While international energy firms are pitching a massive Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project for rural Newfoundland, the man on the ground says he’s been left in the dark. Jerome Kenny, Mayor of Fermeuse, reports that despite the project’s high-profile headlines, no one from the development group has reached out to his town council.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Corporate Vision
- Monetize Offshore Gas: Tapping into the estimated 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas currently stranded in the Atlantic.
- Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging Hanwha’s expertise in shipbuilding and LNG infrastructure.
- Fast-Track Timeline: Targeting first exports within five years.
The Local Reality
Despite the “global-scale” excitement, the project faces a significant social license problem:
- Lack of Formal Filing: Mayor Kenny notes that the town has received no formal development application, making the project a “ghost” to local officials.
- Information Vacuum: Residents are learning about major milestones—including international MOUs—via news reports rather than community consultations.
- Dependence on Oil: Much of the LNG plan’s viability rests on the approval of Equinor’s Bay du Nord project, which remains a “wait-and-see” variable for the region.
“They’re talking to the world, but they aren’t talking to us.” — The sentiment currently echoing through Fermeuse town hall.
The Road Ahead
For the project to move from a press release to a physical site, the developers must bridge the gap with the community. Without municipal support and environmental clearances, the ambitious 60-month timeline remains highly speculative.
