands. The Minister also has the authority to issue grants, leases, licenses, or easements for the Crown lands if it is determined that the lands are necessary for these specified purposes or if the application was received before the order’s effective date.

The order specifies eight areas reserved for the wind hydrogen hub, providing detailed geographical coordinates for each location. For example, Area 1 is located east of Nine Angle Pond in the electoral district of Placentia West – Bellevue, covering approximately 854 hectares. Area 2 is situated east of Sunnyside in the Placentia – St. Mary’s electoral district and encompasses around 4,715 hectares. Area 3 is found south of Come By Chance, also within the Placentia – St. Mary’s electoral district, totaling about 29 hectares. Area 4 is located southeast of Come By Chance, covering approximately 953 hectares. Lastly, Area 5, positioned east of Arnold’s Cove, measures roughly 787 hectares. Each area is subject to existing reservations, easements, and rights-of-way as mandated by law and retains all rights and privileges associated with lands lawfully alienated from the Crown.

By designating specific Crown lands for this purpose and allowing for certain exceptions, the order aims to support urgent public needs while fostering a sustainable energy future. This initiative underscores the growing initiative by the Newfoundland and Labrador government of using renewable energy sources in addressing climate change and improving energy security.

Newfoundland and Labrador (47/24) July 30, 2024