NB Power moves forward with low-cost renewable energy projects

2025-05-07

Fredericton (NB) – Today renewable energy in New Brunswick takes another major step forward with the signing of four wind Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and the issuing of new Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOIs) for additional renewable energy to power the New Brunswick grid.  The PPAs total just over 450 megawatts (MW) of clean wind energy. This milestone underscores NB Power’s leadership in advancing renewable energy solutions while supporting economic development.

Each of these wind projects is being developed ​by First Nations communities ​in partnership with developers, as listed below, marking a major milestone in the province’s transition to a low-carbon energy future. The projects, located across various regions of the province, are expected to be in service by 2027/2028 and include:

• Salmon River Wind Project 200 MW being developed by Wolastoqey Resource Developments Inc., representing all six Wolastoqey communities, in partnership with Natural Forces
• Paqt'smawei Sipu Wind Project 100 MW being developed by L’nui Menikuk First Nation (Indian Island) and Mi’gmaq United Investment Network in partnership with Natural Forces
• Astuwicuwon Wind Project 92 MW being developed by Sitansisk First Nation (St. Mary’s) in partnership with Eolectric
• Papoqji'jg Wind Project 60 MW being developed by Pabineau First Nation in partnership with ABO Energy

“These projects reflect our strategic commitment to investing in and creating partnerships for renewable and clean energy solutions,” said Lori Clark President, CEO & Chief Nuclear Officer, NB Power. “They represent the future of sustainable energy in New Brunswick - working together, showing respect, and deeply rooted in community.” 

The power purchase agreements follow NB Power’s February 2023 Request for Expression of Interest (REOI), which invited wind, solar, tidal, and energy storage proposals. Wind energy proposals were particularly strong, and the selected projects emerged from a competitive process.

Last year NB Power announced the 25 MW Neweg Energy Project as the inaugural initiative under the 2023 REOI. This project was developed by the Mi’gmaq United Investment Network in partnership with Natural Forces and became operational in February 2025.

NB Power recognizes the vital importance of inclusive and respectful collaboration with Indigenous communities and remains committed to co-developing projects that honour cultural and environmental values.

“We are excited to celebrate this important milestone with our First Nations partners and project developers,” added Lori Clark. “Together, we are working together to make greener, cleaner energy for the future.”

Today, NB Power will also be releasing two new Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOIs) on the New Brunswick Opportunities Network (NBON) for renewable generation to build on the success of the last REOI. Proposals for two streams will be accepted:

• Stream 1 – Net-Zero Pathway, targeting 200 MW and inviting a wide range of project sizes with anticipated commercial operation dates between 2029 and 2030.
• Stream 2 – Large Scale Accelerator Pathway, also targeting 200 MW, focusing on large-scale renewable projects greater than 100 MW to deliver cost-effective energy sooner, with commercial operation dates anticipated between 2027 and 2028.

All selected projects will be evaluated for cost-effectiveness and their ability to integrate effectively into system operations.

These projects will help the environment while creating new jobs, helping local businesses grow, and creating long-term service partnerships.  Wind energy can also help to reduce upward pressure on rates because it is low-cost to produce when the wind is blowing.  This allows for it to be used in place of more expensive fuel options.

This progress is the direct result of the dedication, expertise, and commitment of the team at NB Power and our partners. Together, we are helping New Brunswick transition to a cleaner and greener energy future.

Quotes and Media Contacts :

NB Power

Elizabeth Fraser - EFraser@nbpower.com

SALMON RIVER WIND PROJECT

Chief Gabby Atwin - media@wolastoqey.ca
Sunita Menon - smenon@naturalforces.ca

This project is a significant step for the Wolastoqey Nation and for all New Brunswickers. Because of this purchase agreement, all of us will benefit from more affordable, sustainable energy. For our communities, it means sustained revenue, employment opportunities, and greater influence over our lands. This is a win for Wolastoqey communities, NB Power, and all New Brunswickers in affordability, environmental sustainability, and our collective future.” - Chief Patricia Bernard, Madawaska First Nations on behalf of the six Wolastoqey Chiefs 

PAQT’SMAWEI SIPU WIND ​PROJECT​

Karen Augustine - karenaugustine@migmawel.org
Sunita Menon - smenon@naturalforces.ca

"Indian Island and all of the Mi'gmaq communities involved in Paqt'smawei Sipu (Wolf River) Wind Project are proud to work with Natural Forces and NB Power to grow the clean and renewable energy sector in New Brunswick. The signing of a PPA with NB Power for a wind project has been something my community has been working towards for a long time and I am more than happy to see this dream become a reality." - Chief Ken Barlow, L’nui Menikuk (indian Island First Nation) 

ASTUWICUWON WIND FARM 

Simon Parent-Pothier - simon.parentpothier@eolectric.com
Patrick Brooks - Patrickbrooks@smfn.ca

“As Chief of Sitansisk, I applaud the efforts of all stakeholders and congratulate all the Indigenous and Corporate Partners who have embarked on this journey together.  The presence of our equity participation and cooperation in these major energy infrastructure projects demonstrates that we all carry responsibility for the health and wellbeing of the environment through the development of green energy solutions and renewable electrification pathways.  Reconciliation is about working together and recognizing that Indigenous Nations have the capacity and willingness to exercise stewardship and share the opportunities of the natural resource economy.”

“Together in Peace and Friendship and recognition that we are all Treaty People to the original Peace and Friendship Treaties.  It is what distinguishes us, but what also brings us together.” - Chief Allan Polchies, St. Mary’s First Nation 

“As a developer for the St. Mary’s First Nation, I am proud to recognize Astuwicuwon Wind Farm as a monumental step forward on the path to prosperity for the Wolastoqey Members of the Sitansisk First Nation.  It is an evolution of our economic development journey that began in the mid 1990’s and a demonstration of what is possible when stakeholders commit to finding new ways to create meaningful economic reconciliation with Indigenous Nations, the Private Business Sector, Finance Sector, and both Federal and Provincial Governments and Crown Corporations.  This is a great example of what Reconcili-Action looks like.” - Patrick Brooks, Director of Economic Development for St. Mary’s First Nation 

PAPOQJI'JG WIND FARM 

Heidi Kirby – heidi.kirby@aboenergy.com 

Chief Terry Richardson – terrence4209@hotmail.com

“Pabineau First Nation is excited to be moving forward with a wind project that will bring more green energy onto the grid of the province of New Brunswick. The Papoqji’jg project will supply more renewable and affordable energy to the province of New Brunswick. We thank our partner ABO wind as well as NB Power for making this project one that was selected. We look forward to advancing this project on to the next steps.” -Chief Terry Richardson, Pabineau First Nation