Saint John Energy announced today (June 17) that it is partnering with a globally respected renewable energy developer and a New Brunswick Indigenous community behind the province's largest solar farm.
Universal Kraft Renewables and Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) will build, own and operate a solar farm of up to 10 megawatts on Old Black River Road in Saint John and supply 100 per cent of the power generated to Saint John Energy.
It will be known as the Menahqwesk Kisuhs Energy Hub - a name that blends the original Wolastoqey word for Saint John (Menahqwesk) with the word for sun (Kisuhs), honouring Indigenous language and leadership at the heart of the project.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be complete by summer 2027. When operational, it will generate enough clean electricity to power about 1,200 homes and reduce carbon emissions by more than 10,000 tonnes per year.
By harnessing economies of scale, the project will deliver lower-cost solar power - demonstrating that utility-scale solar can be both clean and cost-effective.
"This project shows what's possible when global expertise, Indigenous leadership, and local commitment come together. We're proud to partner once again with Neqotkuk and welcome Universal Kraft Canada as we advance Saint John's energy evolution and expand the boundaries of what's possible in our province," says Ryan Mitchell, President and CEO of Saint John Energy.
Universal Kraft is an international renewable energy company based in Europe, with decades of experience developing solar, wind, and waste-to-energy projects around the world. Its Canadian arm, Universal Kraft Canada, brings that global expertise to local projects, focusing on sustainable, utility-scale energy developments tailored to Canadian communities.
"We're really proud to be part of this project and to work alongside such committed partners in Neqotkuk and Saint John Energy. It's exciting to work on a project that brings the best of what renewable energy can achieve: clean and affordable power, community-led development, and meaningful economic impact. We hope this will be the first of many projects in Atlantic Canada," says Daniela Louback, Head of Business Development of Universal Kraft Canada.
Neqotkuk is one of the six Wolastoqey communities in New Brunswick and a recognized leader in Indigenous-led clean energy development. In partnership with Saint John Energy and Natural Forces, Neqotkuk co-developed the Burchill Wind Project - a 42-megawatt wind farm in west Saint John that supplies up to 15 per cent of Saint John's electricity needs.
Building on that success, Neqotkuk is again partnering with Saint John Energy - this time with Universal Kraft Canada - to help bring the province's largest solar installation to life.
"Neqotkuk is pleased to be partners with Universal Kraft in the Menahqwesk Kisuhs Energy Hub, providing Saint John Energy with more clean renewable energy for its customers. This project will continue to grow our green renewable energy portfolio that benefits the Earth and members of Neqotkuk," says Chief Ross Perley of Neqotkuk, which also co-owns Wocawson, a 20 MW wind farm in Sussex with Natural Forces. "It is important for Neqotkuk that the projects we invest in are clean and environmentally friendly, as it is our duty as First Nations peoples to be stewards of this land of which the Wolastoqey have occupied for time immemorial."
The announcement comes as Saint John pursues Zero30, a multi-year initiative the utility has undertaken to find a path to net zero and help customers get there too if they choose. A key pillar of Zero30 is developing an even cleaner energy supply.
Saint John Energy, a trusted energy provider since 1922, delivers high-quality products and services to more than 37,000 homes and businesses in Saint John, New Brunswick. A top-rated utility renowned for innovation, reliability and top customer service, it is committed to being a national utility leader in the transition to net zero. For more information, visit www.sjenergy.ca.
Universal Kraft is driving the future of renewable energy by bringing over two decades of expertise to every stage of the project lifecycle - from initial concept to full operation. We are a trusted partner for developers, investors, and clients, taking projects from greenfield ideas to bankable assets across the energy value chain. With a focus on sustainable energy solutions, Universal Kraft is developing over 6 GW of power projects with a pipeline of a further 9 GW across Scandinavia, Europe, North and South America, delivering renewable energy solutions tailored to meet the needs of diverse markets. From wind and solar to battery storage, compressed air storage, green hydrogen, and ammonia, we are advancing a green power mix that addresses production, energy and price efficiency. Our mission is to combine commercial growth with positive social and environmental benefits, creating a meaningful difference and promoting a sustainable future.
Neqotkuk, also known as Tobique First Nation, is the largest of six Wolastoqey communities in New Brunswick. It is located at the meeting point of the Tobique River and Wolastoq River (St. John River). Neqotkuk has been investing in green energy projects over the past decade, some of which include the Wocawson (near Sussex) and Burchill wind farms, and will now be adding solar to its portfolio of growing green energy projects.
Saint John Energy, a trusted energy provider since 1922, delivers high-quality products and services to more than 36,000 homes and businesses in Saint John, New Brunswick. A top-rated utility renowned for innovation, reliability and top customer service, it is committed to being a national utility leader in the transition to net zero. It has embarked on Zero30 - a roadmap to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. For more information, visit sjenergy.ca and zero30.ca.
