New Brunswick approves 500 MW natural gas plant

The New Brunswick government has granted conditional approval for a 500-megawatt natural gas plant, intended to prevent rolling electricity blackouts within the next two years. The project, known as the Renewables Integration Grid Security project, involves a 25-year contract between the provincial utility NB Power and U.S.-based ProEnergy.

Located in a rural area of Tantramar, the facility will utilize 10 refurbished jet turbines. The plant is designed to burn natural gas primarily sourced from the United States via the Maritimes and Northeast pipeline, with the capability to switch to diesel if gas is unavailable. To manage environmental impact, the government has limited gas combustion to 17 per cent of the time; during other periods, the turbines will operate in a condensing mode to stabilize the grid.

ProEnergy must adhere to 45 specific conditions, including regular monitoring of air and water quality, the preparation of an emergency management plan, and tracking impacts on local flora and fauna. Environment Minister Gilles LePage stated that the provincial department maintains the authority to impose fixes or shut down the project if these requirements are not met.