Canada Invests in Burchill Wind Project in Saint John

The Government of Canada is investing in renewable energy across the country and working with Indigenous partners to get major projects built. Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay, announced on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources, nearly $50 million for the Burchill Wind Limited partnership between Wolumseket, owned by Neqotkuk and Natural Forces Development to deploy renewable energy and grid modernization technologies to support clean energy to Saint John.

The official statement of the Canadian Government said that Burchill Wind Limited also contributed to the project, bringing the total investments to nearly $95 million.

The Burchill Wind Energy Project will consist of 10 wind turbine generators, producing up to 42 MW of renewable energy coupled with a 10 MW/20 MWh utility-scale battery energy storage system. The project will support a greener grid in New Brunswick and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting an equitable transition to an electrified economy.

“This project’s renewable energy generation, paired with effective storage, is an example of the technology that is creating a greener, more connected electrical grid while enhancing our energy security,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources on Burchill Wind Energy Project.

Federal funding for Burchill project is provided by Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), which provides $922 million over four years for smart renewable energy and electrical grid modernization projects.

Government says that this Burchill program will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling increased renewable energy capacity that will provide essential grid services while supporting Canada’s ongoing transition to a net-zero economy by 2050. The North American country also wants to achieve a 100% net-zero emitting electricity system by 2035.

“True partnerships bring the strength of each partner to the benefit of all. The support of the Canadian government has directly led to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, true community ownership of renewable assets and low-cost power for the City of Saint John,” added Robert Apold, Natural Forces on Burchill Wind Energy Project.