The town of Botwood is pleased that government is allowing Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation to move forward with its proposed hydrogen and wind project for the region.

EVREC was one of four companies chosen to move to the next stage from among 24 applications received as part of a recent call for bids for Crown lands set aside by government for potential wind development.

EVREC is proposing a multi-phase wind energy project in central Newfoundland with a hydrogen/ammonia production facility in Botwood to produce and export hydrogen and ammonia to the market.

Botwood Mayor James Sceviour says the proposed project will bring “real economic benefits to Botwood” and the entire region.

He says the local economy has been on the downturn for some time and he’s pleased, calling the wind-hydrogen project a “tremendous change in our fortunes.”