PROENERGY Awarded Contract to Build, Own, and Operate Fast-Start Power Facility in New Brunswick
PROENERGY has been awarded a contract to develop, construct, own, and operate the New Brunswick Power Corporation (NB Power) Renewable Integration and Grid Security (RIGS) project in Centre Village.
The facility, a 400 MW PowerFLX installation driven by eight aeroderivative turbines, will operate under a power purchase agreement with NB Power as the offtaker for 25 years.
The facility will aim to maximize the potential of the province’s renewable investment as well as provide the backup support that wind and solar generation requires in addition to providing grid stability.
“At NB Power, our commitment is to provide secure and sustainable energy for New Brunswickers. Launching this generation expansion project addresses the pressing need to enhance our grid’s reliability and security to meet the unprecedented growth in energy demand,” said Lori Clark, president, CEO and chief nuclear officer. “Partnering to secure additional electricity and capacity through this project ensures we can confidently navigate the energy transition, providing New Brunswickers with the reliable electricity they need, when they need it most.”
The facility, located in Westmorland County, New Brunswick, will minimize impact on the surrounding environment due to its proximity to existing transmission and fuel infrastructure while reducing provincial reliance on oil, coal, and imported power.
“This project is an essential part of a clean, reliable, affordable power grid, and it’s a great example of our approach to Indigenous-led, responsible development,” said Jim Ward, general manager of North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council. “We need clean energy, and we need to keep costs down and keep the power on. We’ve seen in other places how too much renewable energy can cause grid failures or high costs. To avoid those issues, this load-following power plant is a perfect complement to New Brunswick wind and solar power now and in the future. PROENERGY has been a great partner on this. We welcome other developers to get in touch with us.”
The project will enter commercial operations in 2028.
“Our team has a deep understanding of Eastern Canada. PROENERGY appreciates the trust placed in us by NB Power and the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council to provide the reliable fast-start power they need,” said Jeff Canon, PROENERGY president and CEO.