New Brunswick energy security and infrastructure development

The New Brunswick government has granted conditional approval for the Renewables Integration Grid Security project, a 500-megawatt natural gas plant in Tantramar. Managed through a 25-year contract between NB Power and U.S.-based ProEnergy, the facility will use 10 refurbished jet turbines to prevent rolling electricity blackouts. The plant is designed to burn natural gas imported from the United States, with the ability to switch to diesel if necessary. To mitigate environmental impact, the government has limited gas combustion to 17 per cent of the time, requiring the turbines to operate in condensing mode during other periods.

ProEnergy must comply with 45 specific conditions, including air and water quality monitoring and emergency management planning. Environment Minister Gilles LePage noted that the province retains the authority to mandate fixes or shut down the project if conditions are not met.

In conjunction with these infrastructure developments, Premier Susan Holt has announced a public review of the province’s 2014 moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking). While previously opposed to widespread shale gas fracking, Holt stated the government is examining all options to bolster the economy and secure energy independence amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.