Investments in Burchill Wind Energy Project Propelling Saint John Community to Net Zero

Saint John Energy has partnered with Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) and Natural Forces to develop a 42-megawatt (MW) wind farm in Lorneville, New Brunswick. Referred to as the Burchill Wind Project, the 10 wind turbine generators will supply 15 per cent of Saint John’s electricity needs. It is set to be operational by the end of 2022. The Project is anticipated to save 43,680 tonnes in CO₂ emissions per year, which is the equivalent to taking 13,382 cars off the road.

On May 3, 2022, Saint John Energy announced that 150,000 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) will be created through the Project to help electricity buyers reduce emissions. To maximize benefits to the local community, Saint John Energy and the City of Saint John have agreed to purchase enough RECs to ensure their corporate electricity supplies are from renewable energy.

The largest share of the available RECs will be purchased by Irving Oil, which will allow the business to fully decarbonize their electricity from Saint John Energy’s grid – transitioning more than 30 Irving Oil properties in the city to be powered by wind energy.

The Burchill Wind Project is supported with significant funding from the federal government. On May 17^th, MP Wayne Long announced nearly $50 million for the project’s 10 windmills and 10 MW/20 MWh utility-scale battery energy storage system. Funding was available through Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program. The total investment in the project from all parties is nearly $95 million.

“This investment will transform the energy landscape in Saint John–Rothesay. With partners like Natural Forces and Saint John Energy, we are setting the tone for what green energy development will look like across the Maritimes.“

–        Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay