Canada’s Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corp. said July 18 it is one of nine companies that have advanced to the second stage of bidding for a chance to develop wind-to-hydrogen projects on Crown land in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Technology of Newfoundland & Labrador, which is granting development rights, said it had received 24 bids from 19 companies during the first stage. Of those, nine bids from nine companies were approved to proceed to the second stage. The names of the companies were not released.

Canada aims to have 30% of its end-use energy be from clean hydrogen by 2050.

The first stage assessed the bidder’s experience and financial capacity to plan, construct and operate the proposed project.

The second stage will take a deeper dive into the bidder’s experience, proposed project and financing plan, along with examination of more information on electricity grid connection requirements, community and Indigenous engagement, and benefits to the province, according to the ministry. Stage 2 expected to be complete by the end of August.

“We continue to be optimistic about the future of wind-hydrogen development in our province,” Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology said.