A six-turbine wind project built about 20 kilometres southeast of Sussex is now fully operational.
The Neweg Energy Project has been supplying electricity to the grid since February, the company announced in a news release this week.
It is a partnership between Natural Forces and the Mi’gmaq United Investment Network (MUIN), representing eight First Nation communities.
Chief Rebecca Knockwood of MUIN said seeing this project come online is a big moment for their communities and for the province.
“Green energy projects like Neweg are not only important to reducing greenhouse emissions but also for adding our province’s energy independence and create opportunities in the green economy,” said Knockwood.
Project will power 8,000 homes
Officials said the six turbines will have a capacity of around 25 megawatts, generating enough energy to power around 8,000 homes.
NB Power will purchase the electricity produced, which the utility has said will save more than $13 million over the project’s anticipated 30-year lifespan.
The project is located near the existing five-turbine Wocawson Energy Project, which has been in operation since December 2020.
“The success of the Neweg Energy Project demonstrates what can be achieved when Indigenous leadership and renewable innovation come together,” said Robert Apold, principal at Natural Forces.
“Together, we’re not just generating clean energy — we’re generating long-term benefits for communities and for the province of New Brunswick.”
Natural Forces has a history of partnering with Indigenous communities and organizations as part of its projects.
The company partnered with Tobique First Nation for the Wocawson project and the 10-turbine Burchill Wind Project in Saint John.
The Neweg Energy Project is the first initiative under the Renewables Expressions of Interest issued by NB Power in 2023.