Today, the Government of New Brunswick revealed its energy strategy, which will shape the province’s energy landscape over the next 12 years.
In light of the commitments made at COP 28 to phase out fossil fuels and increase renewable energy deployment and the recently drafted federal Clean Electricity Regulations, it is crucial for the provincial strategy to be in line with international and national climate goals.
The Conservation Council of New Brunswick applauds areas of the plan, including the government’s commitment to building out new wind and solar resources, however, some areas of the strategy raise concerns, including an open door for potential fracking, export of fracked gas and plans to move ahead with biomass development.
Positive highlights of the province’s plan include:
- Wind and Solar Expansion: The plan outlines a commendable commitment to increase wind and solar capacity by adding 1,400 megawatts (MW) of new wind power, 200 MW of grid-scale solar power and 300 MW of behind-the-meter solar. However, the province should focus on building out these projects now rather than delaying them until almost 2030.
- New EV Charging Infrastructure: The strategy includes a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by 2029, recognizing the importance of sustainable transportation.
- Adding Energy Storage: By 2035, an additional 100 megawatts of energy storage will be added, complementing the expanded wind and solar capacity. While this is a great starting point, continued review is needed to build out more energy storage options. These storage options should also be implemented sooner than the 2035 target.
- Renewable Energy Outpacing Nuclear: The commitment to renewables (1,900 MW) outpacing nuclear energy (600 MW) is notable, addressing environmental and affordability concerns.
- Grid Connectivity: Transmission upgrades and enhanced connectivity within Atlantic Canada will play an increasingly important role in balancing the grid. This is a good starting point, but there should be more discussion about increasing interregional transmission. New Brunswick could potentially be a clean energy trading hub if it is well-connected to Atlantic Canada, Quebec and New England.
While the Conservation Council is pleased to see the province moving forward with renewables, several areas of the plan raise concerns, including:
- Fracked Gas: The Conservation Council is concerned that the province has not shut the door on the potential for fracking and export of fracked gas. It is essential that New Brunswick does not consider any new unabated gas development for local or international purposes, in line with COP 28 commitments.
- Biomass Caution: The plan’s reliance on biomass raises concerns about sustainability and emissions. Burning wood simply replaces one carbon-emitting fuel with another. New Brunswick should not burn biomass as it is inefficient and raises concerns about sustainable forestry management.
- Energy Efficiency Targets: The Conservation Council expresses concerns about the energy efficiency targets, which are too low, leading to potentially increased rates outlined in the report. These targets should be increased from 0.75 per cent to 1.75 per cent by 2029.
- Hydrogen Skepticism: The Conservation Council questions the sustainability and economics of exporting hydrogen. Instead, the province should focus on green hydrogen for local industrial use only while avoiding pink, blue or grey hydrogen.
- SMR Affordability Concerns: While the plan proposes doubling nuclear baseload generation through small modular reactors (SMRs), the lack of cost estimates raises uncertainties and shows disregard for the provincial taxpayers. The Conservation Council opposes increased investment into SMRs due to technological and environmental uncertainties and questions surrounding costs.
- Grid Modernization: The strategy does not include any discussion about modernizing the distribution of electricity within the province. The Conservation Council suggests modernizing our infrastructure to include Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).
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“I am pleased to see the province is considering a portfolio approach when it comes to its energy strategy. However, some of the options are not in line with international and national affordability and climate commitments. Ideally, the province would invest more in guaranteed, fast-to-deploy, cheap renewables over unproven or outdated technologies.”
“Although the plan commits to a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says 60 per cent reduction is required to reach net-zero targets. We need additional details and commitments in this strategy to reach net-zero goals.”
– Dr. Moe Qureshi, Director of Climate Research and Policy, Conservation Council of New Brunswick.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Corey Robichaud, Communications Manager, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | corey.robichaud@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747
Dr. Moe Qureshi, Director of Climate Research and Policy, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | moe.qureshi@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747