The federal government is investing in Indigenous-led wind projects to support New Brunswick's clean energy transition.
"We are very happy to be collaborating with federal and First Nations partners to grow our economy and decarbonize our electricity grid," said Premier Susan Holt. "Ensuring affordable and reliable energy for New Brunswickers and making progress on our clean energy commitments are priorities for our government."
With regard to First Nations investments, the federal government is providing:
- Up to $1 billion for up to 670 megawatts of Indigenous-led wind projects through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- Up to $25 million for the 25-megawatt Neweg Energy wind project, a partnership with the province's Mi'kmaq First Nations.
- $500,000 to the North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council to provide seven Mi'kmaq Nations in New Brunswick with resources and technical support and enable direct participation in clean energy opportunities.
The provincial and federal governments, in collaboration with First Nations partners, have already been working to identify and accelerate shared economic priorities for a net-zero future in the province's energy and resource sectors.
These Indigenous-led projects are meant to provide emissions-free and affordable power for New Brunswick households and businesses, and were identified as part of NB Power's request for expression of interest, which was launched in 2023.
"We have exciting opportunities before us that will lead to a cleaner environment, more economic growth and, most importantly, an affordable and secure energy supply for New Brunswickers," said Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy, who is also minister responsible for energy. "Here in New Brunswick, as well as throughout the Atlantic provinces, we face the highest rates of energy poverty in the country. This new federal funding for our priorities, as well as investment in Indigenous-led wind projects, takes us a step closer to meeting our clean energy goals and commitments."
The new wind projects will help meet increased power demands resulting from population growth, economic development and electrification.
"Wind generation will not only complement our power grid, but allows us to grow our supply chain here in the province, creating jobs, investment and, at the same time, reducing emissions," said Legacy.
Other projects receiving support under this agreement include:
- A commitment from Natural Resources Canada to work with the provincial government and NB Power to support the conversion of the Belledune Generating Station from coal-fired to biomass-powered through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program.
- An additional $1.6 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to further investigate the Belledune Generating Station conversion through engineering and planning studies, as well as testing to evaluate different biomass fuel options.
- $25 million to NB Power for up to 600 megawatts of new small modular reactor capacity at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generation Station.
- $1.3 million to NB Power for pre-development work on the modified Atlantic Loop transmission line between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
