4 Years Later no Energy Plan...

and it is minimizing our growth. Danny Williams spoke all the right words and did so passionately - he was performing like somebody trained in fabulous court drama techniques. Oh yes - that's right he is. Danny it's time for your summation - in fact it is past due.
The Premier speaks of Hydro Quebec and Norsk Hydro as perfect examples of where we should be - but then does nothing to accomplish this. Sure the man screams and yells - threatens oil and gas companies - lowers flags - kicks the political arse out of the feds - but does nothing to achieve his stated goals.
First and foremost - the registration of the Lower Churchill development is folly without the release of your Energy Plan - in fact the public hearings held to get input from people and business on the Energy Plan was hilarious as the man puts out a call for proposals to develop the project without first determining the main objective of the development.
Not only should have we had an energy plan by now - but we should be ready for a review and update of the plan in the new year.
While he moans about an equity position in the offshore - he does nothing to ensure that new developments will have us involved - in other words do as Norsk Hydro does and bid on a parcel of land - become part of a consortium and drill. Take the reasonable risk on the front-end for massive rewards on the back-end. While we are at it - purchase some shares in an FPSO - the same way Norsk Hydro does - and get some of the continuing maintenance contracts of these oil-rigs.
In order to be a Quebec or Norway or Iceland use your premium energy for industrial development not for export - for not doing so is plain idiotic and not something these three jurisdictions would do.
Don't explain to the people they we want a piece of all energy action and then have the Government of Italy do your wind project.
You are a bluff Premier because you are not taking the necessary action to turn your words into action - and then your stated goals a reality. You see Norway - Iceland - and Quebec are attracting new aluminum interests upstream - while you announce to the world that your objective is to satisfy the energy hungry Ontario - in others words telling industry to kiss-off.

What have you done to determine that industry cannot be our partner in Labrador?

Have you issued anything to the industrial giants in the world - most of which already have natural resource interests in the province - that invites them to review the energy potential in the province - with a view to investing and establishing operations here?

Why are you selling the hydropower in Labrador to central Canadian interests when you have yet to tell the people what our own needs will be over the next 10-25 years?

Do you recognize the industrial value of hydropower? What is it?

What is the economic difference between developing hydropower for industrial development versus developing it for export? Where is that analysis? Who completed that study?

Have you investigated the potential of bidding on an offshore parcel for future oil and gas potential? What was the outcome?

Have you investigated the share purchase of offshore assets such as FPSO's? What were the findings?

Here's the latest commentary from Norsk Hydro

Norsk Hydro finds hydrocarbons off Newfoundland and Labrador

or how about this:

In 2006 Hydro stepped up its exploration activity. By early December 25 of 47 completed wells have resulted in commercial discoveries. During 2007, Hydro plans to drill approximately 30 exploration and appraisal wells in Norway and approximately 30 internationally. Rig capacity has been secured in Norway until 2009 and in the US Gulf of Mexico until 2013. During 2006, Hydro has acquired new, attractive exploration acreage in the US Gulf of Mexico, Norway, Denmark, Canada and Brazil.

Aluminium Metal on track to reposition and grow

Demand for primary aluminium is expected to increase by 15 million tones, or about 4 percent annually, by 2020. Rising costs is an industry challenge but the increase has been more than offset by higher aluminium prices. Restructuring of Aluminium Metal is on track with approximately 110,000 tonnes of annual capacity to be closed down by the end of 2006 and during 2007, thereby completing the closure program of 180,000 tonnes of high-cost primary production capacity. The measures will significantly improve Hydro's smelter cost position. Hydro is well positioned with long-term power contracts extending up to 2020 and alumina equity coverage increasing to 75 percent in 2010. Operational excellence remains a top priority.

Hydro is pursuing a number of growth opportunities in alumina and metal. The planned Qatalum smelter, a 50/50 joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro, is on track with construction start scheduled for fall 2007 and start-up of production in late 2009. The capital expenditure estimate has been increased from USD 3 billion to USD 4.5 billion, on a 100- percent basis, as a result of general cost increases for key materials and construction, a weaker USD/EUR exchange rate as well as design changes. Final cost estimate and build decision are scheduled for summer 2007.
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Don't bluff it Premier - your words and your actions are polar opposites.