A $40‑million biogas plant planned for Penobsquis is being billed as a step toward cleaner energy and less reliance on imported natural gas.
Scott Walton, chief executive officer of Bio Voltex, said the facility will convert dairy manure, crop waste and fish waste into renewable natural gas.
The gas will be injected into the Headwater Exploration terminal and distributed across North America.
Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with gas production expected by 2027.
Walton said the company is working with Stantec on an environmental impact assessment, which will examine traffic, odour, land use, stormwater and emissions.
A community engagement session is planned for January 2026 to gather public input.
Walton said one of the key benefits will be the byproduct known as digestate, which will be returned to farmers in the Sussex region.
“In simple terms, it’s an organic fertilizer which is going to replace synthetic fertilizer that they’re buying from other countries … the material that we’re producing on the back end is nearly odourless,” he said.
He added the project will also reduce New Brunswick’s reliance on imported natural gas, which currently accounts for about 60 per cent of supply.
“It increases food security because it benefits the farmers. It obviously is a renewable energy source.
It reduces our dependency … and makes sure that it’s also beneficial for the community and residents around it,” Walton said.
The company estimates the plant will cut emissions equivalent to removing 5,000 cars from the road each year.
Walton said the calculation is based on a federally approved life cycle assessment and verified by third‑party auditors.
The project is expected to create three to four permanent jobs, along with additional positions in transportation and construction.
Walton said construction will employ about 90 to 100 workers, peaking at 130 to 140 at the busiest times.
Walton noted similar biogas facilities are common in Europe, particularly Germany, where thousands are already in operation.
He said Bio Voltex is using proven technology to reduce risk and improve predictability.
“This entire project is about benefiting anyone and everyone we can,” Walton said, adding that it aligns with provincial climate goals and federal priorities for resiliency and self‑dependency.
