New Brunswick Approves 500-Megawatt Natural Gas Plant Amid Energy Security Concerns

📅 2 weeks ago

The New Brunswick government has conditionally approved a significant natural gas plant designed to bolster energy security in the province. The project, backed by ProEnergy, is set to come online by 2028, but faces scrutiny from environmental groups and local legislators.

FREDERICTON — The government of New Brunswick has granted conditional approval for the construction of a 500-megawatt natural gas facility, which officials assert is essential to prevent potential rolling blackouts in the province within the next two years. This decision follows the completion of an environmental impact assessment concerning the proposed project. U.S.-based ProEnergy has been given the green light, contingent upon the fulfillment of 45 specific conditions throughout the construction and operational phases of the plant.
The province's public utility, NB Power, has entered into a 25-year contract with ProEnergy for the establishment of 10 refurbished jet turbines located in a rural area of Tantramar, New Brunswick. The facility is intended to primarily utilize natural gas, which will be transported from the United States through the Maritimes and Northeast pipeline. Known as the Renewables Integration Grid Security project, the plant is designed to have the capability to switch to diesel fuel in instances where natural gas is unavailable. Notably, the government has restricted the plant’s operation to burning natural gas only 17 percent of the time. During periods when gas is not in use, the turbines will function in a condensing mode, which officials claim will help stabilize the electrical grid without producing additional power.
Environment Minister Gilles LePage emphasized that the conditions imposed on ProEnergy address the concerns raised by local residents and environmental organizations. "It is now the responsibility of ProEnergy to determine how they will proceed and to ensure it is carried out in accordance with the approved requirements," LePage stated during a press conference in Fredericton. ProEnergy will be tasked with regularly monitoring air and water quality, developing an emergency management plan, and assessing the impact of the project on local flora and fauna, among other obligations. LePage further noted that failure to meet these conditions could result in the department imposing deadlines for remediation or even shutting down the project entirely.
NB Power has previously articulated that the new plant would act as a supplementary resource when weather-dependent renewable energy sources are not available. Additionally, Nova Scotia’s energy operator has established a 10-year agreement to procure 100 megawatts of power from the forthcoming facility. Premier Susan Holt emphasized the importance of a secure and reliable energy supply for New Brunswick, particularly in light of ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
However, local Green Party legislator Megan Mitton, who represents the area designated for the gas plant, expressed her apprehension regarding the approval of a project by a U.S. firm. She argued that such a partnership undermines energy security and poses significant risks. Mitton voiced concerns that the project could be leveraged to justify lifting the province’s longstanding ban on hydraulic fracturing. In response to inquiries about the potential connection between the project approval and the review of the fracking moratorium, LePage clarified that the two issues are unrelated.
Back in May, the province’s energy regulator, the Energy and Utilities Board, had already approved NB Power’s application for the project. The Conservation Council of New Brunswick criticized the decision at that time, asserting that the gas and diesel plant does not align with the future that residents deserve. Climate researcher Moe Qureshi stated, "This decision will expose residents to higher power bills, more pollution and decades of dependence on fossil fuels."
With the recent approval and conditions set forth, ProEnergy is now poised to begin the significant steps necessary to construct the plant, which is expected to be operational by 2028. However, provincial officials could not specify when construction is slated to commence. ProEnergy declined to provide further details during a request for an interview, merely stating that an important regulatory decision had been made without confirming construction dates.
The Department of Energy in Nova Scotia expressed satisfaction with the project’s approval, noting that as the region transitions away from coal and increases its renewable energy sources like wind and solar, a more robust energy capacity is necessary to ensure reliable and affordable power for Nova Scotians. The department stated, "This new fast-acting gas generation facility will supply 100 MW, and there is additional work to secure even more, which is aligned with our Clean Power Plan."

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